About
The Manitoba Association of Optometrists (MAO) is the regulatory and licensing body for the practice of optometry in Manitoba. We enforce the provisions of The Optometry Act and Regulation to ensure safe, high-quality eye care for all Manitobans. All optometrists practicing in Manitoba must be registered with MAO. The Manitoba Association of Optometrists Register includes every optometrist currently licensed to practice in the province.
Since July 15, 2013, under the Optometry Amendment Act, optometrists in Manitoba can prescribe therapeutic medications to treat eye diseases and disorders. As primary eye care providers, optometrists are authorized to:
- Prescribe medications for glaucoma, infections, inflammation (red eye), allergies, dry eye, and minor eye injuries
- Remove superficial foreign bodies from the eye
Optometrists in Manitoba, across Canada, Nunavut, and all 50 US states have similar prescribing authority, reflecting the scope and expertise of the profession.