Toronto Optometrist Answers

Regular eye exams are essential for protecting your vision, yet many people wait until they experience discomfort, headaches, or blurry vision before visiting an optometrist. In Ontario, there are recommended guidelines for how often you should get your eyes checked, but your ideal frequency depends on your age, lifestyle, and overall eye health.

At Eyelike Saigon Optical, serving the Toronto and Vietnamese-Canadian community since 1989 with locations at Yonge & Finch, Spadina Chinatown, and Downsview–Wilson, our optometrists provide comprehensive, medically based eye assessments to help you maintain long-term visual health.

Here’s what you need to know about how often to schedule your eye exams in Ontario.

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam in Ontario?

Eye exam frequencies are determined by age and risk factors.

✔ Children (0–19 years old): Every 12 months

Covered by OHIP once per year.

Annual exams help monitor:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)

• Lazy eye (amblyopia)

• Eye muscle coordination

• Vision concerns that impact learning or behaviour
  

Early detection ensures the best outcome for your child’s visual development.

✔ Adults (20–64 years old): Every 1–2 years

Even if your vision seems normal, adults should have routine eye exams every 1–2 years.

Annual eye exams are strongly recommended if you:

• Wear glasses or contact lenses

• Work long hours on computers or screens

• Experience dry eye or eye strain

• Have diabetes or high blood pressure

• Have a family history of glaucoma or retinal disease
  

Many eye conditions develop quietly. Exams ensure issues are caught early.

✔ Seniors (65+ years old): Every 12-18 months

OHIP covers one full eye exam every 12-18 months for seniors (depending on your condition), plus medically necessary follow-up visits.

Older adults have a higher risk for:

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

• Diabetic eye complications
  

Yearly exams help protect vision as you age.

OHIP Coverage: Who Qualifies for Free Eye Exams?

Ontario OHIP provides coverage for:

• Children and teens 0–19: 1 exam/year + follow-ups

• Seniors 65+: 1 exam/12-18 months + follow-ups
  Adults with medical conditions, include: Diabetes, Glaucoma, Retinal disease, Cataracts, Uveitis, Vision-threatening conditions.

If you’re unsure whether you’re covered, our team at Eyelike-Saigon Optical can help clarify during booking.

Signs You Should Book an Eye Exam Sooner

Even with regular checkups, certain symptoms indicate you should see an optometrist promptly:

1. Blurry or fluctuating vision

May indicate refractive changes or early eye conditions.

2. Eye strain or frequent headaches

Common with prolonged digital device use.

3. Difficulty seeing at night

Can be linked to early cataracts or nutritional deficiencies.

4. Excessive tearing, dryness, or irritation

Often related to digital eye strain, allergies, or dry eye disease.

5. Trouble focusing or squinting

A sign your vision is working harder than it should.

Don’t wait—early evaluation prevents complications.

Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important?

A comprehensive eye exam checks more than your prescription.

At Eyelike-Saigon Optical, our optometrists assess:

• Internal and external eye health
  

• Eye pressure (for glaucoma screening)
  

• Retinal and optic nerve health
  

• Cornea and tear film quality
  

• Muscle alignment and focusing ability

• Risk factors based on age, lifestyle, and medical history

Eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy often have no symptoms in early stages, which is why routine exams are essential for prevention.

How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?

A complete exam typically takes 20-30 minutes.
Additional testing—such as retinal imaging—may extend the appointment slightly but greatly improves diagnostic accuracy.

Do I Need an Eye Exam If I See Clearly?

Yes — absolutely.

Good vision does not guarantee healthy eyes.
Many conditions can progress silently without affecting sharpness until damage is advanced.

Preventive care is the best protection for your long-term vision.

Book Your Eye Exam at Eyelike Saigon Optical

Eyelike-Saigon Optical has proudly served Toronto’s diverse community for over 35 years. With three convenient locations across the city, we make eye care accessible for families, seniors, students, and working professionals.