End in sight: Optometrists to resume eye exams for kids, seniors as job action is paused

By The Canadian Press and Michael Talbot
Posted Nov 22, 2021,

Ontario optometrists will resume eye exams for seniors and children after the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) and the Ministry of Health agreed on Monday to enter negotiations to try and resolve a bitter funding dispute.

Starting Tuesday, the OAO confirms it will pause job action that’s seen optometrists across the province withdraw provincially insured eye services

The job action has been ongoing since September.

The OAO has accused the province of underfunding eye exams, leaving them to pay around 45 per cent out of pocket.

Health Minister Christine Elliott has said the government has committed to paying $39 million in retroactive costs and is prepared to increase reimbursement by 8.48 per cent going forward, but the optometrists say that neither proposal is sufficient to cover their costs.

“The OAO is committed to negotiating a sustainable funding model that aligns with how optometric care is funded in other Canadian jurisdictions,” an OAO statement Monday states.

“The OAO expects robust talks to begin immediately, noting that the swift resolution of this issue is a top priority for both optometrists and their patients.”

RELATED: Ontario willing to discuss optometrist costs, but won’t write blank cheque: minister

The Ministry of Health notes there will be a media blackout while negotiations take place, but said it is ready to sit at the table “to reach a timely and fair agreement regarding this important matter.”