Millions unable to book eye exams as negotiations with Ontario government stall
CTV
For the last three weeks, children, teenagers and seniors in Ontario have been unable to book eye appointments with their doctors—and with negotiations between optometrists and the province stalled, it doesn’t appear as though they will be able to do so any time soon.
Susan Hepp has called nearly 50 optometrists trying to get an appointment for her daughter, who is attending university in Toronto. The 19-year-old is taking all virtual classes, and is experiencing challenges with all the screen time.
“I don’t want her suffering for a whole term and not being able to see properly,” Hepp said. “When you have eye strain you start to get headaches and you don’t want to be on screen as long, so it’s hard because she’s in third year so the courses are pretty intensive.”
As part of the Ontario Association of Optometrists’ (OAO) job action, doctors are not providing eye exams to those covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This includes those under the age of 20 and over the age of 65.
Dr. Wes McCann, a member of OAO, said that he understands people are frustrated, but most patients understand why it’s necessary.
