Optical prescriptions are made available to patients following a comprehensive eye examination so that patients may purchase glasses or initiate a fitting for contact lenses, or subnormal vision devices from a licensed dispensing provider. A valid prescription should contain all the relevant optical information, the prescribing optometrist’s signature, and the expiry date.
Third party managed care plans also known as preferred provider networks are not new to concept to health professions in Canada. CAO has serious concerns with the influence of managed care plans on the practice of Optometry. The following information on managed care is designed to assist CAO members to make informed business decisions in the best interest of their practice, their patients and their profession.
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.
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.
More than 3.77 million Canadians were living with Diabetes in 2020 and this number is expected to rise to nearly 4.89 million by 2030.