Laser pointers are small, hand-held devices whose pointer emits a light at a wavelength of 670nm to produce a narrow beam of red laser light which can be directed over long distances. While originally designed as educational and business tools, laser pointers are now marketed as toys which increases the risk of safety incidents.
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.
Vision is the most important of all human senses. The public expects that their vision appliances (eye glasses and contact lenses) will provide them with the best vision possible. They also expect that a qualified and regulated professional will assure that they receive optimum care. Moreover, provincial regulatory authorities require that Doctors of Optometry are accountable and meet standards of care.
An evidenced based review conducted by the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council in Ontario determined that the dispensing of eye wear should remain a regulated act. The decision to recommend continued regulation was based on the fact that there is a risk of harm from the unregulated sale of contact lenses and eye glasses.
An evidenced based review conducted by the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council in Ontario determined that the dispensing of eye wear should remain a regulated act. The decision to recommend continued regulation was based on the fact that there is a risk of harm from the unregulated sale of contact lenses and eye glasses.
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.
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.