Q&A for Patient Inquiries

General Questions

 

Q: Why are there now fees for services that used to be covered?

A: Unfortunately, Alberta Health has significantly reduced or eliminated funding for many eye care services as of February 1, 2025. These cuts affect essential services for patients of all ages, including seniors and children. To continue providing high-quality care, we’ve introduced modest co-pay fees to help cover the costs of these services. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these changes.

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Q: Are these fees something the clinic decided to charge?

A: The new fees are a result of reduced funding from Alberta Health. Like other clinics in Alberta, we have had to introduce co-payments to ensure we can continue offering the level of care you’ve come to expect. We’ve kept these fees as low as possible while maintaining access to quality care.

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Q: What can I do if I disagree with these funding cuts?

A: We completely understand your frustration, and we encourage you to reach out to your MLA to share your concerns. Advocacy from the community is vital in addressing these changes.

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Q:   Did you know these changes were coming? 

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A: Not at all. We were blindsided. These changes were implemented without any prior consultation with Alberta Optometrists. We were completely surprised and extremely disappointed 

 

 

Questions About Specific Fees

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Q: What are the fees I might have to pay now?

A: Starting February 1, 2025, the fees include:

• $25 co-pay: For previously funded services like medical visits (e.g., red eyes, pain, vision changes) and glaucoma visual field testing.

• $25 co-pay: For routine annual eye exams for Children aged 6 and up.

• $45 co-pay: For routine annual eye exams for seniors aged 65 and up.

Children under 6 will continue to have subsidized visits with no extra fees.

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Q: Why do seniors have a higher co-pay than others?

A: The $45 co-pay for seniors reflects the additional time and resources required to ensure comprehensive care for this age group. It’s important to us that seniors continue to receive the high level of care they deserve.  

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Q: Why do fees vary between different clinics?

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A: Since Alberta Health has cut funding for many essential eye care services, each clinic has set its own co-pay structure based on its costs and available resources. Our clinic prioritizes comprehensive care, which includes additional imaging and advanced testing that may not be offered elsewhere. These tools help us detect and manage eye conditions more effectively, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care. We strive to keep our fees as low as possible while maintaining access to these important diagnostic services.

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Other resources: OPTO Bulletin 35