Creating better access to eye healthcare

Times Reporter      

 

Taking care of your eyes is just as important, if not more, than any other part of your health, but as with everything it can come with a hefty cost. On April 29 Alberta’s Ministry of Health announced a plan to expand optometrists’ scope of work while providing increased access to eye healthcare services.  

“A key strategy in improving the health and wellbeing of Albertans is providing increased access to primary health care services in communities – which is where and when Albertans need it,” said Health Minister Fred Horne in a written statement.

“By increasing the scope of practice of Alberta optometrists, the need for referrals to specialists for basic eye care services can be reduced and Albertans will have immediate access to the eye care they need closer to home.” 

“We are pleased with the Ministry’s decision to expand our scope of work,” says Dr. Sallie Barclay, President, of the Alberta College of Optometrists in a press release. 

“These amendments will allow us to offer new services to Albertans in more than 80 communities.”

The changes will benefit Alberta’s healthcare system by decreasing some of the strain on hospital emergency rooms, family physicians, ophthalmologists, Primary Care Networks and Family Care Clinics. With the new legislation optometrists can now prescribe oral and topical drugs, order lab tests, order and apply ultrasound tests, and treat certain types of glaucoma. 

Optometrists will be responsible for providing Albertans with primary eye care services which means they will also be required to complete a certification program to administer this care, while also meeting rigorous standards of practice, and undergoing regular in-site practice reviews. The changes are expected to come into effect this fiscal year.