Position Statement

Most LED lights emit a cool white light that is brighter and more likely to create glare than traditional lighting. LED lights can also emit a large amount of blue light which is known to scatter in the atmosphere and make it harder for the human eye to focus. This glare may be especially debilitating for drivers and pedestrians with less than perfect vision.

Optometrists practising in rural and remote settings may face a number of specific challenges. These include a broad patient demographic and wide-ranging patient needs, professional isolation, limited referral options to other ODs and healthcare providers, and lack of access to nearby onsite continuing education. Other challenges may include a lack of locum support, difficulty locating qualified employees and associate ODs, and difficulty with succession planning.

According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s urban/rural population is an 80/20 split.ii Canada’s rural population is older than the urban population, and Canada’s rural population is aging faster than their urban counterparts in terms of the change in the share of the population that is senior.iii Since visual impairment is correlated with age, providing optometric care in rural and remote regions of Canada can also be challenging because of the likelihood of eye disease, visual impairment, and blindness among elderly patients. The continued presence of a sustainable rural and remote optometry workforce is therefore essential to maintain appropriate levels of accessible primary eye care in rural and remote regions of Canada.

The proportion of optometrists using electronic health records is growing. Electronic records offer advantages in accessing and storing patient health information, and have the potential to improve the management of patient care. Optometrists are responsible for ensuring their patients' health information — whether in paper or electronic form — is stored and maintained in a secure manner, in keeping with legal requirements, and according to relevant policies from provincial and territorial regulatory authorities.

Optometric records are essential collections of sensitive personal patient information compiled to allow optometrists and other eye health care providers to provide optometric treatment, ensure continuity of care, and maintain optimal standards of care.

Evidence-based decision-making can be thought of as a process in which clinical decisions are made in light of the best research evidence, the practitioner’s existing expertise and knowledge, and the patient’s needs and preferences within the context of the clinic environment.i Evidence- based decision-making is an important element of quality care in a wide range of health services and is integral to effect changes across the health care system.

Canadians cannot tell how much UV protection a pair of sunglasses will provide by their price, colour, or by the darkness of the lenses. Consumers should look for labels that list the type and amount of protection. General purpose sunglasses block from 60 to 92 percent of visible light and UVA rays, and between 95 and 99 percent of UVB rays. These sunglasses are good for driving, and are recommended whenever sunlight is harsh enough to cause squinting. Other types of sunglasses, including cosmetic tint and special purpose, are not recommended for driving.

Comprehensive eye examinations conducted by optometrists are designed to assess the function of the visual system, the refractive or optical status of the eye, and the health of the eyes and visual neurological pathways. Many ocular disease conditions are not accompanied by obvious symptoms, especially in early stages when interventions are most successful. Comprehensive eye exams also review focusing and eye teaming ability, and recommend precise refractive corrections. In addition, systemic disease (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) may present with ocular signs that are detectable in a comprehensive eye exam, facilitating early diagnosis and better management of the condition.

The legibility of medication labelling is a concern for all Canadians. Labels must be easy to read to help ensure patients take their medications appropriately and avoid medication errors. Older adults are more likely to be affected, as many have visual function decrease and higher rates of medication use.

Doctors of Optometry have offices in most cities and communities across Canada. Having a local optometrist as a primary eye care provider gives patients the best access to comprehensive eye care services and continuity of care. In some instances however, geographical location, poor mobility, or other restrictions may prevent patients from having an in-office eye exam. Mobile eye care services can be valuable in these circumstances to provide access to comprehensive eye care for all Canadians. The standard for mobile eye care is the responsibility of provincial optometric colleges.

Non-corrective cosmetic contact lenses are used to change the colour or appearance of the eyes. Like contact lenses used for visual correction, cosmetic contact lenses can pose a risk of harm due to improper fit, use, or care. Complications such as corneal abrasions, inflammatory reactions, and potentially serious corneal infiltrations or infections can occur (sterile or infectious infiltrative keratitis). Some of these complications can be visually threatening.

Updated August 2017