Occupational Vision Care

OVC Professionals

Log in to access Manual Inserts and updates related to the ovc and ovs programs.

Worksight News

Spring 2010 Edition - Read it Here!

OVC Program Overview

The Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO) has developed a new standard in industrial and occupational vision care plans. Designed to meet the increasing vision care needs of modern industry or the office environment, these programs are available to employers on a contract basis.

Optometry is the only vision care profession with the ability to perform the visual diagnosis, prescribe lenses and design, verify, and fit spectacles to meet the functional requirements of the workplace.

Some of the services and advantages of the programs are:

1. Provision of an occupational vision examination for all eligible employees aimed at maximizing visual performance in the individual worker's occupational setting. This service can improve productivity in industry and office environments (i.e. VDT operators) and reduce injuries and down time in the industrial sector.
2. Maintenance of the employee's freedom to choose the eye care practitioner of his/her choice.
3. Optometrists are widely distributed throughout the province within easy reach of most employment centres.
4. The Vision Care Programs minimize employee relations problems associated with enforcement of eye safety regulations and the wearing of protective eyewear.
5. The Vision Care Programs offer complete administration services which reduce costs and simplify procedures for the Employer.
6. The AAO conducts a biennial tender with wholesale ophthalmic laboratories for the supply and fabrication of eyewear used in the Vision Care Programs. The tender process results in volume purchasing and quality control benefits.
7. Program costs are competitive even though professional services, quality materials and administration services are included.

Two major types of Occupational Vision Care Programs are available from the Alberta Association of Optometrists:

• Occupational Vision Care (OVC) Program
  The occupational vision examination and safety eyewear specification addresses the visual demands and hazards of the work place. The OVC Program ensures the provision of safety eyewear (frames and lenses) that meet or exceed CSA specifications for participating "at risk" workers.
  
• Office Vision Services (OVS) Program
  The occupational vision examination addresses the visual stress experienced by VDT operators and other visually challenged workers in today's office environment. Spectacle correction, when needed, is specifically designed to meet the particular needs of the individual.

Within each program type there are a number of program options available to meet the specific needs and budgets of various users.

Click here for a list of participating optometrists in the program

For more information, contact:

Director of Vision Care Plans
Alberta Association of Optometrists
#100, 8407 Argyll Road
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
T6C 4B2

Phone:(780) 451-6824 ext. 222
Toll Free: (800) 272-8843 ext. 222 (Alberta Only)
Fax: (780) 452-9918
Send an E-mail