On Tuesday, April 29, the Ministry of Health announced that optometrists’ scope of work will expand to provide Albertans with 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. 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,” said Health Minister Fred Horne in a written statement.
The changes will benefit Alberta’s healthcare system, alleviating the strain on hospital emergency rooms, family physicians, ophthalmologists, Primary Care Networks and Family Care Clinics.
“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. “These amendments will allow us to offer new services to Albertans in more than 80 communities.”
The doctors at Chestermere Optometry are very excited about this news, “These changes will reduce the number of our residents commuting from Chestermere and surrounding area to Calgary concerning eye care,” says Dr. Steven Hoang, Optometrist, at Chestermere Optometry, “We are eager to fully utilize our clinical knowledge and skills for our patients.”
Under the new legislation, optometrists will now be able to: prescribe oral and topical drugs; order lab tests; order and apply ultrasound tests; and treat certain types of glaucoma.
“As our population ages, the demand for these services will increase,” says Dr. Aaron Patel, President, of the Alberta Association of Optometrists. “We applaud Minister Horne and the Alberta Government for their foresight in managing the future needs of Albertans.”
These changes are expected to come into effect this fiscal year, making optometrists responsible for providing Albertans with primary eye care services. As part of the expansion, doctors of optometry will be required to complete a certification program, meet rigorous standards of practice and undergo regular on-site practice reviews.
“Albertans can be fully confident that their eye care needs will be addressed safely and effectively by a highly skilled, knowledgeable and competent eye health professional,” says Dr. Barclay.
“At Chestermere Optometry, our office is equipped to comprehensively manage many eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. This scope expansion moves us to the next level in providing higher quality and efficient care for our patients,” explains Dr. Steven Hoang.
