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Niagara Falls
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Letter: Seniors a bargaining chip for optometrists in talks with province

Dear editor:

I was surprised to have my eye exam cancelled with no future option to rebook.

On investigation I learned I am, along with other seniors, a bargaining chip in current talks between optometrists and the Ontario government.

The Ontario Association of Optometrists and the Ford government are locked in negotiations over the funding of eye exams for seniors and children under 19.

These talks have broken down, so the withdrawal of such services by the optometrists is their response and has caused hundreds of cancelled appointments.

The current offer, according to the association, still leaves them having to cover much of this cost themselves.

COVID has already caused incredibly long delays for exams. This further disruption in scheduling means more months of waiting.

Presumably an outside accountant has checked the actual costs to OHIP for annual eye exams so it seems the government needs to decide quickly whether it is going to fund this service or not.

Ann Handels

NOTL

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