he need for regular eye examinations has been recognized for many years. Vision and ocular health conditions are not always accompanied by recognizable symptoms, and there is often an increased risk to the patient if timely treatment is not initiated.

After initial examination, our doctors will schedule regular checkups for you at a frequency that meets YOUR particular eye care needs.

Many factors will influence the frequency of your eye examination, and our doctors will weigh these factors in deciding when you should be seen again. However, general guidelines have been established which can assist you in determining the need for follow-up examination.

Patients in each age group may be classified as being at low risk or high risk for ocular or vision problems. The minimum recommended frequency of examination for those at low risk is as follows:

* Infants and toddlers (birth to 24 months) - By age 6 months
* Preschool (2 to 5 years) - At age 3, and prior to entering elementary school
* School age (6 to 19 years) - Annually
* Adult (20 to 64 years) - Every one to two years
* Older adult (65 years and older) - Annually

The frequency of examination for those at high risk will be determined by the examining eye doctors on the basis of one's health and visual status at the preliminary examination. Some of the factors which may indicate high risk are as follows:

* Infants and toddlers and preschool: Premature birth; low birth weight; mother's health during pregnancy; family medical history; strabismus; or congenital eye disorders.
* School age: children experiencing difficulty at school; children exhibiting reading and/or learning disabilities.

· Adult: diabetes; hypertension; family history of glaucoma; those whose work is visually demanding or who face eye hazards.

· Older adult: diabetes; hypertension; family history of glaucoma; those taking systemic medication with ocular side effects.

Adopted from the Canadian Association of Optometrist website.