Optometrists to withdraw OHIP services today

Optometrists across the Province are set to withdraw from services previously covered under OHIP following a breakdown in discussions between them and the province over reimbursement.

OHIP had in the past covered eye exams for those under the age of 19, those 65 and older and those with specific health conditions.

Ontario’s Optometrists currently cover 45% of the cost themselves that the province wasn’t reimbursing them for.

The Province was offering $39 million dollars to retroactively account for the shortfall in the amount they cover and also increase the reimbursement by just under 8.5%.

Optometrists wanted the rate to increase 70% to close the gap.