OHIP coverage for Eye care stops Sept 1st

I just heard of this today..what the heck is wrong with Ontario Health..so mired in Covid they've forgetting to take care of the health needs of the public...

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KAWARTHA LAKES-Optometrists across Ontario are ready to stop providing eye care to kids, seniors and adults covered by OHIP if the Ontario government doesn’t come to the table for discussions on funding.

A hand-out being given to eye care patients as they leave the optometrist office says:

“All seniors, children’s and OHIP eye exams will end September 1”

In March, 96% of Ontario optometrists voted to withdraw OHIP services starting September 1, 2021 — unless the government agreed to legally-binding negotiations to fund these services at least to the cost of delivery. To date that has not happened.

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more info: https://www.kawartha411.ca/2021/06/1...ptember-12021/

I saw a blurb about this some time ago. It appears nothing has gone forward for some time now? I guess I'm sitting on the fence with this, as I find it hard to side with the optometrist's who are famous for gouging with the price of eye glasses that they charge?

It should be available to everyone as a basic need in my opinion. There’s not much you can do without your peepers.

actually has not been covered for people over 18 since Mcquinty first was elected.

Speaking of eye care - yesterday I had the cataract removed from my right eye - two weeks ago had one remove from my left eye - boy what a difference - you start loosing your sight gradually and don't notice it until you can't read the signs along the highway - had the best of care - was surprised how smooth it went and how organized the whole procedure went - didn't cost me anything - medicare paid for it - the operating doctor was great - it took less than a month to schedule the surgery from when I decided to have it done -

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

actually has not been covered for people over 18 since Mcquinty first was elected.

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I admit I'm not right up on the details, but I know it was covered by OHIP if there was a medical issue involved as opposed to just a general eyesight exam. I've been going to the opthamologist bi-annually for the last 15 or so years now as I'm borderline for Glaucoma. He is watching me close to make sure it's caught early, if it finally develops? My visits to the optometrist have been covered by OHIP all along for that reason. I guess that is about to end if the Optometrists have their way?

You are correct for some people and for some existing conditions it is still free. I have to pay for mine and I still need reading glasses.
(Probably because I look so young)

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Originally Posted by Bushmoose

I admit I'm not right up on the details, but I know it was covered by OHIP if there was a medical issue involved as opposed to just a general eyesight exam. I've been going to the opthamologist bi-annually for the last 15 or so years now as I'm borderline for Glaucoma. He is watching me close to make sure it's caught early, if it finally develops? My visits to the optometrist have been covered by OHIP all along for that reason. I guess that is about to end if the Optometrists have their way?

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I just bought a new pair of glasses, of which I'm eligible for every 2 years. They cost a staggering $600 and my share was something like $150--what the things should be worth in the first place.

You have a benefits program that covers part of your cost.

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Originally Posted by sawbill

I just bought a new pair of glasses, of which I'm eligible for every 2 years. They cost a staggering $600 and my share was something like $150--what the things should be worth in the first place.

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Originally Posted by sawbill

I just bought a new pair of glasses, of which I'm eligible for every 2 years. They cost a staggering $600 and my share was something like $150--what the things should be worth in the first place.

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I hope you didn't get graduated lenses (for close up and distance) like I did.... I hate them, makes me feel like Mr Bobble head trying to read things in the stores and worse if it is on the top shelf. Bi-focals or for the need (mostly for reading) next time.

The doctor suggested getting a few from the dollar store for in the car and tackle box (some higher than the specified amount).