Alberta optometrists blast UCP’s decision to cut eye care supports

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on February 4, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Alberta Association of Optometrists is stressing the importance of eye health in the face of changes made to vision care coverage by Alberta Health.

“Despite efforts from the Alberta Association of Optometrists, Alberta Health has moved forward with changes to optometry coverage announced in its Opto 35 Bulletin,” says AAO.

The coverage changes listed in the bulletin, which are now in effect as of Feb. 1, include the delisting of partial eye exams for children and seniors, the frequency of retinal imaging and photography reduced by 50 per cent, In addition, retinal imaging and retinal photography can now only be claimed up to two times per patient per benefit year, and basic eye services and medically necessary care cannot be billed on the same day.

These changes will make it difficult to see patients with eye issues as often as needed, says AAO, as well as require patients to book multiple appointments if something requiring immediate attention is noticed during an exam.

If during a full eye exam, there is a reason the exam can’t be completed, or there is a reason for a followup, there is no covered option for bringing the patient back, says the AAO.

“The AAO made every effort to ensure Alberta Health was fully aware of the impact these changes will have on Albertans, particularly those with eye disease, our vulnerable populations and those living in rural areas,” says Dr. Sophia Leung, president of the AAO. “We understand that these changes are an additional burden in already challenging times, but so is vision loss. We cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining the frequency of eye exams if you have eye disease and ensuring that you are continuing with annual eye exams to maintain optimum vision and eye health.”

AAO stated in a press release that it was not consulted in regards to these changes, and was surprised and disappointed by the contents of the bulletin. Moving forward, members will be working to “mitigate the impact of these changes.”

“Our primary goal is for Albertans to have access to eye care services that address their everyday vision health needs. The loss of vision is devastating and impacts every area of an individual’s life,” said Leung. “Detecting and addressing issues early can help prevent progressive eye disease and irreversible vision loss. Optometrists will continue to be there for Albertans to help them in maintaining their quality of life with the best possible vision and eye health.”

Patients are encouraged to contact their optometrist to help determine how these changes will impact them directly and if there are any costs no longer covered by Alberta Health.

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