Ontario optometrists threaten to stop OHIP-covered eye exams in September
Ontario optometrists say they're prepared to reject OHIP-covered eye exams they bill for starting in September unless the government commits to negotiating a new funding model.
"For that $80 when the government's only paying $44.65 on average, the rest of that has to come from somewhere," said Dr. Joshua Smith. "We have to pay our staff, we have to pay our bills, we have to be able to keep up with standards of practice."
Currently, OHIP covers one eye exam a year for people under the age of 20, 65 and older, along with those who have specific medical conditions which makes up about 70 per cent of patients.
Dr. Sheldon Salaba, president of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, says paying out of pocket wouldn't be an option.
"There's some provincial legislation that makes it illegal for optometrists to accept payment from patients privately or from their third party insurance for OHIP services that they're eligible for," he said. "So it means if the government allows this to happen, that all those patients I was mentioning, which are over four million services that we provide on an annual basis, will have no access to optometry services."
In a statement the Ministry of Health says it has been engaged in discussions with the association and that "any decision to withdraw optometry services is the decision of the Optometrists Association of Ontario alone."
"All we're asking them to do is to start a dialogue with us and enter a formal negotiation process where they commit to cover the operating costs for the eye exams," said Salaba.
"Something's gotta give, otherwise you're going to have a ton of other issues down the road," said Kelsey Sayers, a mom of three kids who visit the eye doctor every few months for monitoring.
A sentiment resident Carmen Shier agrees with.
"Some people are on a tight income and every penny counts and I would think that calmer heads would prevail."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
Irving Oil former president dies at age 93
Arthur L. Irving, chairman emeritus and former president of Irving Oil, has died at the age of 93.