Blogs

MEDIA RELEASE May 6, 2026 Doctors of Optometry Urge Albertans to Prioritize Eye Exams This Vision Health Month This Vision Health Month, Doctors of Optometry are reminding Albertans that clear vision is not the same as healthy eyes — and skipping routine eye exams could put their sight at risk. While many people assume that 20/20 vision means their eyes are healthy, optometrists warn that serious eye diseases can develop without noticeable symptoms. “You can have perfect vision and still be living with conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy,” says Dr. Sophia Leung, Doctor of Optometry and President of the ...

MEDIA RELEASE February 3, 2025 Alberta Association of Optometrists highlights the importance of eye health care amidst coverage changes for patients across the province CALGARY, ALBERTA — Despite efforts from the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO), Alberta Health has moved forward with changes to optometry coverage announced in its Opto 35 Bulletin , which took effect on February 1, 2025. “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, ...

MEDIA RELEASE January 15, 2025 Alberta Health Opto 35 Bulletin will result in lower quality eye care for patients across the province CALGARY, ALBERTA — Earlier this month, Alberta Health released its Opto 35 Bulletin announcing changes to optometric coverage for Albertans, effective February 1, 2025. The changes in coverage will have significant impacts on Albertans with chronic eye health conditions, especially impacting children, seniors and those in rural Alberta. The Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO) and more than 900 Doctors of Optometry across the province were blindsided by the release of the Opto 35 Bulletin and, consequently, ...

MEDIA RELEASE: JOINT STATEMENT December 2, 2024 University partnership explores Canada’s first school of optometry west of Ontario CALGARY - An agreement between the University of Waterloo and Mount Royal University marks a promising step toward advancing the education of eye health professionals in Canada and the provision of eye health services to a rapidly aging nation. The University of Waterloo, home to Canada’s only English-language school of optometry, recently released details of a signed memorandum of understanding . Expanding optometry education into Alberta would create valuable new education and training opportunities for the ...