Alberta is opening the door to more competition in eye care, and Canadian medical groups want the government to close it. On October 26, the provincial government announced an expansion that allows specially qualified optometrists to perform certain glaucoma laser treatments, treat clouding that develops after cataract surgery, and perform minor procedures around the eyes. The changes took effect on November 1, making Alberta the first Canadian province to authorize this expansion. Three Canadian ophthalmology organizations have urged the government to rescind its decision.
Alberta isn't giving optometrists the green light overnight. Practicing optometrists must complete a certified course and pass an exam, while recent graduates must pass the applicable national exam. Both groups must then complete supervised clinical training and get individual authorization from the provincial regulator. Courses for practitioners who graduated before 2025 will begin in early 2027. Most U.S. states still deny patients comparable choices.
