Eye Care in Ontario is at risk

Dear valued patients,

Ontario optometrists are launching an urgent appeal to the government to address the 30-year under-funding of eye care.

To put this in perspective, the government of Ontario is only paying us 8% more for an eye examination in 2020 than they did in 1990 - yet the rate of inflation was 75% according to the Bank of Canada.

In fact, OHIP only covers half the cost of an eye exam, and optometrists have to subsidize the remaining 50%.

The climate of COVID-19 has forced us to a mandatory reduction in appointment scheduling to comply with social distancing, effectively reducing our patient bookings in half. This chronic under-funding, coupled with the devastating impact of COVID-19 has lead to a breaking point in our profession, and many practices are struggling to keep their doors open.

This is affecting optometrists' ability to see patients who require timely eye care, threatening Ontarians' access to these essential health services.

We would like to continue our commitment to deliver high quality and accessible eye care; However our profession is in a crisis and we need your help.

Please take 30 seconds to sign the petition at www.saveeyecare.ca to make your voice heard. Thank you for your efforts and support to protect eye care in your community.

Regards,

Dr. Diana Yew