Eye Exam for refugee claimant

[WishuWereHere]

Hi,
I am a refugee claimant and living in Toronto. My eyes are giving me problem and I wanted to have them checked before it get worse. Does anyone know where is a good place for Refugee claimants to do this exam? I contacted some optometrist they will charge me between $150-$250, is it normal?

any help appreciated

 

[SenoritaBella]

Specialists fees are quite high. Do you have the health insurance that is provided to refugee claimants? Also, try to see a family physician first, explain your problem and then ask them to refer you to a specialist. The doctor may know others who charge cheaper rates.

 

[Boetie]

Welcome to the club! OHIP does not cover eye exams for anyone except young people, seniors and those with specific diseases that effect the eyes like diabetes. We can thank George Smitherman who was Ontario Minister of Health. He was short of money because he blew a billion $ on eHealth and numerous other incredibly expensive scandals but being gay himself, he made sure that OHIP now covers sex change operations since he considered that more important that being able to see. In the past, refugee claimants got extended health care that the rest of us did not get. That was stopped as there have been so many fake refugee claims. It is unfortunate for the real ones but then it is also unfortunate for ordinary citizens who don`t get it either. I don`t think a GP would be able to do much and it would just add to the cost if you are not covered. The specialists fees are not regulated so you have to check the price and compare. There is big difference between the training of an optometrist and an ophthalmologists and the cost varies greatly. If you just need glasses, an optometrist might be OK, if you think you have a disease of the eyes, you might need to see an ophthalmologist.

 

[parker24]

Hi,
I am a refugee claimant and living in Toronto. My eyes are giving me problem and I wanted to have them checked before it get worse. Does anyone know where is a good place for Refugee claimants to do this exam? I contacted some optometrist they will charge me between $150-$250, is it normal?

any help appreciated

Depends on where you are. My husband went to an eye doctor before getting his OHIP (and thus, ODSP, under myself) and it was $85. If you live in a big city, the costs will be higher.

 

[Gary Goldshmidt]

Actually OHIP no longer covers eye exam for anyone except welfare and ODSP cases. This benefit was taken away from seniors. A typical eye exam should be $75.00, if you need to see a specialist that is a whole new ballgame and can be more expensive. I suggest you buy medical insurance if you are interested I deal with several companies that cover eye exams like Blue Cross, GMS and TIC Inpatriate to Canada plan.

 

[parker24]

Actually OHIP no longer covers eye exam for anyone except welfare and ODSP cases. This benefit was taken away from seniors. A typical eye exam should be $75.00, if you need to see a specialist that is a whole new ballgame and can be more expensive. I suggest you buy medical insurance if you are interested I deal with several companies that cover eye exams like Blue Cross, GMS and TIC Inpatriate to Canada plan.

Yes, the only way for my husband to get ODSP was to get OHIP. That's why we had to pay for it.

 

[Gary Goldshmidt]

You can see my other posts, the Canadian government changed legislation last year for welfare applicant and stopped providing free health care. If you look at my other post on this issue most members are in favor of not providing free healthcare to refugee claimants.

Refugees now have to purchase their own medical insurance or pay their own way for all medical expenses.