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Enhanced optometry program reaches more Albertans and improves access to services
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Edmonton - October 22, 2007 - Albertans can now access medically-required optometry services through a new agreement reached with the Alberta Association of Optometrists. The services will be provided to eligible Albertans ages 19 to 64 under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. The new coverage came into effect October 1.
“Early diagnosis and monitoring can delay the progression of major eye diseases and substantially reduce costs to the health system,” said Dave Hancock, Minister of Health and Wellness. “This is about protecting the health of Albertans.”
The most common eye services covered will be for diseases such as glaucoma, retinal disease, hypertension, diabetes and cataracts, which are leading causes of vision impairment and blindness in Canada and worldwide. The plan will also provide coverage for ‘red eye,’ removal of foreign objects and in instances where patients are referred to an optometrist by a physician or nurse practitioner.
The change in eye care coverage makes the current health care system more productive, economical, effective and efficient while allowing urban and rural Albertans greater access to a greater range of eye services.
The new program reduces the workload on emergency room physicians and encourages patients to use optometrists, resulting in a more effective use of both the physician and optometry workforces. It contains restrictions on the frequency of visits and limits coverage to specific conditions.
The new program does not affect existing coverage for children and seniors.
“This agreement supports a new relationship between optometry and medicine; one where all Albertans have insured coverage for their medically necessary eye care, regardless of age,” said Dr. Dan Lowe, President of the Alberta Association of Optometrists. “Patients will now see their optometrist for eye infections and inflammations, freeing up specialists and emergency rooms for more serious conditions.”
The previous agreement with Alberta’s optometrists expired on March 31, 2006.
This program supports Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to improve Albertans’ quality of life and to manage growth pressures. Other priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and transparency, build a stronger Alberta and provide safe and secure communities.
For More Information Contact :
Howard May, Communications
Alberta Health and Wellness
Ph: 403-660-1870
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