Canadians avoid routine eye exams despite vision benefits available | Rare Techy

Data shows that 1 in 4 Canadians who have not worn glasses in more than 10 years have not had an eye examAlmost half (46%) of Canadians with vision benefits say they do not plan to use available coverage in 2022.

Toronto, November 30, 2022 /CNW/ – Canadians with unused vision benefits are being urged to get a comprehensive eye exam before many annual benefits expire at the end of the year, as Specsavers data reveals nearly one per cent of Canadians are at risk of undiagnosed eye disease due to missing eyes. Exam assignments.

The results of the recent Specsavers Canadian Eye Exam Survey conducted by Leger included insights into Canadians’ behaviors and habits when it comes to eye health. One in four who do not wear corrective lenses have not had an eye exam in 10 years, and 10% of Canadians have never had an eye exam. Reasons for not getting eye exams more often include cost (33%) and no symptoms of vision loss (22%).¹

“Many common eye diseases progress without symptoms and vision loss is preventable and treatable if optometrists intervene early. Regular eye exams, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), provide patients with comprehensive information about eye health.” Naomi Barber, Director of Optometry, Specsavers Canada. “In the case of some diseases, such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are only minimal early warning signs, meaning that by the time patients experience symptoms or see a change in vision, the disease may already have progressed.”

As part of Specsavers’ commitment to accessible eye care, OCT technology is made available as part of every comprehensive eye exam performed by independent optometrists at Specsavers locations for early detection of sight-threatening diseases. A 3D eye scan using OCT technology is non-invasive and takes only a few seconds, allowing optometrists to assess the complex structure of the eye to identify and manage eye diseases such as diabetic eye disease and glaucoma.

57 per cent of Canadians who don’t wear glasses say that worsening vision over time will increase the frequency of eye exams. However, many eye diseases progress without symptoms and 75% of vision loss can be prevented and treated if caught early.²

Initial Specsavers data reveal that approximately one-third of Canadians have risk factors or symptoms of eye disease that can be detected using OCT technology.³ health Canada A routine eye exam is recommended every two years, and every year for Canadians under 18 and over 65. Specsavers recommends that Canadians work with their health care provider to determine the recommended eye exam frequency. Many provincial health care authorities provide additional coverage for those with underlying conditions.

Not all Canadians have access to vision benefits (39%) or are unaware of vision benefits (11%), but of those who do and are aware, half (46%) do not intend to use their coverage for eye in 2022. Health or eye wear such as prescription glasses and contact lenses⁴.

“Eyecare may not be a popular conversation around the dinner table, but these conversations with friends and family can make a difference in improving health outcomes because early diagnosis is critical to effective treatment,” Barber said. “Most vision loss can be prevented and treated if caught early.”

In many provinces, eye exams are covered for people under 18, over 65, people with certain medical conditions and those receiving social assistance. To learn more about each province visit:

Canadians looking for an eye exam can find a Specsavers location and book an appointment with an independent optometrist by visiting Specsavers.ca. Follow Specsavers Facebook page For updates on store openings in your community.

Data Points – Canadian Eye Exam Frequency Surveys (Leger Survey – September and November, 2022):

• While 80% of Canadians who wear glasses or contact lenses get an eye exam at least once every two years, only 46% of Canadians who don’t wear glasses or contact lenses place the same importance on eye health.
• 16% of Canadians were over 31 when they had their first eye exam.
• Canadians who do not wear glasses cite reasons for postponing eye exams, such as no vision problems or symptoms (28%), cost (29%), and inconvenience (10%).
• 39% of Canadians have no vision or health benefits.

Methodology of the Canadian Eye Exam Frequency Survey (Leger Survey – September, 2022)

An online survey of 1,512 Canadians has since been completed 23-25 ​​September 2022, using Leger’s online panel. A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample (ie a web panel in this case). For comparison purposes, a probability sample of 1,512 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

Methodology of the Canadian Eye Exam Frequency Survey (Leger Survey – November, 2022)

The online survey of 1544 Canadians has since been completed November 4-6, 2022Using Leger’s online panel.

A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample (ie a web panel in this case). For comparison purposes, a probability sample of 1544 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

Specsavers Canada OCT data:

Of a sample of 8,200 British Columbians assessed by an independent optometrist at a Specsavers location between November 2021 and May 2022, 34% had risk factors or signs of eye disease detected or managed using OCT. It is based on medical criteria for OCT billing through MSP (Medical Services Plan). In the sample, optometrists detected and managed risk factors or symptoms of glaucoma in 23.5% of patients, and detected and managed risk factors or symptoms of diabetic retinopathy in 10.5% of patients.

About Specsaver:

Specsavers is an optometrist-owned and led business entering the Canadian market in late 2021. A year later, Canadians can get their eyes checked at more than 30 optometrist practices across the country, in B.C., Alberta Most recently, Ontario.

Doug & was founded by husband and wife team of optometrists in the UK almost 40 years ago. Mary Perkins, there are now more than 2,500 Specsavers healthcare businesses in 11 countries serving more than 41 million patients and customers. The brand announced its launch in Canada in 2021 and plans to open more than 200 locally owned locations across Canada by 2024. Specsavers is driven by the mission to “change lives through better vision” and aims to transform Canadians by offering accessible eye care. Exceptional service, clinical equipment and expertise, and affordable, quality eyewear.

Visit specsavers.ca to learn more. To read about Specsavers’ international impact on improving healthcare, read the 2021/22 Annual Review.

Source Specsavers Canada

For more information: Media Contacts: Juliana Martin, Fleishmanhillard Highroad,[email protected], 250-689-0744; Catherine Gillard, Specsavers,[email protected]604-499-3907