Optometrists' Scope of Practice Expanded to Include Glaucoma

Provincial regulations have been amended to expand the scope of practice for optometrists to include the treatment and management of patients diagnosed with glaucoma.

Under the amended Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Regulations, 2012 of the Optometry Act 2012, optometrists' scope of practice will now include the diagnosis, management and treatment of glaucoma, commensurate with formal education and training. The Provincial Government continues to work closely with the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Optometrists as these regulations come into force, and the changes reflect the scope of practice in other jurisdictions across Canada.

These regulations support the Provincial Government's intent to improve patients' access to health care. The Department of Health and Community Services continues to work to improve the scope of practice for health care providers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through these changes, it is our intent to enable and support optometrists as they address glaucoma throughout the province, resulting in more accessible health care for residents.

— Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services

Optometrists can now practice to their full scope by treating and managing glaucoma as well as many other ocular diseases. As primary eye care providers in Newfoundland and Labrador, the public will now have better access to services in a timely manner. The College looks forward to continuing its work with all other departments of health care to improve patient outcomes.

— Dr. Justin Boulay, Registrar, Newfoundland and Labrador College of Optometrists