New procedures possible for Alberta optometrists
Blog Vol 7.16. New procedures possible for Alberta optometrists
As of November 1, 2026, the optometrists of Alberta will be permitted to perform minor lid procedures and selected laser procedures. This expansion of the scope of practice has been in the works for a long time, with Alberta being the first jurisdiction in Canada to have these privileges. There are 14 states in the USA that permit these procedures.
This is exciting news for Optometry and for Alberta.
The question to ask, when all the political smoke clears: what are the practical and objective implications for this step? Most of the places that have permitted optometrists to use lasers are very rural. The main argument for adding these procedures to the optometric roster is the lack of access to specialists, particularly ophthalmologists, in remote rural areas. There is a lot of truth to this, Canada has many remote places and to transport patients long distances for very minor procedures makes little sense.
As a case in point, in the past ten years the Light I and Light II studies out of the UK have shown the efficacy of using selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a first line of treatment for open angle glaucoma. A trained optometrist could perform this procedure especially with the advent of direct selective laser trabeculoplasty (DSLT) as the procedure is fully automated when set up.
Ophthalmologists from the GLAUrious study (see here) showed that the safety and efficacy of Direct SLT matches current SLT treatments. So, there is a strong possibility that a paradigm shift will occur in treating glaucoma, with the use of DSLT and incorporating optometrists to perform the treatment and monitor patients. This would increase availability and improve overall outcomes in glaucoma therapy.
Where we are in Burlington, we have direct access to ophthalmology clinics, with 4 ophthalmologists 500 metres down the street. We have a great working relationship with them. We have quick access for referrals and do not foresee a need for an office-based laser to provide SLT even if it were allowed in Ontario (a matter of time). Interestingly enough, the ophthalmologists do not have their own machine but use a hospital-based unit.
All of this is very political and takes much time.
In the mean time, as always,
the good doctor
