News Releases
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Sarah Calderwood, Senior Communications Manager
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Ontario Optometrists and Government Enter Negotiations
The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) and the Ministry of Health have agreed to enter formal negotiations regarding OHIP funding of optometric care. As a sign of good faith, the OAO is pausing its job action as of November 23, 2021, ensuring that millions of Ontarians insured by OHIP can...
Read More >>Statement on Behalf of Dr. Sheldon Salaba, President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists
Please click below to read a statement from OAO President, Dr. Sheldon Salaba OAO Statement – October 18, 2021
Read More >>Ontario Optometrists Rally to Demand Government Take Action on Ontario’s Eye Care Crisis
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....
Read More >>Statement on behalf of Dr. Sheldon Salaba, President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists
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...
Read More >>Statement on behalf of Dr. Sheldon Salaba, President, Ontario Association of Optometrists
“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...
Read More >>Ontario Government Continues to Ignore Patients’ Calls to Properly Fund Eye Care
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...
Read More >>Ontario Budget Fails to Save Eye Care for Patients
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...
Read More >>Optometrists ready to roll up their sleeves to help vaccinate Ontarians
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...
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