Canadian Eye Health Coalition Welcomes National Eye Care Strategy as Important First Step, Calls for Strong Implementation and Measurable Action
- CEHC-CCSO
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
Canadian Eye Health Coalition Welcomes National Eye Care Strategy as Important First Step, Calls for Strong Implementation and Measurable Action
Ottawa, ON – June 9, 2026 – The Canadian Eye Health Coalition (CEHC) welcomes the release of Canada’s National Eye Care Strategy by Health Canada, marking an important milestone following the passage of Bill C-284, An Act to establish a national strategy for eye care.
The Strategy represents the first national acknowledgement of the challenges facing eye health in Canada and reflects many of the issues identified by stakeholders throughout the consultation process, including barriers to access, health workforce challenges, inequities experienced by underserved populations, and the need for improved data and coordination.
“The publication of a national strategy is a significant achievement and a testament to the efforts of parliamentarians, health professionals, patient advocates and coalitions, researchers, charitable organizations, and Canadians living with vision loss who helped elevate eye health as a national priority,” said Kris Kelm, Chair of the Canadian Eye Health Coalition.
At the same time, the Coalition notes that the Strategy is best understood only as a framework for future action rather than a roadmap for immediate implementation.
While the document identifies many of the challenges highlighted by the Coalition during consultation, it contains few commitments regarding specific interventions, timelines, funding investments, implementation mechanisms, or accountability measures that would enable Canadians to track progress toward meaningful system change.
“The Strategy successfully describes many of the issues we identified facing eye health in Canada,” said Kelm. “However, the most important step is translating that analysis into measurable action. Canadians now need a clear implementation plan that identifies who will do what, when it will happen, how success will be measured, and what resources will be dedicated to achieving those outcomes.”
The Coalition also notes that the Strategy does not introduce new investments in eye health and instead references existing programs and funding mechanisms. Given the growing burden of vision impairment, an aging population, workforce pressures, and persistent inequities in access to care, the CEHC believes implementation planning should include a careful assessment of whether current resources are sufficient to achieve the Strategy’s objectives.
The release of the Strategy marks the beginning—not the conclusion—of Canada’s work to improve eye health outcomes.
The Coalition is encouraged that Health Canada has committed to developing an implementation plan and reporting on progress. The CEHC believes this next phase presents a critical opportunity for governments, health professionals, researchers, community organizations, industry partners, and people with lived experience to work together to ensure the Strategy delivers tangible benefits for Canadians. Implementation of credible action will be where intention is proven.
Throughout the consultation process, the CEHC provided recommendations focused on measurable outcomes, implementation accountability, equitable access, workforce development, research and data infrastructure, innovation, and sustained investment. The Coalition looks forward to continuing to contribute evidence, expertise, and stakeholder perspectives as implementation planning advances.
“The National Eye Care Strategy confirms that eye health matters,” said Kelm. “The work ahead is ensuring that recognition is translated into action. We remain committed to working collaboratively with Health Canada, provincial and territorial governments, parliamentarians, and partners across the sector to help build a stronger, more equitable eye health system for all Canadians.”
The CEHC believes the release of the Strategy reinforces the ongoing need for collaboration, advocacy, and coordinated sector leadership. As implementation planning proceeds, the Coalition will continue to convene stakeholders, support evidence-informed policy development, and advocate for practical measures that improve access to eye care and vision health services across Canada.
Read the National Strategy for Eye Care
About the Canadian Eye Health Coalition
The Canadian Eye Health Coalition is a national alliance of organizations and individuals working to advance equitable access to eye care and vision health services in Canada. Through advocacy, collaboration, information sharing, and sector leadership, the Coalition works to ensure eye health is recognized and prioritized as an essential component of Canada’s health system.