To our Eyemaxx family: Ontario optometrists need your help. We strive to provide exceptional care, and are extremely proud of the important work that our doctors do in our community. However, their important work is at a serious risk right now
What’s the problem?
Ontario is experiencing a crisis in eye care. For more than 30 years, the government has ignored our optometrists requests for help, refused to formally negotiate, and failed to adequately fund eye care. Now access to critical eye care is at risk.
In 1989, the Ontario government paid $39.15 for an OHIP-insured eye exam. Today, they pay an average of $44.65 per exam.
This funding does not cover the cost to deliver the exam, the maintenance and purchasing of modern equipment, monthly rent fees, loans, insurance, and the salaries of office staff. With over four million services performed annually under OHIP, this level of funding is not sustainable.
Who will be impacted by this?
Unfortunately, those who will be impacted the most are the groups OHIP is supposed to protect; our children, seniors and those with existing eye diseases. If the government continues to ignore this issue, Ontario optometrists will be left with no choice but to stop providing OHIP services starting September 1st, 2021.
How can you help?
We are fighting to ensure these essential, accessible local health professionals don’t disappear before our eyes. Please write to your local MPP or visit SaveEyeCare.ca to sign an electronic letter to tell our elected government officials that eye care matters to you!
This action, although small, is amplified when we unify together.
We are looking forward to continuing service within our community. We thank you for your support!
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