Eye care in Ontario is at risk
With strict physical distancing and infection control guidelines, optometrists are returning to work with patient volumes reduced by 50 per cent, resulting in the loss of nearly two million comprehensive eye exams over the next 12 months.
Eye Care Underfunding Ontario
Optometrists are the backbone of Ontario’s vision care and eye health system. But for more than 30 years, governments have failed to invest in eye care. As a result, OHIP now only covers half the cost of an eye exam (for those who are covered). Optometrists pay the rest out of their own pocket. Before the pandemic, this situation was unfair and unsustainable, but now it is at a breaking point, with physical distancing, extra costs for PPE and reduced patient capacity. Many businesses will not be able to survive this, and access to care will become limited. Please help us save eye care in Ontario by signing the petition to tell the government to work with us to find a sustainable solution
Eye Exams in Whitby – OPEN NOW
Whitby Vision Care is now open as of June 3rd for comprehensive eye exams, ocular health exams, contact lens assessments, police vision tests, RCMP vision assessments, and glasses and eyewear shopping!
We will continue to provide tele-optometry for those unable to come to the clinic.
Our office will look a little different, as we are taking extra precautions for everyone’s health and safety. Here is what you can expect when you come in:
- We will ask screening questions before you come in, and on arrival
- We will take your temperature with a non-contact thermometer before entering the office
- We have installed plexiglass shields at the front desk, as well as extra shields on examining equipment, imaging machines, and glasses measurement tools.
- Our protocol for routine sanitation after each visit has been increased.
- All frames will be sanitized after contact before being returned to the display.
- All of our team members will be wearing a mask and face shield.
- We have significantly reduced the number of patients permitted in the office at a time, to allow for physical distancing
We have a few things to ask from you to help us maintain the health and safety of the community.
- Please wear a face mask at all times in the office. If you do not bring one, they will be available for purchase
- Come alone to your appointment, unless assistance is required
- Sanitize your hands before entering the office
- Call us for an appointment before presenting to the office (even for picking up glasses or adjustments). Entrance to the office is by appointment only
If you have any of the following:
- Fever
- New cough
- Worsening chronic cough
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Pink eye
- Sore throat
- Decreased sense of smell or taste
- Chills
- Unexplained fatigue
- Diarrhea, or abdominal pain
- Runny nose without known cause
- Any close contact with someone that has been outside of Ontario in the last 14 days
- Any close contact with someone with acute respiratory illness
- Confirmed COViD-19
- Any close contact with anyone who has COViD-19
We can discuss the option of a tele-optometry assessment.
Things look a little different, but we are happy to still be able to provide you with the service you trust from us! We have new temporary office hours, so please Call us for an appointment!
Can I Get An Eye Exam During Covid?
Directive #2 has been revised, and Ontario optometrists can now begin seeing patients for non-urgent care. We will be following the requirements from the Ministry of Health, under guidance of the College of Optometrists of Ontario. These guidelines are designed to protect the public and ensure we are providing the safest care possible.
Here’s what to expect:
What has changed?
- Patients will be asked if they are ill or have COVID-19 symptoms when booking appointments, and likely when they arrive at the office.
- Patients will be asked to make appointments, rather than come for walk-in care, and will be asked to come at the appointment time (not early or late). This will help ensure the waiting room has the fewest number of people at any one time.
- When you schedule an appointment, your optometrist will ask you to bring your own mask. If you do not have a mask, they may be able to provide one (for a fee), or may have to reschedule your appointment.
- A hand sanitizing station will be available at the office entrance. You will be required to sanitize your hands when you enter the office.
- Optometrists and staff that you interact with will be wearing personal protective equipment (like masks or other shields) that covers their mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Optometrists may perform different tests and procedures than in the past, choosing to do only those that are needed in the moment and waiting to perform others until a later time.
What if I need to have an eye exam to renew my driver’s licence?
The Government of Ontario has extended the time your driver’s licence is valid. If your licence is expiring soon, you do not need to renew it until the government has resumed these services.
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