Importance of Eye Exams

Regular eye exams help keep your eyes healthy and help to catch problems early. Check early! Young children may not know if they are having trouble seeing. If some eye problems aren’t found in time, they can lead to permanent vision loss.

A vision specialist holding a clipboard with a vision test chart featuring broken circles (Landolt C rings) and pointing to a line for a patient wearing glasses.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends:

  • Babies (6-9 months): First eye exam
  • Preschoolers (2-5 years): At least one eye exam
  • School-age kids (6-19 years): Every year
  • Adults (20-39 years): Every 2-3 years
  • Adults (40-64 years): Every 2 years
  • Seniors (65+ years): Every year

In Ontario, a valid OHIP card covers the cost of yearly eye exams for kids and teens 0-19 years old.  Seniors 65 and older qualify for one free eye exam every 18 months. 

Finding an Optometrist:

To find an eye doctor near you, visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists website.

Help with the Cost of Glasses:

The Eye See Eye Learn program is available to children in Junior or Senior Kindergarten.  If a child needs glasses, they will receive a free pair from a participating optometrist. To learn more or find a participating optometrist, visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists website.