Saskatchewan expands publicly funded glaucoma care to optometrists

Saskatchewan residents will have better access to glaucoma care under a new pilot program that allows licensed optometrists to provide publicly funded services.

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists, launched the two-year Glaucoma Care Pilot Program on Oct. 1. The initiative will offer assessments, monitoring, diagnostic testing and follow-up care closer to home.

“Allowing optometrists to work to the top of their scope of practice enables ophthalmologists to focus on more complex cases and surgical interventions,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said in a news release. “This will improve patient flow within the health system and expand access for patients across Saskatchewan.”

The program aims to reduce travel for patients in rural and remote communities, who often must see specialists far from home.

The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists welcomed the funding expansion. “Expanding publicly funded glaucoma services to include care delivered by optometrists increases patient access to 200 licensed optometrists operating in 42 communities,” SAO president Dr. Heather Hunter said. “This will improve access to care, particularly in rural areas of the province.”

Saskatchewan joins other western provinces in offering insured glaucoma care through optometrists, aligning with national approaches to accessible, medically necessary eye care.