One-Third of Canadians Overdue for an Eye Exam, New Report Finds
Specsavers Canada’s “Canada Eyecare Report 2025” reveals affordability and awareness barriers to essential eye health care
TORONTO — A new national report released by Specsavers Canada for World Sight Day has uncovered an alarming trend in Canadians’ eye health habits — with one in three adults overdue for an eye exam and 17% saying their last visit was more than five years ago.
The findings, detailed in the “Canada Eyecare Report 2025,” are based on a national survey conducted by Angus Reid Group among 2,022 Canadian adults. The report sheds light on the growing barriers that prevent many Canadians from receiving timely eyecare, potentially delaying early detection of vision-threatening diseases.
“The survey reveals a significant eyecare awareness problem in Canada,” said Naomi Barber, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers Canada. “Lack of knowledge about eye health is causing many Canadians to delay essential care and possibly put their sight at risk.”
Key Findings from the Canada Eyecare Report 2025
1. Affordability remains a major barrier.
Over half of Canadians (51%) cited cost as a key concern in accessing eye exams. Many also expressed confusion about provincial coverage, with 61% of eligible individuals unaware they qualify for publicly funded exams.
2. At-risk groups are missing critical care.
Children, seniors, and people living with diabetes — the groups most vulnerable to eye disease — are among those least likely to receive care at recommended intervals. This highlights a growing gap in preventative care across the country.
3. Canadians underestimate symptomless eye disease.
Nearly 42% of respondents believe they would “know” if they had a vision problem, while 38% say they would wait for symptoms before seeking help. In reality, many sight-threatening conditions — including glaucoma and macular degeneration — develop silently before noticeable vision loss occurs.
4. Myopia is on the rise, especially among youth.
The report found that 46% of Canadians have been diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness), and the condition is rapidly increasing among children and teens. Yet only 18% of respondents were aware of this trend, and just 10% knew of the link between myopia and long-term sight-threatening conditions.
The Case for Regular Eye Exams
Specsavers Canada emphasizes that routine eye exams — particularly those using optical coherence tomography (OCT), a 3D eye scan available in all Specsavers locations — are essential to detect early changes in eye health.
“We know that 75% of vision loss is preventable and treatable,” Barber added. “Advanced diagnostic tools like OCT help optometrists detect and monitor eye health changes before they impact daily life. We encourage all Canadians to book a comprehensive eye exam.”
Collaboration and Advocacy for Vision Health
The Canada Eyecare Report 2025 was developed in consultation with leading health organizations, including:
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Canadian Association of Optometrists
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Canadian Council of the Blind
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Diabetes Canada
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Fighting Blindness Canada
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Indigenous Children Eye Examination
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International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
Together, these partners aim to raise awareness of preventable vision loss and reduce avoidable blindness caused by undiagnosed or untreated eye diseases.
The full report is available online at specsavers.ca/eye-health/eyecare-report.
About Specsavers Canada
Founded in the UK more than 40 years ago by optometrist duo Doug and Mary Perkins, Specsavers is an optometrist-owned business with more than 165 locations across Canada, including B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba. The company plans to open 100 additional stores by the end of 2025, expanding into five new provinces and one territory.
Each Specsavers location is equipped with OCT technology to help detect early signs of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration — delivering on the company’s mission of “changing lives through better sight.”
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