Complete Vision Care

Due to the inaction of the provincial
government, eye care under OHIP has ended.

Job Action - Ontario Optometrists 

On September 1, 2021, optometrists across Ontario stopped providing OHIP-insured eye care.  This includes:

Routine eye exams and follow-up care for children 19 and under
Routine eye exams and follow-up care for seniors 65 and over
Patients age 20 to 64 with OHIP-insured exams such as those with diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, acute ocular issues, etc.

WHY?

Eye care in Ontario has been chronically underfunded for many years. 

In 1989, the Ontario government paid $39.15 for an OHIP-insured eye exam.  Today, 32 years later, the government only contributes and average of $44.65 per exam.  That is a 14% increase over three decades compared to an inflation rate of nearly 80% in that time period.  

This underfunding is not sustainable.  Chair time costs $80 per patient which covers staff wages, equipment, rent, etc.  With reimbursement of only $45, we are constantly operating at a loss.

In comparison, our province has the lowest compensated eye care in Canada.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Vision is a fundamental component of a person’s overall health and has a direct impact on quality of life.  The effects of losing access to both routine and acute eye care, especially in a rural community such as Kenora, could be detrimental.

Our office manages referrals from the emergency room, family doctors and nurse practitioners.  We conduct diabetic screenings and manage post-op and follow-up care from ophthalmologists.  In any given week, we may receive twenty or more calls regarding red eye(s), eye injuries, blurry vision, sudden loss of vision, flashes and floaters, and much more.

The role of optometrists stretches far beyond asking you, “1 or 2?”.  We manage your eye health while also looking for any signs of trouble with systemic health.  

CAN’T I JUST PAY FOR MY EYE EXAM?

No.  Unfortunately, provincial law prevents anyone from paying for an OHIP-insured service, even if you have your own insurance.

WHAT DO OPTOMETRISTS WANT?

We want the Ontario government to commit to a binding formal negotiation process and funding that covers the cost of delivering OHIP-insured eye exams.  Until then, we will continue to suspend these services.  

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Reach out to our local MPP Greg Rickford and express your concerns.

You can speak to Greg Rickford MP at: 

300 McClellan Ave. East
Kenora, Ontario P9N 1A8
1-807-467-2415 (phone)
1-800-465-8501 (toll free)
greg.rickford@pc.ola.org (email)

Please visit saveeyecare.ca and sign the petition.

Like and share this post to support eye care in Ontario

Suspending essential eye care is not a decision we take lightly.  We realize many of you may end up waiting in the emergency room, being forced to travel to Winnipeg for care, or may not be able to obtain routine care.  In order for us to invest in your eyes and vision, the government needs to invest in optometry.  With only 2,500 optometrists in Ontario, our voices alone are simply not loud enough.  We need your help.

We are striving to resolve this crisis as soon as possible so we can resume quality eye care that Ontarian’s need and deserve.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Agnew, Dr. Chapman, Dr. Christiuk, Dr. Thom
Kenora Optometry Clinic