Ontarians Support Expanded Role for Optometrists in Health Care

Ontario’s optometrists are advocating for an expanded role in the province’s healthcare system, as public support for this initiative grows. The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) asserts that its members could alleviate pressure on emergency rooms by managing non-life-threatening cases more effectively. According to Dr. Shaina Nensi, president of the OAO, optometrists have the necessary training and infrastructure to provide immediate care for many urgent conditions that currently overwhelm hospital emergency departments.

Dr. Nensi stated, “We, as optometrists, have the specialized training, equipment, and capacity to be able to manage cases that currently clog our hospital waiting rooms.” She highlighted research indicating that optometrists can diagnose and treat urgent eye issues more accurately than general emergency room staff. “Research shows that optometrists can actually more accurately diagnose and treat sight-threatening issues than general ER staff,” she added.

Public Support and Financial Challenges

Support for this shift is echoed by the findings of a recent Ipsos poll commissioned by the OAO, which revealed widespread endorsement for expanding optometrists’ roles in healthcare. However, Dr. Nensi pointed out that financial constraints stemming from an outdated compensation model hinder the profession’s ability to provide emergency care sustainably. She noted, “The current OHIP model is over 35 years old and it does force optometrists to hold emergency slots at a financial loss to their practices.”

This unsustainable system has direct implications for patient care. Dr. Karine Briand, an optometrist with 15 years of experience based in Timmins, shared a personal account of the financial burden. During a recent long weekend, she volunteered to see emergency cases to prevent overcrowding at the local hospital, only to earn a mere $150 for a full day of work. “That was a really frustrating day in terms of saying like, ‘Why did I do this? I should have just sent this to the emergency room,’” Dr. Briand lamented.

According to the OAO, conditions such as eye infections and corneal foreign bodies frequently lead patients to emergency rooms. Dr. Nensi emphasized that a significant percentage of these cases—around 65 percent—could be more effectively managed in an optometry clinic, thus freeing up crucial resources in hospitals for actual emergencies.

Government Response and Ongoing Gaps

In response to inquiries from CTV News, the Ministry of Health acknowledged the potential for optometrists to broaden their scope of practice. Press Secretary Ema Popovic outlined the government’s plans to enable optometrists to perform minor surgical procedures, utilize laser therapy, and manage conditions like open-angle glaucoma independently. These initiatives aim to reduce the strain on emergency departments and build upon previous healthcare investments.

Despite these proposed changes, Dr. Briand expressed concern about persistent gaps in care, particularly for vulnerable patients in northern Ontario. She explained that current regulations can leave patients without access to necessary specialist care for advanced conditions. “We don’t have care for advanced glaucoma in northern Ontario,” she noted. This situation forces practitioners into difficult positions, where they must choose between denying essential medication or operating beyond their permitted limits.

Dr. Briand’s experience underscores the urgent need for reform in the compensation and regulatory frameworks governing optometry in Ontario. As the OAO continues to advocate for changes, the voices of practitioners like Dr. Nensi and Dr. Briand highlight the critical role optometrists could play in alleviating pressure on Ontario’s healthcare system, ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care.