Recommended Frequency of Eye Examinations

The Canadian Ophthalomological Society (Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, Vol. 42, No.1, 2007) recommends the following frequencies for eye examinations: 

• Children - below age 5
  At least one complete eye examination
  
  
• Asymptomatic (no symptoms) low-risk patients
  Aged 19-40 - At least every 10 years                     
  Aged 41-55 - At least every 5 years
  Aged 56-65 - At least every 3 years
  Aged 66 and over - At least every 2 years
  
  
• Symptomatic (with symptoms) patients   
  All ages - Any changes in the eye should be assessed by an Ophthalmologist or an Optometrist as soon as possible
  
  
• High-risk (family history, diabetes, previous visual problems)patients   
   Aged 40 and over  - At least every 3 years                         
   Aged 50 and over  - At least every 2 years
   Aged 60 and over  - At least once a year

Click here for a summary of the article. For more information and a patient guide, please visit the Canadian Ophthalomological Society website.