Physician & Patient Communication Toolkit

Use these tools to communicate more effectively with family physicians, health professionals, and patients.

We developed these tools with a team of family physicians, optometrists, and patient advisors to help streamline patient care and support Albertans in protecting their eye health.

This is part of our ongoing initiative to strengthen collaboration between family physicians and optometrists to enhance patient care. It also contributes to advancing the reputation of the optometry profession among other health professionals in Alberta.

Improving communication benefits your patients, your team, and the profession. 

Optometrist Eye Health Exam Referral Form

Some family physicians may be unsure about when to refer their patients to optometrists.

To address this need for information, we worked with family physicians, members, and patients to develop and test an updated form. The updated form now includes helpful information to answer common questions from family physicians.

You can include this form in your correspondence with family physicians or other health professionals.

Referral Form

eye exam

Follow-Up Letters to Family Physicians: A Checklist for Optometrists

Family physicians value follow-up letters from optometrists — especially if they are clear, concise, and cover the key details that help guide patient care.

You can use these guidelines to write effective follow-up letters to family physicians. 

If you would like to use the sample letter in your clinic, please see the word document here. 

Follow-Up Letter Guidelines

doctors

Physician Outreach: Tips for Optometrists

Family physicians and members say that quick in-person meetings still go a long way in building trust and improving how we work together to support patients.

Whether you are a clinic owner or a contractor, improving communication with family physicians can benefit your patients, you, your team, and the profession. 

Use these tips from family doctors and members for your next meet-and-greet. 

Outreach Tips

eye exam

Patient Tips: Help Them Become the Best Advocates for Their Eye Health

To help patients understand the value of seeing their optometrist and become their own best advocates for their eye health, we worked with patients, members, and family physicians  to develop these tips.

Print or send these tips to your patients to help them make the most of their appointment with you. 

Patients Tips

examination

Feedback about the tools? Let us know. 

We want to hear from you. If you have comments or suggestions, please email alberta.association@optometrists.ab.ca