As of September 1st, all Ontario Optmetrists will stop seeing OHIP covered patients for eye exams. This includes all seniors and children.
We sincerely regret this move and hope the situation will be short lived.
The Ontario Government (OHIP) has not increased funding for Optometrists for the past 30 years as our costs for providing eye care have increased dramatically. This has resulted in our OHIP payment covering only 1/2 the cost of seeing each patient.
Ontario Optometrists are the lowest paid in Canada and would require an increase of 60% to reach the next lowest funded, Manitoba, and by more than 125% to match the next lowest funded, Quebec. Yet our operating costs are the highest in the country.
Obviously, we cannot continue this way and yet the Government refuses to meet with us to discuss the situation. As a result, all Optometrists will stop seeing OHIP covered patients in an effort to have the Government negotiate with us.
Paying out of pocket is not an option as we cannot accept private payment for OHIP insured services. We will advise patients with vision difficulties to see family doctors, Ophthalmologists or Emergency at hospitals.
This will be a very difficult time for our Doctors, Staff and Patients and we very much regret the interruption to your eye care. We would ask you to contact your Ontario Member of Parliament to assist us in returning to providing service.
COVID-19 Update: Our clinic is open for all services and we look forward to providing eye care services to our patients with our COVID precautions in place. All of our services are by appointment only. We ask that you do not enter our office without an appointment. If you require optical services such as glasses selection, repair or pick up, you must call to make an in office appointment with our optical team or arrange curb side pickup. For product purchases such as eye drops or contact lenses please call and arrangements will be made for delivery or pick up. For all eye examinations please call our office at 613-692-3581 to schedule an appointment with your optometrist. You will be asked health screening questions ahead of your appointment and in person when you arrive. All patients and staff members are required to wear a mask while in the office. We thank you for your understanding and patience.
NOTICE: The College of Optometrists of Ontario have specified that businesses may implement their own policies regarding masking within their clinics. Although the masking mandate has been lifted on June 11, 2022, we are still requiring our staff here at Mill Centre Optometry to wear masks. We strongly encourage our patients to continue to also wear a mask while visiting us. We appreciate your cooperation.
COVID-19 Update : Our clinic is open for all services and we look forward to providing eye care services to our patients with our COVID precautions in place. All of our services are by appointment only. We ask that you do not enter our office without an appointment. If you require optical services such as glasses selection, adjustments, repair or pick up, you must call to make an in office appointment with our optical team or arrange curb side pickup. For product purchases such as eye drops or contact lenses please call and arrangements will be made for delivery or pick up. For all eye examinations please call our office at 613-692-3581 to schedule an appointment with your optometrist. You will be asked health screening questions ahead of your appointment and in person when you arrive. All patients and staff members are required to wear a mask while in the office. We thank you for your understanding and patience.