Ontario Optometrists are warning of plans to withdraw OHIP services in September.
Members of the Ontario Association of Optometrists are seeking a deal with the province to address the underfunding of eye exams.
President Dr. Sheldon Salaba says they have two main asks.
“A formal negotiation process, which has never been provided to our profession in 30 years. And we’re asking them to commit to covering the operating cost to deliver an eye exam,” says Dr. Salaba.
Dr. Salaba says the government now covers 55 per cent of the cost, forcing optometrists to pick up the rest of the tab. He sys that arrangement is becoming unsustainable.
He notes optometrists provide more than four million OHIP-covered services annually.
“We’ve tried everything to work with them and get them to come to the table because there is no structure formal negotiating process with our profession
Dr. Salaba says so far any of the discussions have been informal, one-off meetings, with the association going weeks before they hear from government again.
Children, adults with conditions like glaucoma and seniors will be mostly effected if optometrists follow through with the withdrawal.
Dr. Salaba is hoping the province takes its threat seriously.
“Optometrists are being fair and reasonable. We ask only that government commit to cover at least the cost of service delivery, and we’re giving them lots of notice to avoid any impact on patients.”