Vision Health Month: Eyes on the data

Since 1941, May has been observed as Vision Health Month in Canada. Let’s focus in on some of the key numbers.

How healthy are Canadians’ eyes?

According to a Statistics Canada study which analyzed 20 years of self-reported data (2000 to 2020), the proportion of the population in 2020 that reported having good vision without correction was about 75% among youth aged 12 to 19 years. This proportion was lower among people aged 45 to 49 years and was considerably lower, at about 25%, for those aged 55 years and older.

The proportion of self-reported good vision without correction generally improved over the period of the study, with some differences observed among gender and age groups. This proportion did not vary in any evident way with immigrant status, education or income quintile.

Another study covering the period of 2016 to 2019 looked at factors associated with access to eye care. According to this study, three in four people (75%) diagnosed with diabetes, an important determinant for eye care needs, had visited an eye care professional in the previous year.

Among people not diagnosed with diabetes, access to a family doctor was associated with having visited an eye care professional in the previous year for those aged 6 to 64 years. For those aged 65 to 79 years, factors associated with access to eye care included the presence of cataracts or age-related macular degeneration.

Need glasses or contacts?

In December 2023, there were 6,665 offices of optometrists across Canada. Practitioners in this industry provide eye examinations to determine visual acuity or the presence of vision problems and to prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses and eye exercises. Some of these offices may also sell and fit prescription glasses and contact lenses.

In the same month, there were 3,646 business locations in the optical goods retailers industry nationwide. Locations in this industry are primarily engaged in retailing and fitting prescription glasses and contact lenses.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, there were $695 million in nationwide retail sales of prescription eyewear, including contact lenses and prescription sunglasses.

Watching out for our vision health

In 2023, there were 6,400 optometrists and 11,700 opticians working in Canada. There were also 10,500 employed specialists in surgery, a broader occupational category that includes ophthalmologists.

Looking to the future

In the 2021/2022 academic year, there were 618 students enrolled in optometry programs in postsecondary programs across Canada.

In the same year, there were 1,281 students enrolled in ophthalmic and optometric support services and allied professions programs, which includes students studying to become ophthalmologists.

Taking care of your eyes

Visit the Canadian Association of Optometrists’ website for resources on vision health. After all this reading, don’t forget to take a break from screens!