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Overview
In Canada, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and retinal specialists can manage dry AMD, depending on disease stage and the type of management offered. Optometrists are typically the first point of contact for patients and provide monitoring, lifestyle guidance, and co-management with specialists. Ophthalmologists and retinal specialists often assess more complex or advanced cases.1
The important caveat is that not all clinicians who see dry AMD patients offer the full range of current management options. MacuMira, an authorized device used to improve visual function, is not yet offered by every practice. Patients who want to explore this option should ask directly at their next appointment or seek out a practice with a broader AMD management toolkit.2
The Types of Providers
Optometrists
Optometrists are eye doctors who can assess visual function, diagnose eye conditions, and manage many aspects of AMD care. In Canada, optometrists are licensed in every province and regulated by provincial colleges. For most dry AMD patients, an optometrist is the provider they see most regularly.3
In the context of dry AMD management, an optometrist typically provides retinal monitoring with imaging such as OCT, Amsler grid testing, and visual acuity assessment. Depending on the situation, AMD management may also include lifestyle counselling, including tips on smoking cessation, diet, and UV protection. Patients can also talk to their eye doctors about AREDS2 supplementation and eligibility assessment.
An increasing number of optometry practices in Canada also offer or co-manage device-based therapy for dry AMD. If your optometrist doesn’t raise this option, it is appropriate to ask about it directly.
Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have completed specialty training in eye disease and surgery. They often manage more complex AMD cases, particularly when the differential diagnosis is uncertain, when there is concern about conversion to wet AMD, or when the patient is a candidate for more specialized treatment. In the Canadian health system, patients typically need a referral from an optometrist or family physician to see an ophthalmologist.1
Retinal Specialists
Retinal specialists are ophthalmologists with additional training specifically in retinal disease, including both dry and wet AMD. They are typically found in academic medical centres, hospital-based ophthalmology departments, and larger private retinal practices. Most dry AMD patients are not under the direct, ongoing care of a retinal specialist, but a specialist opinion can be valuable when disease stage is uncertain, progression is faster than expected, or conventional management options have not been shown to help.1
Practices Offering MacuMira
Clinics offering MacuMira are available, but that doesn’t mean that your eye doctor is guaranteed to have it. Not all optometry or ophthalmology practices offer MacuMira, which is the authorized microcurrent therapy device indicated to improve visual function in dry AMD patients.2
The device has been deployed across hundreds of clinics in 3 countries, with more than 21,000 treatments delivered. Patients in cities will typically have more options nearby. Those in rural or remote areas may need to travel or explore whether a local clinic can co-manage the monitoring component while treatment is delivered at a more distant site.2
What to Expect from Each Type of Provider
Understanding what each provider type is and is not set up to offer helps patients ask the right questions and seek the right level of care.
The right provider depends on the patient’s stage of disease, what they hope to achieve, and what is practically accessible in their region. Many patients will have relationships with more than one type of provider over the course of managing AMD.
How to Find a MacuMira Provider
Ask Your Eye Doctor
A good starting point is asking your current optometrist or family physician directly: “Are there clinics in this area that offer MacuMira?” This question may prompt a referral or at least a more complete conversation about what is available locally. Providers who don’t personally offer device-based therapy may still know which practices in the area do.
Use a Device Manufacturer’s Clinic Locator
Device manufacturers with approved products in Canada may maintain a clinic finder to help patients locate nearby practices. You can find a clinic locator on the MacuMira website, which lists practices across Canada that have adopted the device.
When contacting a clinic through a locator, call to confirm the device is in active use, the clinic is accepting new patients, and whether a current clinical assessment or referral documentation is expected before the first appointment.
Ask for a Referral to a Retinal Specialist
If your current provider has not recently assessed whether your management plan is current or if you feel your questions about newer options have not been adequately addressed, asking for a referral to a retinal specialist or to a practice with a dedicated AMD focus is a legitimate next step. AMD is a long-term condition, and the patient-provider relationship should include confidence that all clinically appropriate options are being considered.
Cost and Access Considerations
Patients considering MacuMira should ask the clinic about the full cost of the treatment course, including the initial assessment, the active treatment sessions and the ongoing maintenance visits. Understanding the full cost profile before beginning treatment allows patients to plan appropriately and avoid unexpected expenses.
For some Canadians, private insurance plans or a health spending account (HSA) may help cover the cost, though each person should read their benefits carefully to understand what may or may not be covered.
Questions to Ask
- Does this clinic offer authorized device-based therapy for dry AMD, and what device do they use?2
- What does an initial eligibility assessment involve and what clinical documentation should I bring?
- Is my AMD stage and current visual acuity within the range studied in the clinical trial for this device?2
- What is the full cost of the treatment course and are health spending accounts accepted?
- Will this clinic coordinate with my existing optometrist or ophthalmologist, or do I need to manage that communication myself?1
- How often will I need to return and what is the ongoing maintenance schedule?
Conclusion
Dry AMD in Canada may be managed by optometrists, ophthalmologists and retinal specialists, but not all practices offer the full range of current management options. Approved device-based therapy for improving visual function is available at a growing number of clinics across Canada. MacuMira is the approved device indicated to improve visual function in dry AMD patients, available under the supervision of a licensed eye care professional and not indicated for wet AMD. Patients who have not recently had a full conversation about what is available should ask their eye doctor, request a referral, or use a clinic locator to find a practice with access to current treatment options.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a referral to any specific provider. Patients should consult a qualified eye care professional to determine which management options are appropriate for their specific condition and stage of disease.
Glossary
Optometrist: A regulated eye care professional licensed to assess visual function, diagnose eye conditions and manage primary eye care, including AMD monitoring and co-management.
Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor with specialist training in eye disease and surgery. Manages complex AMD cases and can assess eligibility for device-based and other specialist therapies.
Retinal specialist: An ophthalmologist with additional training in retinal disease, including both dry and wet AMD. Typically involved in advanced disease management and complex cases.
MacuMira: An approved medical device indicated to improve visual function in patients with dry AMD, delivered via low-level electrical stimulation in a clinical setting under the supervision of an eye care professional. Not indicated for wet AMD.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A non-invasive retinal imaging technology producing detailed cross-sectional images of the macula. Standard for AMD monitoring and staging.
AREDS2 formula: A nutritional supplement combination including lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, shown to reduce progression risk to advanced AMD in eligible patients.
Geographic atrophy: An advanced stage of dry AMD in which large areas of retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells have degenerated, causing irreversible central vision loss.
Health spending account: An employer-provided benefit allowing employees to use pre-tax funds for eligible medical expenses, including some out-of-pocket treatments not covered by provincial health insurance.
Dry AMD: A progressive retinal condition affecting the macula. The most common form of AMD. Distinct from wet AMD in pathophysiology and treatment approach.
Wet AMD: A form of AMD involving abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina. Requires different treatment from dry AMD. Microcurrent therapy devices are not indicated for wet AMD.
References
1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration. National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. Last reviewed November 2023. Accessed June 2026. https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration.
2. Evaluation of visual acuity in dry AMD patients after microcurrent electrical stimulation. Parkinson KM, Sayre EC, Tobe SW. International Journal of Retina and Vitreous. Published May 2023. Accessed June 2026. https://macumira.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MacuMira-Clinical-Trial.pdf.
3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Date not listed. Accessed June 2026. https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/eye-health/age-related-macular-degeneration/.
4. Medical Expenses You Can Claim. Canada Revenue Agency. Date not listed. Accessed June 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-return/details-medical-expenses.html.
5. Understanding Macular Degeneration. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published November 2025. Accessed June 2026. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration.
