The AAO established the Private Insurance Task Force to support members in addressing the growing trend of optometry clinics being delisted by insurers. Please review this week’s bulletin, as it contains important information regarding trending concerns regarding delisting.

Increased Secret Shopper Encounters

The AAO has been informed by some of its members of an increase in suspected secret shopper activity, particularly relating to purchases of plano sunglasses. We are actively monitoring and responding to members’ concerns in this regard, and we encourage members to report suspected secret shopper encounters through our submission form.

Please note in order to ensure compliance with health privacy legislation, members should refrain from disclosing any individually identifying health information on these forms. The AAO and its Private Insurance Task Force are working to identify issues and trends relating to secret-shoppers in order to support members by developing informational updates, guidance and resources. In the meantime, members should be reminded that the best possible response when dealing with a suspected secret shopper is to be vigilant in adhering to billing best practices.

Members may also direct any specific questions or concerns to our submission form.

AAO Private Insurance Webinar

December 2, 2025 from 12 PM - 1 PM MT

We are pleased to announce that the AAO Private Insurance Task Force will be hosting a webinar to provide updated information from our partners and guidance exclusively for our members.

This session will provide an opportunity to hear insights and advocacy updates related to the delisting issue in Alberta from several key speakers.

• Dr. Sophia Leung - President, Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO)
• Ibrahim Daibes - Director of Policy and Research, Canada Association of Optometrists (CAO)
• Dr. Pamela Giles - Chair, AAO Private Insurance Task Force
• Dr. Michelle Duke - President, Alberta College of Optometrists (ACO)
• Andre Corbould - Managing Partner, Integrated Strategic Partners (ISP)
• Tory Hibbitt - Associate Counsel, Miller Thomson LLP

You can submit questions in advance of the webinar when you register using the form.

By attending this webinar, you will receive 2 Category 1 credits.

We look forward to an engaging and informative session to share our approach moving forward.

AAO Delisting Billing Questions

Thank you to everyone who has shared their input so far. We have received several questions regarding billing and want to ensure our members are following best practices. If you have any billing questions related to the delisting, please complete this submission form. We will compile and share the responses in a future update.

On behalf of the Task Force, thank you for your continued trust. We will keep you informed as this work continues, and we will keep pushing forward with resolve.

Sincerely,

Dr. Pamela Giles

Chair, AAO Private Insurance Task Force

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