How Often Should You Get an Eye Test?
It depends on your age, lifestyle and eye health.
Here's what's recommended and why it matters.
Most people only think about booking an eye test when something feels wrong.
But by the time you notice a change in your vision, the underlying issue
may have been developing for years.
Regular eye exams aren’t just about updating your prescription. They’re one of the most effective ways to detect serious eye conditions, and some systemic health issues, before symptoms appear. At VeyeP on Darling Street, Balmain, we see this firsthand every day.
Here’s a practical guide to how often you should be getting your eyes tested, broken
down by age and circumstance:
You're seen by people who know you
Two years is the standard interval because many eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy develop gradually and without obvious symptoms.
Regular testing is how we catch them early, when treatment is most effective.
Children: before school and every two years after
Vision problems in children are common and frequently go undetected. Children don’t always know their vision is different from everyone else’s, they assume what they see is normal.
We recommend bringing your child in for their first eye exam around kindergarten age, before they start school. Undetected vision issues can directly affect learning, concentration and confidence in the classroom.
After the first exam, every two years is the standard recommendation, or sooner if you notice signs like squinting, sitting close to screens, or complaints of headaches. Our children’s eye exams at VeyeP are bulk billed under Medicare with no out-of-pocket cost.
Over 65
The risk of age-related eye conditions increases significantly from your mid-sixties, conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration become far more common and can progress quickly without regular monitoring.
For patients over 65, an annual eye test is recommended. The good news is that Medicare covers a bulk-billed eye test every year for this age group, no out-of-pocket costs, so there is no reason to put it off.
When to go sooner
Regardless of when you last had a test, book an appointment sooner if you notice:
- Blurred or distorted vision at any distance
- Difficulty seeing in low light or at night
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Flashes of light or new floaters
- Sudden changes in vision
- Eye pain, redness or unusual discharge
These can be signs of conditions that require prompt attention. Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment
If you have an existing condition
If you wear contact lenses or have an eye-related condition, you’ll likely need more frequent tests. Medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and a family history of eye disease all increase your risk and may require annual or more frequent monitoring.
If you’re unsure how often you should be tested given your health history, ask us at your next visit and we’ll give you a clear recommendation based on your individual circumstances.
Bulk billed eye exams in Balmain
If you’re an Australian resident with a Medicare card, you’re eligible for a bulk-billed eye test with no out-of-pocket expense. At VeyeP, all standard eye examinations are bulk billed, for adults and children alike.
If it’s been more than two years since your last test, or you’ve noticed any changes in your vision, now is a good time to book.
Book your visit online or call us on (02) 9555 2770.