Dear Patients:
I am writing a letter to you about an eye care crisis in the province of Ontario after 30 years of neglect by the government of Ontario.
Since 1989, optometrists are getting the same reimbursements for the OHIP-covered eye exam-$45.
Remember-in 1989, the minimum wage was $5 an hour and now 32 years later, the minimum wage is $15 an hour. A chocolate bar in 1989 was 40 cents and now it is about $1.25. Most goods and services have increased by at least 3-fold.
The Ontario government has not adjusted our fees to inflation for 30 years but our expenses (rent, utilities, wages, etc.) have gone up 3-fold.
Can you understand our frustration?
This is not sustainable. Ultimately, patient care will suffer. With the expected ongoing restrictions due to COVID 19, many practices will be forced to shut down because we cannot cover the costs of running our practices.
Therefore, optometrists have voted to withdraw all OHIP services on September 1, 2021 to protest 30 years of Ontario government neglect and disrespect.
This job action will force the government to start negotiating fairly with us. If you support our action, please:
- Go to www.saveeyecare.ca and sign the online petition.
- Contact the Minister of Health, the Hon. Christine Elliott 416-327-4100.
Thank you and I hope I can count on your support.
Sincerely, Lucia Kim Optometrist