We are happy to announce that the government of Ontario has finally agreed to return to negotiations with the Ontario Association of Optometrists to try and find a sustainable solution to the chronic underfunding of eyecare in Ontario. We are hopeful that they will negotiate in good faith this time. The job action that was in place has been suspended and we are now able to see OHIP insured patients again.
Beginning September 1st, Optometrists across Ontario will stop providing OHIP insured eye exams for children, seniors and adults with OHIP covered eye conditions.
WHY JOB ACTION?
For over 30 years, successive Ontario governments have ignored Optometrists. In 1989 the fee paid for an OHIP insured eye exam was $39.15; today, over 32 years later, it is on average $44.65. This has not kept up with inflation and does not come close to covering the cost (including rent, staff, utilities, equipment, taxes and supplies) to provide an eye exam. Every time we perform an OHIP insured eye exam we do so at a loss. This is not sustainable.
Beginning September 1st, Optometrists across Ontario will stop providing OHIP insured eye exams for children, seniors and adults with OHIP covered eye conditions.
WHY JOB ACTION?
For over 30 years, successive Ontario governments have ignored Optometrists. In 1989 the fee paid for an OHIP insured eye exam was $39.15; today, over 32 years later, it is on average $44.65. This has not kept up with inflation and does not come close to covering the cost (including rent, staff, utilities, equipment, taxes and supplies) to provide an eye exam. Every time we perform an OHIP insured eye exam we do so at a loss. This is not sustainable.
ONTARIO IS THE LOWEST PAID IN CANADA
Our fees would have to increase by over 60% to reach the next lowest province. The chart here compares Ontario to other provinces that fully fund eye care.
THE GOVERNMENT’S OFFER
You may have read the government has offered us an 8.48% increase in our fees. For a senior’s eye exam that would raise our fee to $51.00. While that seems generous, it still leaves us more than 30% lower than Manitoba, the next lowest paid province and not even close to cover the actual costs of performing the eye examination. Unfortunately, an 8.48% increase does not make up for 32 years of neglect.
We need government to prioritize and properly fund eye care to make it sustainable for years to come.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?
If you are a senior (65+), a child (19 and under) or an adult with OHIP covered eye conditions we will not be able to see you. If you have an appointment booked during job action our team will reach out to you and put you on a priority booking list so we can see you when job action is over. You will be contacted the Friday before your appointment in the event your appointment needs to be cancelled due to job action.
If you are between the ages of 20 – 64 (and do not have an OHIP covered condition) we can still see you for an eye exam.
Regardless of age, if you have an eye emergency we will ensure you get taken care of.
CAN I PAY FOR MY EYE EXAM?
No. Unfortunately, provincial law prevents anyone from paying for any OHIP insured service, even if you have your own insurance.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Please visit saveeyecare.ca to sign our online petition or call/email your MPP.
Huron Bruce MPP
Lisa Thompson
Email: lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org
Phone: 519-523 4251
