Informing a National Strategy for Eye Care in Canada
Vision health is a critical yet under-recognized public health issue in Canada, with over 2.2 million Canadians living with vision impairment and millions more at risk. The economic burden is substantial - estimated at $32.9 billion annually - driven by health care costs, productivity losses, and broader social impacts.
Despite this, Canada's vision health system remains fragmented, inequitable, and insufficiently integrated into broader health policy frameworks. The Vision Health Partners' Coalition (VHPC), representing a unified national voice across the vision health sector, presents a set of evidence-based, consensus-driven recommendations to guide the federal government's National Strategy for Eye Care.
Although the path forward is complex, establishing national leadership and accountability is critical, to move forward and improve equitable access, integrate care systems, strengthen data and research capacity, and elevate public awareness. Together, these actions will position Canada as a global leader in vision health while improving outcomes and reducing long-term system costs.
The Problem
Vision loss is not only a clinical issue - it is a social and economic challenge that affects independence, workforce participation, and quality of life. Yet, it remains inadequately prioritized in Canada's health system.
Key systemic gaps include:
- Fragmented care delivery across provinces and sectors
- Inequitable access to services, devices, and rehabilitation
- Limited public awareness and delayed detection
- Insufficient data infrastructure to guide decision-making
- Lack of coordinated federal leadership
Without intervention, these gaps will widen as Canada's population ages and chronic disease rates rise.
Strategic Priorities
1. Establish National Leadership and Accountability
Effective implementation requires clear governance. The federal government should:
- Create a Vision Health Desk to coordinate strategy execution, data, and research
- Establish a Strategic Steering Committee with clinical experts, researchers, and individuals with lived experience
These structures will ensure sustained leadership, accountability, and alignment across jurisdictions.
2. Advance Equitable Access to Vision Care
Access to vision care in Canada is inconsistent and often determined by geography or income. Federal leadership is needed to:
- Identify and address coverage gaps through a national audit
- Expand federal funding streams for underserved populations
- Collaborate with provinces and territories to achieve pan-Canadian consistency in services and assistive technologies
- Co-develop culturally appropriate care models with Indigenous communities
3. Build an Integrated, Person-Centred Care System
Vision care must be embedded within the broader health system. Key actions include:
- Developing coordinated care pathways from prevention to rehabilitation
- Strengthening primary care capacity for early detection and referral
- Supporting workforce planning and sustainability across the care continuum
An integrated system will improve patient outcomes and reduce inefficiencies.
4. Strengthen Data and Research Infrastructure
Canada lacks the data needed to effectively plan and evaluate vision health services. The federal government should:
- Develop a national data framework with standardized indicators
- Invest in dedicated vision health research funding across clinical, public health, and social domains
This will enable evidence-based policy and reinforce Canada's leadership in vision research.
5. Elevate Public Awareness and Prevention
Preventable vision loss remains a major challenge. A national approach is required to:
- Launch a public awareness campaign focused on prevention and early detection
- Improve understanding of care pathways and provider roles
- Address stigma associated with vision loss
Prevention and early intervention offer significant long-term cost savings and improved quality of life.
Conclusion
Canada has a critical opportunity to transform its approach to vision health. The National Strategy for Eye Care can serve as a cornerstone for a more equitable, integrated, and sustainable system.
The Vision Health Partners' Coalition brings together national expertise, lived experience, and sector-wide consensus. Our recommendations are practical, evidence-based, and aligned with federal priorities.
By acting now, the federal government can:
- Improve health outcomes for millions of Canadians
- Reduce long-term economic burden
- Position Canada as a global leader in vision health policy and innovation
A coordinated, well-resourced national strategy is not only necessary—it is achievable.
The question we should be asking ourselves is: What is the cost of not doing this?