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Vision services, like optometry, ophthalmology, rehabilitation, and other supports, look very different depending on where you live in Canada. Regional and provincial policies, funding models, workforce shortages, geography, and systemic barriers all shape how care is accessed and delivered.We will highlight the real, on-the-ground challenges that people working in vision health are facing across the country; what s working well, what isn t, and where there s still work to be done.As the National Strategy for Eye Care Act (Bill C-284) moves forward, how do we work together to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and make sure vision care is truly equitable to the needs of Canadians?Join us either in-person or online for the 2026 Vision Health Month Conference, where speakers from across Canada and across sectors will share the specific issues they are encountering in their work and the realities of delivering vision care in diverse regions.Key Learning Objectives:This conference will equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of equity and regional variation in vision health care across Canada, with a strong emphasis on applying a social determinants of health lens to identify disparities in access, uptake, and outcomes. Attendees will gain insight into diverse regional perspectives including East Coast and Northern/Indigenous community experiences while examining real-world initiatives such as provincial report cards, national advocacy campaigns, and accessibility frameworks. The conference will also deepen understanding of current policy efforts, including national strategy development, and highlight cross-disciplinary approaches to addressing inequities in vision rehabilitation and service delivery. By the end of the conference, participants will be prepared to translate these insights into informed policy, advocacy, and practice. |
