Many variables go into answering this question, but there are some best practice guidelines. Patients under age 40 who do not wear glasses or contacts should plan to be seen every two years. Patients 40 and older should be seen annually, as ocular conditions are known to increase with advancing age. Patients at risk for eye conditions should ask their doctor about how often to be seen. Patients at risk include those who: have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of ocular conditions (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration) work in jobs that are visually demanding or include eye hazards take prescription or non-prescription drugs with ocular side effects wear contact lenses have had eye surgery have other health concerns or conditions