Alberta is setting a new standard in eye care as the first in Canada to expand optometric services and advance patient care.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCT 26, 2026

Starting Nov. 1, 2026, Alberta will become the first province in Canada to allow qualified optometrists with additional training to perform certain minor surgical and laser procedures in their offices. The expanded services will include removal of benign skin lesions, treatments of styes and certain laser procedures.

The regulatory changes expand the procedures that specifically trained optometrists can provide directly in community clinics. This means eligible patients will be able to receive more advanced eye care from an optometrist without being referred elsewhere for those services. 

“Albertans deserve timely access to the care they need. Getting the right care shouldn't mean travelling hours or waiting longer than necessary for a procedure a qualified health professional can safely provide closer to home. We’re giving Albertans more choices, reducing unnecessary barriers and making health care work better for patients, while keeping safety our highest priority.”
Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

By making more eye health services available through optometrists, more Albertans will have opportunities to get the care they need sooner and closer to home. This is particularly important for rural and remote communities, where accessing care can mean lengthy travel and wait times. For patients, the changes could mean fewer referrals, fewer appointments, less travel and earlier access to treatment.

Patient safety remains the highest priority. Optometrists must complete additional training before they can provide these advanced health services and will need to comply with new standards of practice and oversight by the Alberta College of Optometrists.

“As a clinician and educator with firsthand experience performing these procedures, I know the difference they can make for patients. Alberta's doctors of optometry have the training and expertise to deliver this care safely. This is a milestone for our profession and for Albertans seeking timely eye care.”
Dr. Sophia Leung, president, Alberta Association of Optometrists

Expanding the scope of qualified optometrists will also strengthen health system capacity by allowing ophthalmologists to focus on patients with more complex eye health concerns. This is about ensuring patients receive appropriate care from the right professional, while allowing specialists to devote more of their time to complex cases.

“This announcement builds on years of collaboration between the college and government to modernize how eye care is delivered and to improve access for patients. Our high standards of oversight will continue as optometrists deliver care closer to home, which will increase system capacity, reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.”
Dr. Michelle Duke, president, Alberta College of Optometrists

Together, these changes will make better use of eye care professionals’ expertise, improve access to safe and timely services, and help more Albertans receive the right care in their own communities. Better access to health care does not always require more buildings or more bureaucracy. It can start by allowing qualified professionals to do more for the patients they already serve.

Quick facts: 

• Eligible optometrists will be able to perform three laser procedures: peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and Nd:YAG capsulotomy.
• Only optometrists who complete approved education, examinations and clinical supervision will be authorized to offer the expanded services.
• The Alberta College of Optometrists will establish standards of practice and oversee implementation.
• Ophthalmologists will continue to provide these services while focusing their specialized capacity on more complex eye conditions.

Media Contacts:

For information about optometry regulation, licensure and scope of practice in Alberta, visit the ACO website or email:

Dr. Kim Bugera
Registrar
Alberta College of Optometrists
registrar@collegeofoptometrists.ab.ca

For information about the optometry profession and eye care in Alberta, visit the AAO website or email:

Sabrina Licata
Communications Manager
Alberta Association of Optometrists
slicata@optometrists.ab.ca