Exam rates slipped to 53% in 2026 as half of residents call access harder than it should be
Twenty-eight percent of British Columbians named out-of-pocket costs as a factor shaping their access to eye care, the highest of six barriers measured in the 2026 BCDO Eye Health Perception Survey.
Uncertainty around pricing followed at 19 percent and lack of insurance coverage at 18 percent, ahead of long wait times at 17 percent and limited appointment options at 13 percent.
BC Doctors of Optometry released findings for World Sight Day showing 51 percent of British Columbians said getting eye care is harder than it should be.
Fifty-three percent had a comprehensive eye exam in the past year, down from 57 percent in 2025.
The share who typically visit an optometrist once a year or more often fell to 33 percent from 38 percent.
Ninety-four percent said maintaining their eye health is important, 90 percent said regular eye exams matter even when they have good vision, and 87 percent said they understand the long-term consequences of ignoring their eye health.
“British Columbians clearly value their eye health, but there is still a gap between concern and action,” said Brent Allen, president of BCDO.
Eighty-four percent said same- or next-day appointments are important, and 76 percent said they would be more likely to visit an optometrist if evening or weekend appointments were available.
Forty-two percent believe comprehensive eye exams are only necessary when their eyes bother them or begin to hurt, rising to 60 percent of Gen Z and 50 percent of Millennials.
Among those who experienced an eye symptom or condition, 76 percent took action, down from 81 percent in 2025.
Of those who contacted neither an optometrist nor a family doctor, 52 percent believed the issue did not require medical attention and 24 percent preferred to monitor it.
Seventy-two percent said they would consider the emergency room before an optometrist for an urgent eye issue, and 58 percent said they would rather visit a walk-in clinic or urgent care centre than wait for an optometrist appointment.
Asked who they associate with emergency eye issues, 60 percent named emergency-room physicians, 37 percent ophthalmologists, 28 percent family doctors or GPs, and 22 percent optometrists.
Sixty-nine percent identified sudden vision loss as requiring urgent attention.
Flashes of light and a sudden increase in floaters were each identified by 47 percent.
Sixty-two percent spend at least five hours a day on screens and 28 percent spend eight hours or more.
Seventy-four percent believe they spend more time on screens than is healthy.
Sixty-nine percent said digital eye strain has become a normal part of everyday life, while 52 percent believe it is serious enough to prompt seeking professional advice.
Among Gen Z, 80 percent said their screen time exceeds what is healthy and 38 percent consider digital eye strain worth professional advice.
Thirty-nine percent reported using AI tools in relation to eye health, rising to 61 percent of Gen Z and 52 percent of Millennials.
Thirty-eight percent said they trust AI for accurate eye health information and 47 percent said they distrust it.
