It is easy to put eye checks off when nothing feels wrong. Vision changes slowly, and the brain is good at adapting. A simple schedule helps. Use the guide below to plan routine exams, then book sooner if something does not feel quite right.
The short version
- 0–5 years: Only if there are concerns, issues or problems.
- 5+ years: every 1–2 years.
- 6–17 years: every 1–2 years; yearly if learning or sport is affected.
- 18–39 years: every 2 years; yearly for contact lens wearers or heavy screen use.
- 40–64 years: every 1–2 years; 40 is a good time to establish a baseline for glaucoma and macular health.
- 65+ years: every year; sooner if you notice glare, night-driving issues, or reading strain.
Special circumstances may change the timing. See the sections below for diabetes, pregnancy, medications, and family history.
Babies and toddlers (0–2 years)
Book a full exam promptly if you notice a turned eye, unusual light sensitivity, a white reflex in photos, or if a health professional suggests follow-up after a newborn screen. Otherwise, plan a first comprehensive visit around age five so any focus or alignment issues can be picked up early.
Preschoolers (3–5 years)
Most children do well with a check every 1–2 years. Book sooner if you see squinting, eye rubbing, or if they avoid puzzles, drawing, or picture books. Early treatment of lazy eye or a turned eye is far more effective than waiting.
School-age children (6–12 years)
Vision drives classroom learning. Schedule every 1–2 years, and move to yearly if reading stamina is low, headaches appear after school, or sport timing seems off.
If screens are part of homework, share these practical tips: How to Reduce Eye Strain.
Teens (13–17 years)
Growth spurts can change prescriptions quickly, especially for short-sightedness. Every 1–2 years is sensible, with earlier reviews if night driving practice, sport performance, or classroom focus becomes an issue. Contact lens wearers should plan yearly checks to keep lens fit and corneal health on track.
Adults (18–39 years)
If you do not wear glasses and have no risk factors, every 2 years is a good rhythm. Book yearly if you wear contact lenses, have frequent headaches with near work, or spend long hours on screens.
If computer time is your reality, an ergonomic setup plus smart lens choices can help. Ask about workplace lens designs under Specialist Glasses.
Mid-life eyes (40–64 years)
From forty onwards, the risk of glaucoma and macular disease rises. Many people also notice near tasks becoming tiring as presbyopia begins. Plan every 1–2 years, with a baseline pressure and optic nerve check around forty if you have not had one recently. Multifocals, office lenses, or task-specific options can make work and reading much easier. Explore styles and durability via Frame Brands.
Seniors (65+ years)
Make it every year. Cataracts, macular changes, dry eye, and medication side-effects are more common after sixty-five. If you notice glare, difficulty with low-contrast print, or trouble with night driving, bring the appointment forward. Small tweaks to lighting and lens design often restore comfort and confidence.
Situations that need a different schedule
- Diabetes: at least yearly, sometimes more often depending on findings.
- Family history: glaucoma, macular degeneration, significant short-sightedness, or early cataract often warrant yearly checks.
- Systemic medications: steroids, some autoimmune and cardiac drugs can affect eye health; follow your optometrist’s recommendations.
- Contact lenses: yearly minimum to assess corneal health and lens hygiene.
- Drivers and safety-critical roles: book sooner if you fail a licence screen, notice night glare, or see halos.
- Pregnancy and postpartum: prescription and dry-eye symptoms can shift; book if things feel off.
- Kids with learning concerns: do not wait for the next routine interval; vision clarity, tracking, and teaming can be checked now.
When to book immediately
- Sudden vision loss or a shadow/curtain in vision
- Flashes of light or many new floaters
- Eye pain, redness with light sensitivity, chemical or impact injuries
- A turned eye in a child, or a white pupil in photos
- Sudden onset of double vision
What a modern exam checks
A comprehensive visit looks at clarity, how both eyes work together, and the health of the front and back of the eye. Imaging, pressure tests, and visual-field screening may be added where needed. If glasses are prescribed, we will explain when to wear them and options for work, driving, or sport. You can explore frames before your visit through Frame Brands.
If you are considering computer lenses, driving lenses, or blue-light filtering for evening comfort, our Specialist Glasses page outlines practical choices without the hype.