New BC Doctors of Optometry survey reveals gaps in how British Columbians access and navigate eye care

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 8, 2026 /CNW/ -- British Columbians overwhelmingly value their eye health, but new research from BC Doctors of Optometry (BCDO) reveals a growing gap between concern and action as people navigate access to care, uncertainty about when and where to seek urgent help and new information sources on eye health. Released today in recognition of World Sight Day, the 2026 BCDO Eye Health Perception Survey found 94% of British Columbians say maintaining their eye health is important, yet only 53% have had a comprehensive eye exam in the past year, down from 57% in 2025.

"British Columbians clearly value their eye health, but there is still a gap between concern and action," said Dr. Brent Allen, President of BCDO. "This World Sight Day, we want British Columbians to make eye health part of their regular health routine by booking comprehensive eye exams and knowing when changes in their vision or other eye symptoms require urgent attention."

The findings come as the 2026 World Sight Day themes put a global spotlight on eye health and the importance of ensuring people can access the eye care they need.

Knowing where to seek care is part of access

When an urgent eye problem occurs, many British Columbians may not know an optometrist is trained to provide urgent eye care. Nearly three-quarters (72%) would consider going to an emergency room first, while 58% would prefer a walk-in clinic or urgent care.

This points to a broader awareness gap. Although 77% of British Columbians associate optometrists with prescribing glasses and contact lenses, fewer recognize their broader role in eye health and training in primary eye care, including diagnosing and treating eye disease and managing urgent eye concerns. Optometrists can diagnose and manage a range of eye conditions, including infections, eye injuries and diseases such as glaucoma, yet only 22% of British Columbians associate them with managing emergency eye issues.

There is also uncertainty about which symptoms or conditions need urgent attention. While 69% recognize sudden vision loss as urgent, fewer than half identify that flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters are also urgent warning signs that require prompt assessment.

AI is becoming a new front door to eye health information

Technology is also changing how British Columbians decide when and where to seek eye care.

Nearly four in 10 British Columbians (39%) have used AI for eye health, rising to 61% of Gen Z and 52% of Millennials. The most common uses are understanding symptoms (26%), deciding whether care is needed (17%), self-diagnosing (16%) and exploring treatment options (15%).

But use does not necessarily equal trust: 38% trust AI to provide accurate eye health information, while 47% do not. Even if AI suggested their symptoms were not serious, nearly half (49%) would still consult an optometrist or other eye care professional.

"We know that AI is becoming increasingly part of everyday life, however it should not become the starting point when you have concerns about your eye health," said Dr. Danielle Campbell, Vice President of BCDO. "For personalized guidance, diagnosis and treatment, British Columbians should consult an optometrist, particularly if they experience sudden or concerning changes in their vision."

Read the full 2026 Changing View of Eye Health report at The Changing View of Eye Health: Report – BC Doctors of Optometry

This World Sight Day, BCDO is encouraging British Columbians to make eye health part of their regular health routine. To find an optometrist near your, visit BCDO's Find an Eye Doctor tool at https://bc.doctorsofoptometry.ca/find-a-doctor/.

About the Survey

The 2026 BCDO Eye Health Perception Survey, conducted with Leger Opinion, surveyed 2,002 British Columbians from May 4 to May 19, 2026, with respondents representative of the population across the province.

About BC Doctors of Optometry

BC Doctors of Optometry (BCDO) is a member-based, not-for-profit association representing more than 800 optometrists across British Columbia. BCDO is dedicated to enhancing the profession of optometry, supporting its members, and advocating for improved patient eye care and outcomes. For more information, visit https://bc.doctorsofoptometry.ca.

SOURCE BC Doctors of Optometry

For media inquiries, please contact: Eric Dowling, [email protected].