Alberta Expands Optometrists’ Scope of Practice to Include Select Laser and Minor Surgical Procedures

Wednesday, October 28 2026 | 09 h 36 min | News

Beginning November 1, 2026, Alberta will become the first province in Canada to allow qualified optometrists with additional training to perform certain minor surgical and laser procedures in their offices. The regulatory changes expand the range of eye care services that specially trained optometrists can provide directly in community-based clinics.

Under the new framework, eligible optometrists will be authorized to perform the removal of benign skin lesions, the treatment of styes and certain laser procedures, allowing some patients to access care without requiring referral to another provider.

Expanding Access to Community-Based Eye Care

Provincial officials say the changes are intended to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural and remote communities where travel and wait times can be significant barriers.

“Albertans deserve timely access to the care they need,” said Justin Wright, Alberta’s Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. “We’re giving Albertans more choices, reducing unnecessary barriers and making health care work better for patients, while keeping safety our highest priority.”

Supporters of the initiative say the expanded scope of practice could reduce the number of referrals and appointments required for some patients while improving access to treatment closer to home.

Additional Training and Oversight Required

Patient safety remains a central component of the changes. Only optometrists who complete approved education, examinations and clinical supervision will be authorized to provide the expanded services.

The Alberta College of Optometrists will establish standards of practice and oversee implementation of the new regulations.

“As a clinician and educator with firsthand experience performing these procedures, I know the difference they can make for patients,” said Dr. Sophia Leung, president of the Alberta Association of Optometrists. “Alberta’s doctors of optometry have the training and expertise to deliver this care safely.”

Increasing Capacity Within the Eye Care System

The changes are also expected to support system capacity by allowing ophthalmologists to devote more time to patients with complex eye conditions while optometrists provide a broader range of care within their training and scope.

“This announcement builds on years of collaboration between the college and government to modernize how eye care is delivered and to improve access for patients,” said Dr. Michelle Duke, president of the Alberta College of Optometrists.

Authorized Procedures

Eligible optometrists will be able to perform three laser procedures:

• Peripheral iridotomy
• Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
• Nd:YAG capsulotomy

Ophthalmologists will continue to provide these procedures while focusing a greater portion of their clinical capacity on more complex eye health concerns.

Source: Alberta Association of Optometrists / Government of Alberta

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