Opinion: Alberta’s funding cuts for optometry coverage leave doctors, patients blindsided

As the president of the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO), I was shocked by the funding cuts to optometry coverage that Alberta Health rolled out on Feb. 1. I speak on behalf of the AAO and my colleagues across the province with shared dissatisfaction regarding these cuts and the lack of foresight by Alberta Health, especially without consultation or awareness from Alberta optometrists.

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The AAO’s priority has been and always will be to advocate for Albertans and the importance of eye health, while providing the highest level of care to our patients. Despite efforts by the AAO in conveying the critical importance of health care, recent funding cuts by Alberta Health have made accessing essential optometry services more difficult in our province.

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As of Feb. 1, patients are now impacted because Alberta Health changes include:

• Delisting of partial eye exams for children and seniors;
• frequency of retinal imaging and photography reduced by 50 per cent;
• basic eye services and medically necessary care cannot be billed on the same day;
• retinal imaging and retinal photography can only be claimed up to two times per patient per benefit year;
• and fees for computer-assisted visual fields components are reduced.

Our eyes are a window to our overall health and well-being. Routine eye exams are key in detecting early signs of serious health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer, often before other symptoms emerge. They are also essential for diagnosing and managing conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration – diseases that, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss.

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Patients with special needs, low-vision patients, patients with chronic eye conditions, those with difficulties accessing transportation for multiple appointments and those in rural Alberta will be the most heavily impacted by government’s changes. How is this fair to some of our most vulnerable populations?

In a financially challenging time, these changes now place additional costs and burdens on our patients and our members. This change is not one that benefits our province and, in fact, comes as a detriment to Albertans and their health.

Unfortunately, these changes may also deter some individuals from seeking the regular eye care that they need. In times of financial strain, it can be tempting to postpone or forgo routine eye exams altogether. However, delaying care can have serious consequences.

Most vision loss does not happen overnight; it is often gradual and, in many cases, preventable with early detection and treatment. Left unchecked, eye diseases can progress silently, leading to irreversible damage that impacts the ability to work, drive, and maintain independence.

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We understand that these changes present new challenges for Albertans, but we urge you not to overlook the importance of vision and eye health. Your vision is irreplaceable and prioritizing eye health is one of the best investments you can make for your overall well-being.

As optometrists, our commitment to our patients remains steadfast. We will continue to advocate for fair funding to ensure that essential eye care services remain within reach for all Albertans. In the meantime, we encourage you to schedule your routine eye exam, discuss options with your optometrist, and take proactive steps to protect your vision.

It is a simple but crucial message: your vision is vital. Regular eye care is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

Dr. Sophia Leung is an optometrist and president of the Alberta Association of Optometrists.

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