News Releases

“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...

January 8, 2020 – Booking an eye exam with an optometrist is a simple resolution that’s easy to keep and can help protect not only your vision, but your overall health and wellness too. “Many people think of eye exams as a vision check to see if glasses or contact lenses...

October 28, 2019 – Although there are many factors that can cause a fall, vision loss is often the primary cause. Even the smallest change in a person’s vision can increase the risk of a fall, especially in seniors. “Seniors with visual impairment are twice as likely to fall,” says Dr. Joshua...