PROVINCE TO GIVE OPTOMETRISTS $39M AS THEY THREATEN JOB ACTION NEXT MONTH
Aug 17, 2021
By Bob Komsic
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The Ford government’s hoping a one-time payment of $39-million to optometrists will preserve access to OHIP-covered eye exams while talks continue.
The province says the one-time payment retroactively accounts for increased costs over the past decade.
While ”encouraged,” the Ontario Association of Optometrists says it’s committed to a long-term sustainable solution.
In a statement, OAO President Dr. Sheldon Salaba says the one-time payment covers less than one-quarter of their annual funding deficit after years of under-funding.
Optometrists had threatened to stop conducting eye exams as of September.
OHIP covers one annual major exam for those 19 and younger, 65 and older and those with specific medical conditions.