is strength in numbers . It ’ s now more important than ever for all of Ontario ’ s optometrists to become members of OAO , which is a voluntary association . We have found that membership rates have remained steady over the past few years , though the number of Ontario optometrists has grown significantly . Part of my challenge as president is to convey to all optometrists the importance of joining OAO . The success of our advocacy work depends on it .
Q . How can these challenges be overcome ?
A . The Ontario Association of Optometrists has taken a page out of the 2016 Ontario Auditor General ’ s Report that recommended the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care ( MOHLTC ) work with health-care professionals to ensure that OHIP funding is prioritized in the areas of greatest medical need . By re-patriating some of the existing optometry budget to areas that optometrists find most difficult to finance on their own , we can ensure that optometrists are able to provide the best care for their patients , while being compensated true to the costs of delivering the service . front-line use of generic medications . First , patients have to try a less expensive drug and then move along a list of progressively more expensive ( but more effective ) drugs , if the desired treatment effect is not met . I ’ m seeing this mostly with glaucoma medications , where the duration of treatment is very long . The trouble with this is that it can really slow down a patient ’ s treatment plan . This type of approach at cost containment is not entirely surprising as the costs of medications continues to increase , which is a concern for insurers and for those paying the premiums . There will be challenges in managing this if more drug plans adopt the approach , as it adds a significant administrative burden to the optometrist ’ s workload .
On the OAO membership front we ’ re diligently working to expand our member benefits so that optometrists get the most value out of their membership . Our professional liability insurance program is hands-down the best for optometrists in Canada . New graduates can join the program for only $ 50 , and it comes with built in coverage for College complaints , general liability and 24-7 legal advice on any topic . We will be making major improvements to our office liability insurance in the coming year . Our web-based therapeutic drug application , which gives optometrists quick and easy access to the list of drugs we are able to prescribe , has become so indispensable that we ’ ve shared it with other provincial associations . Finally , we are the only organization that represents the interests of Ontario optometrists to government . From my perspective , there is no reason not to be an OAO member .
Q . Have you noticed any upward trends regarding eye issues in Ontario patients ? What are the reasons for these ?
A . One issue I ’ ve seen is with patient ’ s drug benefits plans . More plans are starting to require
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