Visual impairment has been recognized as a global health problem. Periodic optometric eye examinations have long been recognized as the "backbone" of strategies to prevent vision loss and blindness. The purpose of this study was to develop a frequency of eye examinations guideline for typical optometric eye examinations in Canada using the best available evidence. Methods: Guideline development involved: (1) an online search to identify existing evidence-based eye examination guidelines; (2) a

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... iterature review to identify studies investigating eye examination frequency and visual outcomes, and eye disease and refractive error epidemiology; (3) critical evaluation of the available evidence; (4) development of a draft guideline; (5) a workshop for optometric experts to appraise (and revise, where necessary) the draft guideline; and (6) an external review of the guideline by optometric patients and experts. The AGREE II Instrument and the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method were used to guide the development process. Results: Through synthesis of the literature review, expert workshop, and external review, the following guideline is recommended: infants and toddlers should undergo their first eye examination between the ages of 6 and 9 months; preschool children should undergo at least one eye examination between the ages of 2 and 5 years; school children aged 6 to 19 years should undergo an eye examination annually; adults aged 20 to 39 years should undergo an eye examination every 2 to 3 years; adults aged 40 to 64 years should undergo an eye examination every 2 years, and; adults aged 65 years or older should undergo an eye examination annually.