On November 10, Ontario MPPs joined optometrists at their practices to learn about the work eye care professionals do in their community and to discuss the role optometrists play in Ontario’s health care system.

The initiative also generated positive exposure for the profession in consumer press. A local newspaper highlighted the political visitor; “Optometrists provide critical services that ensure the health of residents in Nipissing.  Given more than 2.2 million Ontarians live with one of the major eye diseases, it’s always a privilege to meet with them and thank them for their commitment to our community,” said Nipissing MPP Victor Fedeli, who visited Dr. Gary Pearce’s practice in North Bay.

A major concern is reducing the over 100,000 unnecessary emergency room visits Ontarians make each year for eye health problems that could have been prevented by an optometrist, which cost the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) $17.5 million in 2014.

This Optometry Day event came about as part of the recommendations from the Optometry Association of Ontario’s white paper Optimizing Optometry’s Role in Ontario.

Further information: https://www.baytoday.ca/more-local/optometry-day-in-nipissing-sparks-talk-of-eye-health-74563