Policy Document

Proclamation to be given to local government to celebrate Children's Vision Mnnth
Current demographic trends indicate that more and more Canadians are suffering from vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses or medical or surgical interventions, and is severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Optometrists play a key role in providing low vision services, and may do so as part of an interdisciplinary team of health care providers working together to meet patient needs.
The concept of “sight testing” was developed to describe a refraction (a procedure that measures prescription of the eye) when it is administered independently from a comprehensive eye health examination and used to generate a record from which to dispense glasses or contact lenses. While refraction is an essential component of a comprehensive eye examination, it is but one of several factors considered by optometrists in the determination and maintenance of eye and vision health. Visual acuity can be addressed by corrective lenses, some other form of vision rehabilitation or further medical evaluation.
Vision disorders are a common pediatric health problem in Canada and the United States.1,2,3 (Appendix 1) It is estimated that nearly 25% of school-age children have vision problems.4-6 Despite the economic, social and health care advances that have occurred in our society, many preschool and school-age children are not receiving adequate professional eye and vision care.
CAO Position Statement on Colour Vision Deficiency and Specialty Tinted Lenses
This policy applies to eye and face protectors used in all occupational and educational operations or processes involving hazards to the eyes or face. Typical hazards include flying objects and particles, splashing liquids, molten metal, and ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation. Protective measures surrounding X-rays, gamma rays, high-energy particulate radiation, radioactive materials, lasers, or masers are not included in this policy.
Submission to the House Standing Committee on Health study of the Canadian Response to the Outbreak of Coronavirus