With Dr André Aoun, optometrist practicing at Greiche & Scaff
“I'll go when I start seeing worse.” It's something optometrists hear all the time, and it's where most people go wrong. Seeing clearly doesn't necessarily mean everything is fine: an eye exam isn't only about finding out whether you need glasses, it also assesses the health of your eyes. Many eye health problems show no symptoms at first, and a regular exam can help detect them early.
In this short video, Dr André Aoun, optometrist practicing at Greiche & Scaff, walks you through the recommended schedule, from birth to retirement.
The recommended schedule, from birth to retirement
| Age | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|
| Before starting kindergarten | A very first exam, at least once |
| Ages 6 to 17 | Every year |
| Ages 18 to 64 | Every year or every two years |
| Ages 65 and over | Every year, no exceptions |
For ages 18 to 64, your optometrist will tell you which of the two intervals suits your situation best.
Three situations that call for closer follow-up
The schedule above is a starting point. Three situations call for closer follow-up:
- You wear contact lenses.
- You have diabetes.
- There is glaucoma in your family.
Other situations, such as certain health conditions or certain medications that may affect vision, can also justify more frequent follow-up. If any of these applies to you, talk to your optometrist: they will determine the follow-up frequency that is right for you.
Is an eye exam covered by the RAMQ?
Keep in mind: before age 18 and after age 65, the exam is mostly covered by the RAMQ, Quebec's public health insurance plan. Insured people under 18 and those 65 or older are entitled to one complete exam per year, subject to the plan's conditions. Other groups may also be eligible.
For details and the conditions that apply to your situation, see the RAMQ website.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you get an eye exam?
It depends on your age: at least one first exam before starting kindergarten, then every year from 6 to 17, every year or every two years from 18 to 64, and every year from 65 on. Your optometrist will tell you the interval that suits you.
Should I wait until my vision gets worse before booking an exam?
No. That's the most common mistake. A regular exam lets you keep track of your eye health before symptoms appear.
When should my child have a first eye exam?
The very first exam should happen at least once before starting kindergarten. From ages 6 to 17, an exam is recommended every year.
Do I need exams more often if I wear contact lenses, have diabetes, or have glaucoma in my family?
Yes. These three situations call for closer follow-up. Your optometrist will set up the schedule that fits you.
Is an eye exam covered by the RAMQ?
Before age 18 and after age 65, the exam is mostly covered by the RAMQ: insured people in these two groups are entitled to one complete exam per year, subject to the plan's conditions. Other groups may also be eligible.
Book with an on-site optometrist
Schedule your eye exam with an on-site optometrist at Greiche & Scaff.
To learn more about the exam itself, see our “Eye Exam” page. Need glasses quickly after your exam? Discover our 1-hour service.
This content is for information only and does not replace the advice of an optometrist. Content presented by Dr André Aoun, optometrist practicing at Greiche & Scaff.
