Access to eye care in Ontario is at risk.
Beginning September 1st, Optometrists across Ontario will stop providing OHIP insured eye exams for children, seniors and adults with OHIP covered eye conditions.
Why a Job Action?
In 1989, the Ontario government paid $39.15 for an eye exam. In 2021, 32 years later, they pay an average of $44.65. This amount does not come close to covering the cost (including rent, staff, utilities, equipment, taxes and supplies) to provide an eye exam. This level of funding is not sustainable. We are asking the government to prioritize eye healthcare by closing the gap between their funding and inflation. For over 30 years, the Ontario government has refused to formally negotiate with optometrists.
Ontarians have the right to have a supported and properly funded eye care system. We hope the government agrees to meet formal negotiations before September 1, but if they do not, optometrists across the province will take action to ensure continued access to quality eye care through a more sustainable funding model.
When will the Job Action end?
The job action will end when the objectives set out by the Ontario Associate of Optometrists are met, which are:
To initiate a formal negotiation process with the Ontario government, with a dispute resolution mechanism; and
To arrive at an outcome that no longer requires Ontario optometrists to subsidize OHIP services.
Who will this Affect?
Our current job action will affect only OHIP-covered patients, those aged 0-19, 65+, and living with specific eye conditions or diabetes. If you have an appointment booked during the job action our team will reach out to you and put you on a priority booking list so we can see you when the job action is over. You will be contacted in the event your appointment needs to be cancelled due to job action.
Who will this Not Affect?
If you are a patient, of any age, and are experiencing an eye emergency, please contact us and we will help triage and direct you to an appropriate eye care provider.
If you are a patient, of any age, and are accessing the following professional services, you will NOT be affected:
Contact lenses services
Orthokeratology, scleral lenses, and specialty contact lenses
Myopia control
Dry eye treatment, such as Lipiscan and Lipiflow
Vision Training
If you are a patient that is between the ages of 20 and 64, without a specified eye condition or diabetes, you will be unaffected. We will continue, as usual, to see you for all your vision and eye health care needs.
I am covered by OHIP annually, but can I pay for my eye exam during the job action?
No. Unfortunately, provincial law prevents anyone from paying for any OHIP-insured service, even if you have your own insurance.