Optometrists are resuming government-funded eyecare services.
They’ve been on hold since September as the Ontario Association of Optometrists started job action in order to back their demands for a better funding arrangement with the province.
The job action is being paused as talks between the Ontario Association of Optometrists and the Ministry of Health resume.
The Association is looking for a better deal that reflects the cost of providing OHIP funded services like eye examines for children and seniors.
Christine Elliott, the Ontario Minister of Health has previously said the government is prepared to pay $39 million retroactively for costs and to increase reimbursement by 8.48 per cent for future procedures.
But the OAO says the retro-payment isn’t enough, that it’s only a loonie more for each service performed. The increase offered by the Province would bring coverage up to $45, but the OAO says that eye exams alone cost $75-$80 each.
