An Act to Establish a National Eye Care Strategy
Act C-284 is a call to establish a national eye care strategy in Canada. It represents a significant step toward addressing the needs of Canadians impacted by vision loss and blindness by emphasizing a comprehensive approach to eye health and ensuring equitable access to rehabilitation services. Overall, it ensures Canadians will have better health outcomes.
Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is a proud member of the Vision Health Partners Coalition leading this legislation.
VLRC encourages you to explore the official Position Statements and Guidelines from our coalition member, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). There you will find evidence-based clinical recommendations on eye health, disease management, emerging issues, and professional practice.
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Canadian Vision Loss Statistics
The causes of vision loss cover a wide range of conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and many other eye-related ailments. Additionally, some cases of vision loss can be caused by injuries, genetic predisposition, and systemic illnesses. By 2026, Canada's population is expected to become a 'super-aged' society, with more than 21% of people being age 65 and older.
The following data is from the Canadian Council of the Blind and Deloitte’s report on the Cost of Vision Loss and Blindness in Canada and Statistics Canada.
- Approximately 1.2 million Canadians aged 15 years or older currently live with a vision-related disability.
- An estimated 8 million Canadians are living with one of the four most common eye conditions (cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma) that could lead to vision loss.
- The prevalence of disabilities tends to increase with age.
- The population aged 85 and older is one of the fastest-growing age groups, with a 12% increase from 2016. Currently, 2.3% of the population is 85 and older.
Goals of the National Strategy for Eye Care Act
There are four main areas covered by the national strategy, which include measures to:
- Identify the needs of health care professionals and other professionals in relation to training and guidance on the prevention and treatment of eye disease and on vision rehabilitation.
- Promote research and improve data collection on eye disease prevention and treatment and on vision rehabilitation.
- Promote information and knowledge sharing between the federal and provincial governments in relation to eye disease prevention and treatment and to vision rehabilitation.
- Ensure the Ministry of Health can quickly review applications and submissions related to eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, to confirm they comply with the Food and Drugs Act.