How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?

Most adults should get their eyes checked every two years. But if you’ve been asking how often should I have an eye exam, the honest answer is that it depends on your age, general health, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses. For an eye test, how often you need to visit is also shaped by your family history and any underlying health conditions. Here’s a simple guide to help you work out the right schedule.

Eye Test Frequency by Age Group

Infants (0–3 Years)

A child’s first eye test should take place at around six months of age. Infants rarely report vision problems because they assume everyone sees the same way they do, making early professional checks essential. Tests at this stage use shapes rather than letters or numbers and are carefully adapted to suit the child’s age.

Pre-schoolers (3–5 Years)

A second eye exam is recommended at around age three, before school starts. Vision problems can quietly affect a child’s behaviour, learning, and confidence. A child who struggles to read the whiteboard or participate in sports may simply have an undetected vision issue. Early detection makes all the difference.

School-age Children (5–17 Years)

Children with diagnosed vision problems or who wear corrective eyewear should have an annual eye test — especially contact lens wearers. Myopia (short-sightedness) is increasingly common in school-age children, and early management can help slow its progression.

Adults (18–64 Years)

How often should you get your eyes checked as an adult? The general recommendation is every two years. Most prescriptions expire within this timeframe, and regular exams allow your optometrist to screen for early signs of eye disease — often before any symptoms appear.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, an annual visit is often more appropriate. Pregnancy is also a good time to book — hormonal changes can cause dry eyes, blurred vision, or spots and floaters.

Seniors (65 Years and Over)

When it comes to how often eye test visits are needed, frequency increases with age. Annual eye exams are strongly recommended for everyone aged 60 and over. Age-related vision changes can develop gradually and without obvious symptoms, making regular professional checks the only reliable way to stay ahead of problems.

People over 60 are at higher risk of developing various conditions, all of which are far more manageable when detected early. They are:

• • Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the macula at the back of the eye and develops gradually, often without early symptoms. Approximately one in seven Australians over 50 has some evidence of AMD. Annual exams give your optometrist the best opportunity to detect it early — when intervention is most effective.

• • Cataracts

The risk of cataracts rises significantly with age. Around 30% of people over 50 have cataracts — a figure that climbs to nearly 80% for those over 80. Regular check-ups allow your optometrist to monitor for cataracts and discuss treatment options before vision is significantly impacted.

• • Glaucoma

Known as the ‘sneak thief of sight,’ glaucoma damages the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure — often with no early warning signs at all. A comprehensive eye exam, including a visual field test, is the only reliable way to detect it.

When You Should Get Tested More Often

The standard schedule suits most people, but certain conditions may mean how often eye exam visits are needed may increase. Consider booking more frequently if you:

• • Wear glasses or contact lenses
  • Have a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other hereditary eye conditions
  • Have been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • Have had a previous eye injury, surgery, or diagnosed eye disease
  • Work long hours on screens or in visually demanding environments

What Happens at an Eye Test?

At Eyecare Plus, our comprehensive eye examination — the Checkup Plus™ — is designed to be thorough, efficient, and reassuring. Your appointment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and covers:

• • Assessment of your vision and current prescription
  • Screening for signs of glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration
  • Evaluation of eye pressure, peripheral vision, and eye muscle function
  • A full review of your eye health history and risk factors

After your exam, your optometrist will walk you through the results and discuss any recommended next steps, whether that’s a new prescription, ongoing monitoring, or a referral where needed.

Find your nearest Eyecare Plus optometrist and book your Checkup Plus™ today.

Are Eye Tests Covered by Medicare?

Medicare covers most standard eye examinations for eligible patients across Australia. Some specialist services may attract additional fees, your local Eyecare Plus team will always explain any costs before proceeding with extra testing.

Veterans Affairs patients receive spectacles and contact lenses at no cost. Some state governments also offer limited assistance for those who need spectacles but cannot meet the full cost. Speak with your local practice for eligibility details.

To understand your health fund entitlements for glasses and contact lenses, visit our Health Fund & Eyewear Cover page.

Your vision is worth protecting; don’t leave it to chance.

Most eye conditions that cause permanent vision loss develop silently, without pain or obvious symptoms. The good news? A routine eye test takes less than an hour and could detect a problem before it becomes serious.

Whether you’re due for your two-year check-up, noticing changes in your vision, or simply want peace of mind, there’s never a wrong time to book.

Find your nearest Eyecare Plus practice and book your Checkup Plus™ today.

FAQs

How often should you get your eyes tested as an adult?

Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, have a family history of eye disease, or have been diagnosed with a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, annual check-ups are recommended. Speak to your local Eyecare Plus optometrist about the right schedule for you.

How often should children get their eyes tested?

Children’s eye tests are recommended at six months, again at age three, then annually through school age (5–17 years). Children with prescribed eyewear or diagnosed vision problems should be seen every year. Visit our paediatric eye health page for more information.

How often should I get my eyes checked if I wear glasses?

At least once a year is recommended. Your prescription can change over time, and annual visits help ensure you’re always seeing as clearly — and as comfortably — as possible.

Does Medicare cover eye tests in Australia?

Yes — Medicare covers many standard optometry consultations for eligible patients. Some additional or specialist services may attract separate fees, which our team will explain before proceeding. Find your local Eyecare Plus practice to confirm what’s covered at your appointment.

How often should I get an eye test if I have diabetes?

At least once a year, and more frequently if your optometrist advises it. Diabetes can affect the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to diabetic retinopathy, which often has no early symptoms. Regular eye exams are one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your vision.

How often should you get an eye exam if you have a family history of eye disease?

How often should you get an eye exam with a family history of conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration? Annual eye exams are strongly recommended. Many serious eye conditions have a hereditary component, and your optometrist will factor your family history into their assessment — making early detection far more likely.

No matter your age or health, regular eye checks are one of the simplest things you can do to protect your vision for the long term. Find an Eyecare Plus optometrist near you and book your next appointment today.