Doctors and patients see early impacts of Alberta’s reduced eye-care coverage

Eye exams are for far more than just detecting vision issues, and optometrists are concerned that Alberta suddenly changed its eye-care coverage this year.

Some optometrists are concerned they’ve already noticed patients delaying or avoiding appointments since Alberta suddenly reduced its eye-care coverage in February.

“It was something we were blindsided with,” said Dr. Cristy Franco, president-elect of the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO).

The Airdrie-based optometrist said there was no consultation with doctors prior to the change.

“We want to make sure Albertans can access the care they need,” said Franco.

AAO outlined three main changes:

• Kids and seniors can still get a full eye exam, but if they need a follow-up, that’s not covered;
• Eye scans and retinal photography are covered less frequently; and
• Basic and medically necessary eye services can’t be billed on the same day, forcing Albertans needing both to come back on a different day.

Franco said the additional time and cost now required by some patients could have concerning long-term impacts.

“It might, without that coverage, mean people are delaying or not coming in to those appointments, and that’s something as optometrists we’re seeing every day in our clinics,” said Franco.

“If those appointments are delayed, we could see a progression of eye disease or possible loss of vision as well.”

She added that 80 per cent of the eye diseases we can suffer from that can lead to vision loss are preventable or treatable.

The office of Alberta’s health minister said the changes "better aligned Alberta’s coverage with other Canadian jurisdictions and improved efficiencies within the system.“

Optometrists said the changes mostly impact Albertans with chronic conditions, especially children, seniors and people in rural areas.

Some Albertans said the changes are already affecting the ability to get the care they need.

Deanne Seidler of Calgary said it’s impacting the eye scans and retinal photography meant to check up on her medical condition.

“I need pictures taken on the inside of my eyes because I have growths that could possibly turn into cancer, and it’s not covered. So right now, I have no idea what’s going on with my health,” said Seidler.

Others with eye conditions are concerned, including Calgary’s Kelsey Lakusta, who had DNA testing showing she is at risk of macular degeneration.

“I think that’s just scary for people dealing with eye problems,” said Lakusta.

“I feel I would just go less because it’s so expensive, and the time to take out of your day to go—work doesn’t offer all of that time to take time off, so I can just see it becoming really difficult for people, and the money component seems like a big deal at this point.”

Optometrists said eye-care emergencies are still covered, and anyone with an immediate issue, such as pink eye, should see a doctor right away.

Despite the changes, they say one thing should not change: do not wait until you have vision problems to get an eye exam.