Optometrists in Ontario are poised to immediately withdraw services covered by provincial health insurance, following a breakdown in talks with the government. The Ontario Association of Optometrists says it's aware of the inconvenience to patients but argues the government has left it with no other choice. The provincial health plan covers annual eye exams for youth aged 19 and under, seniors aged 65 and older, and for people with specific health conditions. The province has said it will pay optometrists $39 million to retroactively account for increased costs of services. I urge the (Ontario Association of Optometrists) to commit to working with us to reach an agreement," Elliott wrote.

Source: CBC News August 31, 2021 18:45 UTC