News Releases

October 6th, 2021 Toronto, ON – Today, hundreds of optometrists from across Ontario rallied on the lawn of Queen’s Park to demand government action to ensure access to OHIP-insured eye services. Unlike other insured services, the Ontario government does not cover the cost of delivery of an OHIP-insured eye exam....

In late August 2021, Minister Elliott announced that she would make a “one-time payment” of $39 million directly to optometrists. This payment was not negotiated with the OAO and the announcement came as negotiations for a new compensation agreement were reaching a standstill. Further, the Ministry made the announcement with...

“As doctors, it is our number one priority to advocate and defend our patients’ right to quality healthcare. While we are encouraged by the government’s recent interest in this important issue after nearly eight months of silence, we are disappointed in their approach. We have been clear, the OAO is...

TORONTO, Aug. 9, 2021 /CNW/ The Ontario government has once again refused to fund OHIP-insured eye care at least to the cost of delivery, even though 100,000 patients have sent letters asking them to do so. “The outpouring of support from patients is the reason why we have been working around...

Pushed to the brink, optometrists vote to withdraw OHIP services starting September 1st TORONTO, March 30, 2021 /CNW/ – After the Ontario Budget again ignored OHIP-insured eye care, an overwhelming 96% of Ontario optometrists have voted to withdraw OHIP services starting September 1, 2021 — unless the government agrees to...

TORONTO, Jan. 26, 2021 /CNW/ – Ontario optometrists are willing to step up to assist with the rollout of the government’s vaccine implementation plan. “We know that the Ontario government is looking to increase the public’s access to the COVID-19 vaccine,” says Dr. Sheldon Salaba, President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO). “Optometrists can help with...

Ontario's optometrists are launching an urgent appeal to the Ontario government to end the 30-year neglect in funding for eye care. This chronic underfunding, coupled with the devastating impact of COVID-19 on optometrists' ability to see patients, threatens Ontarians' access to these essential health services.

April 20, 2020 – During these challenging times, optometrists are still here to take care of your urgent eye and vision issues. “Last month, the Ontario Government declared optometrists providing emergency care to be an essential workplace,” says Dr. Joshua C. Smith, President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO). “Since...