Ontario optometrists to resume eye exams for kids and seniors
Optometrists in Ontario say they will start resuming eye exams for children and seniors on Tuesday.
The optometrists withdrew provincially insured eye services on Sept. 1 in a funding dispute with the province.
The Ontario Association of Optometrists said in a statement Monday that it had agreed to enter formal negotiations with the Ministry of Health.
It said "as a sign of good faith" it will pause its job action as of Tuesday.
"The OAO is committed to negotiating a sustainable funding model that aligns with how optometric care is funded in other Canadian jurisdictions," it said in a statement.
Health Minister Christine Elliott said the province is ready to reach a fair and timely agreement.
"I am pleased that the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) has agreed to join us in resuming direct face-to-face negotiations," she said in a statement.
The optometrists say the province has been underfunding the OHIP-covered services, leaving them paying around 45 per cent out of pocket.
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 $39 million amounts to just over $1 for each optometry service performed in that retroactive period.
The proposed 8.48 per cent increase in reimbursement would only bring the covered cost up to $48, but eye exams are between $75 and $80, the optometrists say.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Madonna says her kids' 'enthusiasm' kept her going while on tour after 'near death' hospitalization
As Madonna approaches her 80th show on her 'Celebration' tour, she took a moment to appreciate how much her six children have helped her get to this point after being hospitalized last year before the tour began.