03/30/2021
As your local optometrists, we’re sorry to say that we are being forced to withdraw all OHIP services effective September 1, 2021.
The Ontario government’s inaction the past 30 years has resulted in 96% of Optometrists in Ontario voting to do this in order to fight for a sustainable eyecare solution.
Government compensation for our eye-care has not meaningfully increased in 30 years and we have not been given a chance to negotiate any part of it. The government had a chance to address this issue in the 2021 Ontario Budget last week but failed to do so.
Currently, OHIP is only covering less than half the cost that it takes to provide an eye exam, forcing ALL offices to absorb the rest as a loss. Around 80% of eye exams in Ontario are OHIP exams, and that number is steadily rising as our population continues to age.
This eye care model, as it is, is unsustainable.
We can no longer afford to pay the costs the Ontario government is neglecting to pay. We hope our neighbours, friends, and fellow Ontarians will understand that we will not be able to continue OHIP exams until our government is willing to properly fund OHIP exams.
We want the government to publicly commit to Optometrists through legally-binding, formal negotiations, that optometrists will not have to subsidize the cost of eye care in Ontario any longer.
We ask all patients to share this message with other Ontario residents and to call/email your MPP to let them know that OHIP insured eye care in Ontario is not something that should be lost.
We will be providing all patients with the attached letter with your MPP info at the end of your OHIP insured eye exam. If you receive one it means that your future Optometry provided eye care services are in jeopardy. This affects children, seniors and anyone with diabetes, glaucoma or numerous other conditions. Take the time to share and voice your opinion.
This issue affects EVERY Ontarian. Some of us have children. We all have parents who will age. We will also age. Please help us protect eye care for this and future generations.
