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By rdnewsNOW staff

Effective Oct. 1, 2025

Alberta retinal program goes permanent

Oct 2, 2025 | 3:30 PM

Provincial officials say Albertans will now have better access to eye care through a permanent retinal treatment program, supporting timely, high-quality vision care.

Over the past decade, the Retina Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Program for Intraocular Disease (RAPID) pilot project has been giving patients sight-saving injections directly into the eye, using advanced medications, say government officials.

Building on this success, the Alberta government says it is launching a new permanent program, the Alberta Retinal Treatment Program, effective Oct. 1. The new program is expected to expand eligibility by 2,000 Albertans, increase treatment options from three to six drugs, and allow all ophthalmologists in the province to participate.

Every year, say government officials, thousands of Albertans face vision loss from retinal conditions, which can cause permanent blindness if not treated. Historically, treatment options were limited, costly and not always easy to access, the province points out. The permanent and expanded program is now hoped to ensure patients have more choice in their care and better access across the province.

Provincial officials say these injections protect vision, prevent further loss and give patients a chance to maintain their independence and quality of life. In 2024–25 alone, the government says almost 23,000 Albertans received care through the pilot, with seniors making up three-quarters of those treated.

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“With more seniors in our province every year, getting timely vision-protecting treatment is more important than ever. This new program builds on the pilot’s success and offers even more benefits for Albertans,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, in a press release.

The province says all medications in the program are free, with no co-payments or out-of-pocket costs. Previously, some patients had to pay premiums or co-payments to access these drugs, note government officials. It’s hoped the permanent program will ensure all Albertans receive treatment on equal terms, with no requirement to have government-sponsored or private drug coverage in order to be eligible.

“Alberta’s new pharmaceutical program for retinal disease is a significant step forward for both patients and physicians,” added Dr. Faazil Kassam, ophthalmologist. “By expanding access to advanced therapies regardless of insurance coverage, it bridges the gaps between rural and urban care, empowers ophthalmologists to deliver state-of-the-art treatment, and strengthens Alberta’s ability to attract and retain retina specialists; a model for the rest of Canada.”

Alberta government quick facts

• The program also expands the choice of drugs, adding Vabysmo, Eylea HD, and Triesence to existing options including Eylea, Lucentis, and Avastin.
• A total of 22 retinal specialists currently participate in the RAPID pilot project, and the permanent program will be open to all 150 ophthalmologists across Alberta.
• In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, RAPID is estimated to have provided up to $111 million in cost avoidance, and the permanent program could save an additional $27 million annually.
• The RAPID pilot project has provided eye care to Albertans living with retinal conditions since October 2015.
• The pilot program was offered exclusively in Edmonton, Calgary and Medicine Hat.