TORONTO – Optometrists in Ontario have received the green light to prescribe medications for routine eye infections as well as more serious diseases such as glaucoma.
The province has approved a new regulation that will allow people with a number of eye conditions to get treatment from their optometrist instead of forcing them to see a doctor.
The official announcement is expected later today.
The Ontario Association of Optometrists says the change will help reduce wait times in emergency rooms and walk-in clinics.
John Mastronardi, the association’s president, says most optometrists have had the necessary training to prescribe medication for years.
Ontario is one of the last provinces to allow optometrists to prescribe medications. The government approved legislation in 2007 that paved the way for the regulation.
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