09-14-2021 - No. 8 FL inTigY
CITY or. s CANADA
J GAJ
The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
September 14, 2021
No. 8
Moved by: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by: Councillor Wayne Thomson
WHEREAS routine eye care is critical in early detection of eye diseases like glaucoma,
cataracts, and macular degeneration, and the health of eyes is critical to overall health
and quality of life;
WHEREAS Conditions that may be detected with an annual eye exam include Diabetes
mellitus, Glaucoma, Cataract, Retinal disease, Amblyopia (lazy eye), Visual field defects
(loss of part of the usual field of vision), Corneal disease, Strabismus (crossed eyes)
Recurrent uveitis (an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that consists
of the iris, ciliary body and choroid), Optic pathway disease;
WHEREAS payments from OHIP have only increased 9% over the last 30 years, which
has not come close to matching inflation of costs (which include rent, staff, utilities,
equipment, taxes and supplies);
WHEREAS the lack of funding makes it difficult to invest in modern technology, and newer
technology means earlier detection of eye disease;
WHEREAS the Provincial government refusal to formally negotiate with Optometrists for
more than 30 years has forced the Optometrists to absorb approximately 173 million
dollars annually in the cost to deliver eye care to Ontarians;
WHEREAS the 2021 Ontario Budget did not address OHIP-insured eye care, Ontario
Optometrists took action and voted to withdraw OHIP services starting September 1,
2021, unless the government agrees to legally-binding negotiations to fund these services
at least to the cost of delivery;
WHEREAS this job action will jeopardize good eyecare for those who need the care of
an optometrist the most and will have the greatest impact on the most vulnerable groups.
Children—who's lifetime ability to learn and develop depends on good vision—to the
elderly, who are at the greatest risk for vision-threatening ocular diseases.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Niagara Falls requests that the
Provincial government recognize the value that access to quality eye care brings to all
Ontarians and act now to protect it;
AND FURTHER that the Provincial government address the OHIP-insured eye care
immediately and enter into legally-binding negotiations with Ontario Optometrists to fund
these services at least to the cost of delivery, prior to any job action taking place;
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Premier Ford, Ontario Minister of
Health Christine Elliot, MP, Tony Baldinelli, MPP, Wayne Gates, the Ontario Association
of Optometrists, and to the municipalities of the Niagara Region to seek their support and
be made publicly available.
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. Carried Unanimously
(Councillor loannoni was absent)
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WILLIAM G. MATSON JAMES M. DIODATI
CITY CLERK MAYOR