Recommended Exam Schedule
Regular exams ensure that your eyes are healthy through every stage of life.
Children – The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends children have their first eye exam at six months of age. This is important for making sure your child’s eyes are healthy and there are no problems that might interfere with normal visual development.
After the initial exam, the AOA recommends exams at age 3, at age 5-6, then every 1-2 years. More frequent exams may be recommended if your child has been diagnosed with vision problems or is at risk for developing them. Learn more about Pediatric Vision Care.
Adults ages 18-64 – The AOA advises that adults aged 18-64 have an eye exam every two years. However, an annual exam may be advised for at-risk patients. Risks include:
- A personal or family history of ocular disease
- Systemic health conditions with potential ocular manifestations
- Occupations that are highly demanding visually or have a high potential of being hazardous to the eyes
- Taking prescription or nonprescription drugs with ocular side effects
- Functional vision in only one eye
- Wearing contact lenses
- Eye surgery or previous eye injury
Adults ages 65+ -Age-related eye health problems tend to develop in the 60s and beyond, and early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss. That’s why the AOA recommends annual exams for adults 65 and older. Learn more about Senior Vision Care.