Page 25 - Envision-11-2022

1-in-3 Albertans could have

an undetected eye disease

OCT data allows optometrists to see into the eye like never before.

pecsavers Canada reports that initial measurement of
patient outcomes in British Columbia has shown that
34% of patients who were assessed by independent
Soptometrists at Specsavers locations using Optical
Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology had signs of
glaucoma or diabetes-related eye disease identified*.
This illustrates the measurable impact on early detection
of eye diseases through OCT, which is available in every
Specsavers location in Canada and around the world.
Specsavers uses OCT technology as part of every standard
eye exam, and all locations are equipped with the latest
imaging and clinical technology for comprehensive
eye exams, such as 3D eye scans through hospital-
grade OCT technology. OCT scans are a critical step in
prevention and detection of a number of diseases, not
all of which are eye related, and many eyecare practices Locals visit Dr Nav Pandher and Yanet Chavaria’s, much anticipated
do not offer this technology as part of standard care. grand opening of Specsavers Millwoods Park. (Edmonton, AB)

“Our goal is to improve Albertans’ eye health while
reducing preventable blindness and redefining accessible
eyecare,” said Bill Moir, Managing Director at Specsavers
Canada. “Specsavers’ global scale allows for a lower cost of
eyewear while maintaining high-quality eyecare in efforts
to remove a main barrier to getting regular eye exams.”

The model has worked around the world since the
company first opened 40 years ago in the UK. As
Specsavers expands to over 2,500 health care businesses,
its consumer-focus to transform eye health through
high-quality care using advanced technology and low,
transparent eyewear prices, has remained at its core.

“The results that OCTs have been able to produce in other
markets have been remarkable,” Moir said. In April 2022,
Patient receives an OCT scan as part of her comprehensive eye exam. Specsavers announced an investment of $25 million into
Alberta. This investment, which will contribute to the
“We know that one-in-three Albertans haven’t had an eye opening of 50 high-tech optometry clinics and optical
†
exam in over three years . Now is the time to take eye health stores in the province by 2024, creating over 750 essential
more seriously,” said Naomi Barber, Director of Optometry service jobs, has the goal of improving Albertans’ eye
at Specsavers Canada. “Seventy-five per cent of vision health and reducing preventable blindness. Locations are
loss can be prevented if detected early by an optometrist. now open in Calgary, Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sherwood
What some patients don’t realize is that regular eye exams Park with more on the way in the coming months.
can also play a role in identifying other significant health
conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Over 41 million patients and customers across 11
They are critical to overall health and well-being.” countries have benefited from accessing affordable
eyewear and top-end eyecare technology at
Albertans skipping eye exams is a larger issue, given that Specsavers locations. Visit join.specsavers.com/ca to
the same survey highlighted over half of Canadians (55 per find opportunities for optometrists and opticians.
cent) feel as though eyewear is currently not affordable.
Specsavers is looking to change that perception with quality
frames, including single-vision lenses, starting as low as $69.

* From a sample of 8,200 British Columbians assessed by an independent optometrist through Specsavers between November 2021 and May 2022, 34% had
an eye disease detected or managed through use of OCT. This is based on the medical criteria for billing OCT through MSP (Medical Services Plan). Within
this data set, optometrists detected and managed glaucoma in 23.5% of patients, and detected and managed diabetic retinopathy in 10.5% of patients.
† Research Co. (2022, February). Canadian EyeHealth [Survey].