Help Save Eye Care
Due to the lack of funding by the Ontario government over the last 30 years, the Ontario Association of Optometrists have announced Job Action for September 1st. This means there will be no OHIP-covered eye exams for seniors, children and adults with vision-threatening diseases. Click below to send a letter to your local MPP and help us save eye care.
After more than 30 years of underfunding, the government now covers an average of 55% of the cost of an OHIP-insured eye exam - this means your optometrist must absorb the other 45% of costs.
Yes that’s right, Ontario optometrists subsidize your health care out of their own pockets.
With more than four million services delivered annually under OHIP and clinics under severe financial strain, the system is no longer sustainable.
Eye care is critical in the early detection of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
People with vision loss have a higher risk of falls and serious hip fracture, not to mention loss of independence and cognitive decline.
Many of the conditions that cause vision loss do not have symptoms. Eye problems can best be detected with an annual eye exam.
Over 80% of a child’s learning is visual.
Up to 60% of children with learning difficulties have an underlying vision problem.
Myopia is on the rise among children, compounded by increased screen time during the pandemic.
61% of parents mistakenly believe that they would know if their children had trouble seeing.
Clear vision is fundamental to a child’s academic, physical and social development.
Eye care has been chronically underfunded for three decades. For over 30 years, the Ontario government has refused to formally negotiate with optometrists.
They mislead you by saying “funding has increased by 15%” - it’s because the number of baby boomers has increased by 15%.
They have left optometrists with no choice. If they do not prioritize eye care as of September 1, 2021, access to eye care for millions of Ontarians must end.
What are the optometrists asking for?
We are asking the government to meet with us and negotiate proper funding for eye care.
Who will be impacted by this?
Those who will be impacted most are seniors, children, and those with existing eye diseases (anyone covered under OHIP for their eye exams).
Can I just pay for my eye exam?
No. Unfortunately, provincial law prevents anyone from paying any OHIP-insured services, even if you have your own private insurance.
What can I do to help?
Sign our in-office petition
Visit SaveEyeCare.ca to find out more information and to send an email to your local MPP
Write your MPP directly
Write an op ed in your local newspaper
Tell your friends and family