The influence of a national health policy on optometry and optometric education in Ontario

Until recently Canada had little or no direction toward forming a National Health Policy. It was not until 1961 that a government agency served as an impetus in establishing a health care program. With this however, came the challenge for optometry to defend itself against the ophthalmological society in an effort to receive its fair share of recognition. Optometry met this challenge, both in the institutional and practical setting. As a result legislation was passed to establish very positive guidelines for the optometric community including the definition of optometry, peer review, standards of practice, continuing education, and the use of diagnostic drugs. Since then, Canada's Minister of Health issued a statement to elaborate on a number of health related issues. In this 1974 statement he emphasized the value of care should be comparable to that of cure. To meet this need a reemphasis on educational training would have to be met. Optometry has looked toward this policy to plan for its future educational objectives and methods of practice. Because these public policies have been formed in a positive way toward optometry the Canadian optometrist will continue to work toward the goal of being a better practitioner within the scope of this Canadian policy.