BCDO has confirmed with the Ministry of Health that Optometry is an “essential service” by virtue of the legislative identification of a health profession as defined in the Health Professions Act.  The news release issued on March 26, 2020 states “all health care services, including…”, and the Ministry notes that although the “including” and “example” section is quite long, it is not comprehensive.

BCDO Member Update Regarding COVID-19: March 27, 2020

Billing for Teleoptometry

BCDO is very close to finalizing two new MSP billing codes for teleoptomety.  The new codes have been submitted and are pending various levels of review and approval by the government, which we anticipate will be completed early next week.

In addition, Telus Health has confirmed they are accepting eClaims for virtual services.

Essential Services Designation in British Columbia

BCDO has confirmed with the Ministry of Health that Optometry is an “essential service” by virtue of the legislative identification of a health profession as defined in the Health Professions Act.  The news release issued on March 26, 2020 states “all health care services, including…”, and the Ministry notes that although the “including” and “example” section is quite long, it is not comprehensive.

Donning and Doffing PPE

An unknown percentage of those with COVID-19 are asymptomatic and without travel history.

Should you choose to continue seeing emergency patients in person, please review the BC Centre for Disease Control’s instructions on donning and doffing personal protective equipment, as well as cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

In addition, here is a video that reviews the donning and doffing of PPE.

We acknowledge that few optometric practices have the resources or training to meet these PPE criteria.  As such, BCDO recommends utilizing teleoptometry when appropriate and referring to on-call ophthalmology when an in-person examination is required.

Updates to the Federal Economic Response Plan

Small business wage subsidy

This morning, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that the small business wage subsidy is being increased from the previously announced 10% to 75%, retroactive to March 15, 2020.  This is in an attempt to encourage small businesses to keep their employees on payroll, and to consider rehiring staff who have been let go.

New Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

This new benefit replaces the previously announced Emergency Support and Emergency Care benefits, and provides a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:

• workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
• workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
• working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
• workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
• wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in early April.  Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number.

Current status in British Columbia

Information in this update is relevant and accurate as of March 27, 2020.  The situation is evolving rapidly and we encourage you to monitor Health Canada for changes or updates.

At the time of writing, there are 725 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia.

Those who are feeling unwell, specifically with symptoms of cough, fever, or shortness of breath, should be directed to immediately self-quarantine and access the BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool or call 8-1-1.

Social distancing remains a crucial measure for slowing the spread of COVID-19 and should be strictly observed by everyone, whether or not you are healthy and whether or not you are in a high-risk group.  This advice is supported by health experts and epidemiologists across the globe.

Homewood Health: Managing Anxiety

As a reminder, BCDO members have access to i-Volve, Homewood’s Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  i-Volve is a bilingual, web-based solution designed to treat employees struggling with anxiety and/or mild depression.

Please find more information here.