OHIP Withdrawal Update
It has been 28 days since the
OHIP Service Withdrawal started
and we would like to provide you with an update
Due to the inaction of the provincial government, eye care under OHIP has ended.
Background information into
OHIP Service Withdrawal
For over 30 years, the Ontario government has refused to formally negotiate with optometrists.
In 1989, the Ontario government paid $39.15 for an eye exam.
In 2021, 32 years later, they pay an average of $44.65.
This amount does not come close to covering the cost (including rent, staff, utilities, equipment, taxes and supplies) to provide an eye exam.
These overhead costs do not include any reimbursement to the doctors.
How does Ontario OHIP compensation compare to other provinces in Canada?
Ontario Optometrists are the lowest paid in Canada by at least $30 per OHIP exam.
Provincial Comparisons
I’ve heard that the government offered
Ontario Optometrists $39 million
See the video below discussing the Ontario government offers.
This would still leave Ontario Optometrists the lowest paid in the Country and still paying at minimum $24.51 out of our pockets to see OHIP patients.
What does it really cost an Optometrist to perform an eye exam?
The Ontario Association of Optometrists requested third party, BDO to perform a chair-time study, since the last time it was done was 2011.
It was found that, depending on practice location, that the cost to perform an eye exam ranges from $75.51-$85.31 (These numbers are based on 2019 values)
The Ontario government states that they want to do their due diligence with respect to these numbers, but when the Ontario Association of Optometrists asked them to co-author a chair-time study in December 2020, the government refused.
See the image below to see how these numbers relate almost exactly to rates of inflation over the past 32 years.
$39. 15 at 2019 inflation rates would correspond to $70.94 based on the Bank of Canada’s Inflation Rate Calculator and $73.94 with 2021 rates.
Can’t I just pay for my eye exam?
No. Unfortunately, provincial law prevents anyone from paying for any OHIP insured service, even if you have your own insurance.
Optometrists would be fined $25000 for accepting payment from an OHIP patient for an OHIP covered service.
How can you help?
Click the button below to send a letter to your MPP
Call your MPP and explain your frustrations with how the Ontario government is neglecting your eye health care.
Randy Pettapiece
519-272-0660 (Perth-Wellington)
Lisa Thompson
519 523-4251 (Huron)
519 396-3007 (Bruce)
Ted Arnott
519-787-5247 (Wellington-Halton Hills)
Mike Harris
519-669-2090 (Kitchener-Conestoga)
Bill Walker
519-371-2421 (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound)
Ring our office doorbell and ask to sign our petition to the Ontario government.