More than 80 per cent of optometrists will withdraw from RAMQ in November

The majority of optometrists in Quebec will withdraw from the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) as of Nov. 22, meaning that patients covered by the public plan will have to pay to obtain services.

The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) announced Wednesday morning that 85 per cent of its members have decided to withdraw from the RAMQ due to the “impasse” in negotiations surrounding the compensation paid to them by Quebec.

According to AOQ President Dr. Guillaume Fortin, the operating costs for optometrists have increased three times faster than the fee-for-service rates granted by the Health Ministry.

In his opinion, the negotiations to renew the agreement, which expired in 2020, are “not moving forward.”

“Optometry services will remain available, but the population currently covered by the public plan will no longer be covered as of Nov. 22 and will therefore have to pay to obtain the services, which we regret,” said Dr. Fortin in a press release.

People under 18 and those aged 65 or over can receive optometric services for free since they’re covered by the public plan, along with income security recipients.

The public plan usually covers one eye exam per year, among other things.

According to the AOQ, clients covered by the public system represents 55 per cent of optometrists’ patients, “a growing proportion.”

“We are asking for reasonable and fair treatment, to continue to play our role throughout Quebec and contribute to relieving congestion in the system,” said Dr. Fortin.

The AOQ has 1,500 members.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews