Operating costs are three times higher than fees established by the Health Ministry, according to the Association des optométristes du Québec.
Most Quebec optometrists will withdraw from the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec, the province’s health insurance plan, effective Nov. 22, meaning children, older adults and people on social assistance will now have to pay for those services.
The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) announced Wednesday that 85 per cent of its membership had decided to withdraw from RAMQ because of the “impasse” in negotiations with the province concerning compensation from the government.
According to AOQ president Dr. Guillaume Fortin, operating costs for optometrists are three times higher than the fees established by the Health Ministry.
Negotiations that began in 2020 to renewing the agreement “are not advancing,” he said.
“Optometrist services remain available, but the population currently covered by the public plan will, beginning Nov. 22, have to pay to obtain services and we’re sorry,” Fortin said in a statement.
RAMQ covered optometrist services for those younger than 18 and over 65 as well as people on social assistance. RAMQ usually covers the cost of an annual eye examination.
According to the AOQ, about 55 per cent of optometrists’ patients are covered by the public plan.
“We’re looking for fair and reasonable treatment to continue to play our role across Quebec and help unclog the system,” Fortin said.
The AOQ has 1,500 members.