Specsavers Canada is encouraging Canadians to make eye exams a regular health priority, noting that many people only book an appointment when they notice a vision problem — but that regular exams serve a much broader purpose. “When people think about eye exams, they often figure it’s time to get a new prescription,” says Naomi Barber, clinical services director at Specsavers Canada. “But they also play a role in preventative eyecare. Regular eye exams can help your optometrist monitor your vision and eye health over time, to help spot changes early and give you the support you need. It’s the same principle as getting a dental checkup or a physical — it’s about catching things before they become noticeable problems.”
Vision changes can develop gradually and go unnoticed, with symptoms like increased squinting or frequent headaches often attributed to other causes. A comprehensive eye exam gives optometrists the opportunity to assess overall eye health holistically — not just determine whether glasses or contacts are needed. “When people learn how their eyes are changing and how a vision condition can be impacting their sight, they’re usually relieved to have answers,” says Barber. “A better understanding of your vision needs can help you make informed decisions that support your lifestyle.”
Barber also points out that many eye conditions can advance without any obvious symptoms. “Many eye conditions can progress without symptoms or noticeable changes to vision,” she says, “which is why optometrists use a range of tests during exams, including optical coherence tomography (OCT).” OCT is a 3D advanced eye health scan that examines the back of the eye and can help enable early detection of conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Specsavers equips its locations with OCT so it can be included as part of every comprehensive eye exam. To learn more or book an appointment, visit Specsavers.ca.
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