Database of Health Workforce Innovations
101
Teleoptometry During COVID- 19
Need to reduce exposure of patients and providers during the pandemic and maintain continuity of care even
if services can't be offered in person for everyone.
if services can't be offered in person for everyone.
Optometrists in Canada can use teleoptometry to care for their clients remotely, based on provincial
regulations. FORAC defines teleoptometry as “... the provision of vision and eye health services that are
delivered within the scope of practice of optometry using electronic health information, medical and
communication technologies, and where the provider and patient are separated by remote distance.”
There is a range of modalities whereby optometrists can provide care to their patients remotely. These range
from telephone triage and consultation to the use of electronic platforms such as EyeCareLive, Livecare,
Doxy.me, Zoom Health and others.
regulations. FORAC defines teleoptometry as “... the provision of vision and eye health services that are
delivered within the scope of practice of optometry using electronic health information, medical and
communication technologies, and where the provider and patient are separated by remote distance.”
There is a range of modalities whereby optometrists can provide care to their patients remotely. These range
from telephone triage and consultation to the use of electronic platforms such as EyeCareLive, Livecare,
Doxy.me, Zoom Health and others.
- Telehealth/virtual care
- Other Health Care Workers
As of March 22, 2020, all Canadian provinces had declared public health states of emergency in an attempt to
curb the spread of COVID-19. The levels of restrictions vary somewhat from province to province, but
optometrists should not offer routine and non-urgent care to their patients in-clinic. As of March 31, 2020, no
province has mandated the complete closure of optometry clinics and some have identified optometry an
essential service.
During the current pandemic and as of March 31, 2020, none of the provincial or territorial health authorities,
except for Prince Edward Island, has restricted teleoptometry for non-urgent vision care. At the same time,
few colleges have published teleoptometry-specific guidelines.
curb the spread of COVID-19. The levels of restrictions vary somewhat from province to province, but
optometrists should not offer routine and non-urgent care to their patients in-clinic. As of March 31, 2020, no
province has mandated the complete closure of optometry clinics and some have identified optometry an
essential service.
During the current pandemic and as of March 31, 2020, none of the provincial or territorial health authorities,
except for Prince Edward Island, has restricted teleoptometry for non-urgent vision care. At the same time,
few colleges have published teleoptometry-specific guidelines.
- Other
Research Intervention - outcome data available
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Canadian Association of Optometrists
613-235-7924
Canada
Canada