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By The Canadian Press
Eye See

Alberta allowing optometrists to perform minor laser procedures

Oct 26, 2026 | 3:02 PM

The Alberta government says optometrists will soon be allowed to perform minor surgical and laser procedures in the province.

Justin Wright, Alberta’s primary and preventative health minister, says the goal is to give Albertans better access to care closer to home.

The government says the expanded scope of optometry will involve minor procedures to treat glaucoma and secondary cataracts.

Optometrists will also be permitted to treat benign skin lesions and styes.

The government says the change allows ophthalmologists, who are trained for surgeries, to focus on more complex cases.

It says optometrists would need to have further training before performing the procedures and would be subject to new standards set by the regulatory college.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2026.

by The Canadian Press