What does space exploration have to do with eye health? More than you might think

Canadian astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield has seen the world from a perspective few others ever will. But even from space, one thing is clear: eye health is vital. That’s why Specsavers is joining forces with Hadfield to encourage Canadians to make regular eye exams a priority.

“I’ve been lucky enough to see our whole, beautiful world from outer space,” Hadfield says. “It reminds me that my eyes have gone through a lot, and how important sight is in daily life. That’s why I get a detailed eye exam every year, including optical coherence tomography (OCT). Everyone should – your vision is precious.”

That message is at the heart of Hadfield’s ongoing partnership with Specsavers, a growing network of locally owned and run eyecare locations across Canada. Together, they’re encouraging Canadians to take a more proactive approach to eye health, starting with regular comprehensive eye exams that include an advanced 3D eye health scan.

One-third of Canadians are overdue for next eye exam

“Vision health starts with regular eye exams,” says Naomi Barber, clinical services director, Specsavers Canada. For most healthy adults, that should be every two years, according to guidance from the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO).

According to Specsavers’ Canada Eyecare Report 2025, one-third of Canadians are overdue for their next eye exam. Specsavers wants people to understand the full value of a comprehensive eye exam and how it can help protect their vision.

“Preventative eyecare is important,” says Barber. “Many eye conditions can progress without symptoms or noticeable changes to vision, which is why optometrists use a range of tests during exams, including OCT.”

An OCT scan examines the back of the eye and can help with early detection of conditions like diabetes, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration that might otherwise go unnoticed.

As part of the company’s commitment to accessible care, Specsavers equips their locations with OCT so it can be included as part of every comprehensive eye exam.

Regular eye exams are key

Reading in dim light, staring at screens, doomscrolling and simply getting older are all parts of modern life, and are causing your eyes to work overtime. Specsavers and Colonel Hadfield want Canadians to give their eyes the care they deserve.

Most vision loss can be detected early and prevented from progressing to functional vision impairment, according to the CAO. The solution is simple: schedule regular eye exams. Independent optometrists at Specsavers clinics offer a range of tests including OCT, which offers a proactive approach to maintaining eye health.

In the words of our favourite astronaut, preventative eye care isn’t rocket science. It’s as simple as getting a regular eye exam. And even if you’re not viewing planet Earth from outer space, your eyesight is worth protecting.

Visit specsavers.ca to book an eye exam today.

Advertising feature provided by Specsavers. The Globe and Mail’s editorial department was not involved.