An update to the Save Eye Care story myFM ran back in June, and unfortunately it is not a good one.
A recap for those who may have missed the story, the Ontario Association of Optometrists have been trying to negotiate with the Ontario Government about services covered under OHIP and the coverage they get for services for people in three groups; 19 years old and below, 65 years old and above, and people with eye conditions.
Up until now those three groups received free eye care covered under OHIP, and the optometrists received a $39 fee from 1989 to 2021 where it increased to $44.
The Save Eye Care campaign stated that on September 1st, if a deal was not met Optometrists would have to halt services for these patience.
Well the date has hit, and no deal has yet been met. Dr John Mastronardi, an optometrist, past president of the association and a member of the association explains what they would need to see from the government.
The people in the three groups as of September 1st no longer have OHIP access to eye care, and due to government laws, optometrists cannot see these patients under their own health care or even if they were to just pay for the service. So as of Wednesday, many people no longer have access to eye care.
The save eye care campaign is still happening, so if you are wishing to band together with Ontario Optometrists, visit https://www.saveeyecare.ca/
