Dear Members, 

Thank you for your continued interest and engagement. We know the recent wave of private insurance delistings has created significant challenges and concerns for some optometric practices across Alberta. 

To address this, the AAO has established the AAO Private Insurance Task Force. 

We are pleased to announce the group is currently composed of: 

• Dr. Pamela Giles, Chair 
• Dr. Tom Wilk
• Dr. Aleem Jiwa 
• Dr. Jim Asuchak 
• Dr. Karen Hayward 
• Dr. Sherri Norris 
• Dr. Gabrielle Betts, AAO CEO 

The Task Force will lead coordinated action, strategic advocacy, and provide educational support to help members navigate the current landscape. It will also align with national efforts to ensure a unified voice for optometry across Canada. You can review the Task Force’s Terms of Reference here. 

We Want To Hear From You

While the Task Force was appointed directly by Council to ensure broad representation across the province, practice modality, and experience with delisting, we understand and value the strong interest from members wanting to contribute. Thank you to all who have reached out or offered to volunteer. Your insights are valuable and appreciated. We have created a process to gather input from members who are not formally part of the Task Force. You can access the submission form here where you can share your questions, experiences, and concerns. This is your opportunity to contribute directly to the discussion and help shape the Task Force’s work.  

AAO New Website & Community Discussion Platform

In addition, we are excited to announce that the AAO will be launching a new website next week, which will feature a community discussion platform. This will include multiple private discussion forums, including a dedicated AAO Private Insurance Forum where members can continue to provide input and engage in ongoing dialogue. More details on the website launch and how to access these forums will be shared with you next week. 

Webinar: Benefits Fraud - What You Need to Know to Protect Your Practice and Your Patients

As a reminder, the CAO will also be hosting a webinar Benefits Fraud – What You Need to Know to Protect Your Practice and Your Patients next week. For more information or to register, click here.  

Tailored Insurance Solutions for CAO Members: Because Audits Happen — Protect Yourself with Legal Expense for Insurance Audits 

The CAO has shared a new program from BMS Canada Risk Services Ltd. (BMS) to support optometrists with their audits from insurers. More information on the program is listed below.

Do you work with patients who access coverage for optometry services through their extended health benefits plan? If so, you may want to consider securing Legal Expense for Insurance Audits.

Even the most diligent optometrist can face an inquiry or audit from an insurance company or benefits provider. These processes can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly-especially if you want legal representation to respond effectively. Failing to respond appropriately to an audit can have serious consequences, including the potential for a benefits provider to remove you from their approved provider list.

Legal Expense for Insurance Audits is designed to protect you by covering the cost of legal fees and giving you access to experienced legal professionals who understand the complexities of insurance audits.

This affordable coverage is available exclusively through our program broker, BMS Canada Risk Services. Learn more about BMS's Legal Expense for Insurance Audits coverage from here.

Thank you for your engagement and attention to these recent events. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. 

— Dr. Sophia Leung, AAO President

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