OTTAWA—The Government of Canada recently passed Bill C-284, the National Strategy for Eye Care Act that marks a significant advancement in the country’s commitment to eye health and vision care, according to a statement from Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC). This legislation sets forth a comprehensive framework to develop a national strategy to improve eyecare and rehabilitation services, and invest in research to provide treatments and cures. The bill also strives to increase accessibility and promote eye health education nationwide, ensuring all Canadians have access to essential eye health services, FBC added.

“The passage of Bill C-284 is a milestone in making eyecare a priority for all Canadians. This legislation embodies our commitment to establishing eye health as a national priority, ensuring regular, proactive care is promoted at every level,” said Dr. Martin Spiro, president of the Canadian Association of Optometrists.

The statement noted that Canada’s vision health stakeholders have been working diligently over the past two years on behalf of Canadians to develop solutions that address gaps in patient access to care and vision rehabilitation.

Vision loss is an issue that affects over 1.2 million Canadians today, with more than eight million living with one of the top four eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Bill C-284 encompasses several key initiatives that will help improve prevention, treatment and vision rehabilitation for patients across Canada, including the designation of the month of February as Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, according to the FBC statement.

“We are extremely pleased with the passage of Bill C-284 as this legislation underscores the importance of advancing vision health and is a step forward to ensuring optimal eyecare for all Canadians,"  said Dr. Mona Harissi-Dagher, president of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. "Prioritizing vision care improves lives and strengthens our economy, which helps build a healthier society for all Canadians.”