The FADOQ deplores the withdrawal of the optometrists of the RAMQ

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If optometrists opt out of the RAMQ, seniors 65 years and older will have to pay out of pocket for their examination.

Shanny Hallé

Wednesday, 14 February, 2018 18:17

UPDATE
Wednesday, 14 February, 2018 18:19

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The withdrawal of the optometrists of the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), effective march 10, will have negative impacts on older people, said the FADOQ Estrie.

• READ ALSO: Withdrawal of optometrists MEDICARE: emergency more gridlocked?

A complete eye exam costs about 95 $. If optometrists opt out of the RAMQ, seniors 65 years and older will have to pay out of pocket for their examination.

“It’s going to give it another shot in my budget for retirement,” said a woman encountered by TVA News.

In the eastern Townships, an elder on two lives with a $ 30,000 per year, according to the FADOQ.

“I have worked in residence, and I saw some seniors who are not able to pay for an appointment with the hairdresser. Imagine for the eyes, for the health, it is unthinkable,” said Paul Legault, president of the FADOQ Estrie.

According to him, the seniors may be forced to space their appointments with the optometrist, or even cancel, while the age leads to several eye problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration glaucoma.