Dr. Richard Saari Optometry PC

02/05/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Up to 80% of learning is visual. Access to regular eye care sets them up for success in and out of the classroom. Strong vision care supports strong futures. Visit www.YourVisionMatters.ca to learn more.

01/06/2026

One of the main reasons for routine eye care… not all problems are obvious since visual acuity (what you can see… ie 20/20) isn’t affected until much later in the disease process. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17YP7orZ5F/?mibextid=wwXIfr

12/15/2025

Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) and the Canadian Association of Optometrists have been continuing to discuss a collaborative approach to protecting patients and benefit plans. While optometrist's continue to advocate for the simplest solution for submission and verification of eligibility and payment, not all insurances have functioning optimal solutions.

To ensure maximum compliance with all Health Insurances we will no longer able to check for patient eligibility online with the exception of Green Shield since the others do not have a unique option to check eligibility without submitting at the same time.

In the past we would submit the assumed amount and then reverse the claim submission and resubmit when services were rendered. This is onerous on staff and if cases were not reversed appropriately then we run the risk of falling foul to the CLHIA fraud standards and risk being removed from being able to submit directly on a patients behalf. Insurance cannot be used as a deposit on products or services.

We will continue to receive updates from the CAO and hope to be able to resume eligibility checks once CLHIA portals allow for a simple process. Patients should be able to check on their insurance provider aps to determine if they are eligible prior to scheduling or receiving services.

CLHIA and the CAO want to remind users and providers to continue to avoid risky practices which can jeopardize the client or the provider such as Billing Misrepresentation (ie. using a family members insurance for another family member's service), Adjusting service dates or Invoicing for non-prescription sunglasses.

Patients are reminded that benefit plans vary and it is their responsibility to confirm eligibility and limits before incurring expenses. Providers are reminded that "Use it or Lose it" messaging is inappropriate as it may encourage unnecessary use of benefits.

If you have any questions or concerns please call, text or DM the office and we will attempt to resolve any concerns or direct you to your insurance provider for more information.

12/06/2025

Thank you to all the readers who took the time to vote us the Diamond winner for Optometrist and Optometry Services. We have new plans for 2026 to elevate our care to help children slow their myopia, seniors detect macular degeneration and glaucoma earlier and diabetics understand the effect of diabetes on their eye health.

11/26/2025

So Niagara Region since you are off-loading what are consider essential services to many small businesses like mine… when can we expect a reduction in taxes. I currently pay close to $12,000 annually and garbage/recycling pickup should continue to be a part of those taxes. Does this also mean that Niagara Region buildings will also have to contract out for recycling services which will further increase the tax burden?

11/25/2025

We are happy to announce that we have resumed business as usual... while we might have a slight delay from our normal 4-6 week ideal scheduling of new patients, we are back accepting all new patients. If any previous records are necessary we will arrange for that after the exam or if you wish us to know additional details prior please bring your last exam or chart at the time of the appointment. Please remember that OHIP eligibility is determined at the completion of the eye examination as outlined by the Ministry of Health and is not based on previous exam findings. Our triage system is still in effect for patients needing urgent services.

11/24/2025

Dr. Ralph Saari has fully retired and all remaining patient files have been transferred to Dr. Brandon Marlatt at Marlatt Optometry. Please visit their website https://marlattoptometry.com and fill out the patient intake form to request an appointment or to request your records or if you require any additional information.

11/21/2025

Ontario and Alberta are looking to improve access to timely care… here is some important information about why and how.

Optimizing Optometric Scope is A Safe, Evidence-Based, and Essential Step Forward to Improve Access to Care.

As the front line of vision health and eye care, optometrists are highly trained, regulated professionals who already provide comprehensive diagnosis and management of ocular disease.

Optimizing scope will ensure patients can receive safe, effective care sooner with office-based procedures aligned with their training and international standards.

Read the CAO media release here: https://opto.ca/document/optimizing-optometric-scope-safe-evidence-based-and-essential-step-forward-improve-access

10/01/2025

Starting October 6th we will be adjusting our office hours... we will no longer be answering the phone between noon and 1pm to allow staff time to eat undisturbed or catch up on morning tasks. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but will further help us serve patients more effectively. Please continue to text or email the office during that time and we will respond within 24 hours as usual.

09/29/2025

Starting October 1, 2025 the office will no longer be accepting any new OHIP patients other than children or patients transferring from Dr. Ralph Saari's office. We do apologize for any inconvenience this may create and we look forward to resuming normal new patient appointments in the near future.

07/29/2025

Our office has been receiving many many calls about my father retiring after 50 years in practice. His office is contacting patients to inform them that he has retired and he is offering patients the opportunity to pick up their chart and bring it to their new optometrist. We are working hard to accommodate all requested transfers and simply ask new patients to bring their chart into the office at 477 Thorold Road in Welland. Dr. Richard will review the chart and advise staff when he suggests the next exam is scheduled. Due to limits in the way OHIP coverage is determined their may be a cost for the initial exam where previously there has been no fees. We will explain the one-time fee and options available to avoid any fee. We wish Dr. Ralph a happy retirement and look forward to seeing some familiar faces in the near future.

07/21/2025

We have finally resumed accepting new patients regardless of insurance. Our wait for an appointment is approximately 4-6 weeks but longer for Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The recent retirement of an optometrist may increase those wait times but we are working hard to keep the interruption to a minimum. If you have any concerns or urgent care issues please contact the office.