At One Vision Eyecare, we understand the importance of eye care accessibility and want to keep you informed about the changes to OHIP coverage for eye care services starting on September 1, 2023. As optometrists, our priority is to ensure you receive the high-quality eye care you need and help you plan accordingly for these upcoming changes.
Understanding the OHIP Changes
With the new OHIP changes, patients between 20 and 64 years old will have an OHIP-covered comprehensive eye exam every 12 months if they have one or more of the following conditions:
- Glaucoma requiring or having had treatment with medication, laser (excluding prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy)
- Diabetes
- Retinal disease that is acute or chronically progressive
- Corneal disease that is acute or chronically progressive
- Cataracts that significantly impact visual acuity
- Uveitis that is acute or chronic during episodes of active inflammation
- Optic pathway disease that is acute or chronically progressive
- Acquired cranial nerve palsy resulting in strabismus during the acute phase or until the condition resolves or stabilizes
- Ocular drug toxicity screening for patients taking hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, ethambutol, or tamoxifen
For seniors aged 65 and over without medical or eye conditions, eye exams will be covered by OHIP every 18 months. Two minor follow-up assessments are permitted between major eye examination periods.
Cost of Comprehensive Eye Exams
For non-OHIP insured patients, the cost of a comprehensive eye exam at One Vision Eyecare is $150. All exams include optical coherence tomography (OCT) and retinal photography, which are essential for detecting a range of eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and eye cancer.
Visual Field Assessment
A visual field test, which evaluates your entire field of vision, is an additional part of your comprehensive eye exam if deemed necessary. Patients with eligible medical conditions are insured under OHIP. The cost of a visual field assessment is $65 when conducted alongside a comprehensive eye exam.
Contact Lens Exam & Fitting
For those interested in contact lenses, a comprehensive eye exam with a contact lens assessment at One Vision Eyecare is $200. It’s crucial to ensure a proper fit to avoid complications such as infection, corneal ulcers, lens intolerance, or dry eye.
Dry Eye Diagnosis & Treatment
Dry eye diagnosis and treatment at One Vision Eyecare involve a comprehensive eye exam with a dry eye evaluation using the Ocular Surface Analyzer, priced at $200. Treatment options range from nutrition and lifestyle advice to IPL and LLLT therapy, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy tear production. IPL and LLLT therapy are $350 per treatment or $1050 for a package bundle of four treatments.
Managing OHIP Changes as a Patient
If you’re not covered under OHIP for your comprehensive eye exams, private insurance plans may offer coverage for eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, or contact lenses. Reviewing your current health insurance plan can help determine what coverage is available to you.
Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy eyes and vision. At TCFFCA, we’re committed to providing you with high-quality eye care and helping you navigate the changes to OHIP coverage.
Leave a Reply