Optical Prism June 2015 | Page 42

THE OPTICIANS EYE VIEW Report OPTICIANS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA IN THE NEWS CNIB LAUNCHES NEW CANADIAN PATIENT CHARTER FOR VISION CARE Opticians are an integral part of the Vision care team. They are trained experts who specialize in the design and fit of lenses and all types of vision enhancing devices. These devices could be spectacle lenses (eyeglasses), contact lenses, products su ch as lowvision aids or even ophthalmic prosthetics (artificial eyes, also known as an ocular prosthesis) for people in need of vision care. On May 7th, the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) signed the CNIB’s New Canadian Patient Charter for Vision Care. The CNIB has a strong historical story of creating positive frameworks for the delivery of low vision services. They have proven themselves to be a leader in the field. The OAC applauds the efforts of the CNIB in the creation of this Charter. We are particularly cognisant of our role in the vision health care continuum and we believe that through the continued collaboration of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Opticians, we can support the intent of this Charter to bring to fruition a better standard of care for Canadians with vision care needs. Canadians deserve best in class vision care and access to vision care services. This Charter is an im- 40 Optical Prism | July-August 2015 portant step. The 7,000 Opticians in Canada have dedicated themselves to providing vision care services to all Canadians at an affordable sustainable level. The vision care landscape is changing in Canada with more patient centred care and more educated vision care consumers. We must ensure a high standard of care and that the choices provided to Canadians are grounded upon evidence-based facts. As expected, 2015 has seen the launch of internet business models for the delivery of eye care services and products. The OAC has foreseen this development and change has to have been working diligently on consulting and commenting on these models to ensure adequate ECP oversight. The inclusion of Opticians in any company’s internet model is a MUST. This will create jobs and allow Opticians to maintain their standards of practice and care, thus, fulfilling their mandate among eye health care professionals. Opticians themselves will be able to apply their entrepreneurial skills to create their own sites and use an OMNI channel for continuation of their business models. Pay close attention to these opportunities and observe the OAC logo on only sites that arecommitted to following legislative rules and regulations surrounding the delivery of eyecare. THE FUTURE NEEDS: Low vision services and specialty contact lenses has now been clearly identified as a needed skill for beyond 2015. The OAC offers professional learning for Opticians in partnership with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and continually searches for more partners to bring required skills to Opticians. Remember to visit the online library of the OAC and in person events such as the Vision Canada Convention & Trade Show for all your educational needs. This year, Vision Canada will be held in Vancouver and the lecture schedule is full, visit www.vision-canada.ca for more information The Opticians Association of Canada is YOUR professional organization; your comments and input are greatly appreciated. 2014 has seen a marked increase in member communications due in part to the changing landscape of the industry and to Opticians desire to learn and prepare for the future. The OAC attempts to answer all requests for information in a timely manner and we appreciate our members patience in our facilitating those required answers. ARE you a member of your professional association? If not, come and help us shape the future. >> opticians.ca