Starting today, Ontario Optometrists are officially going to start doing eye-exams covered under OHIP for children and seniors again as a sign of good faith as they enter formal negotiations again with the Ministry of Health.
Optometrists entered the job action back on September 1st which saw them halt all services covered under OHIP. The optometrists say that the province has been underfunding the OHIP services, and they pay around 45% out of pocket.
Health Minister Christine Elliott has said the government is committed to paying $39 million in retroactive costs and is ready to increase the reimbursement by 8.48%, but optometrists say that neither of these are enough to cover the cost of the services.
