Originally Posted by
Dave Nelson
Sight testing a loss leader? During a newspaper interview, I once told the reporter that, yes, opticians did hope to sell more eyeglasses by offering free testing, and no, it wasn't being offered as a humanitarian gesture for the betterment of all mankind.
Next day, "sight testing a "money-making gimmick," claims optician."
Man did I hear about that one.
Now, as to the importance of eye exams. Canada has socialized medicine. Federal law dictates that all Canadians are entitled to free health care, and that the standard of health care be second to none in the world. It is a requirement that all the Provinces provide health care, although there is some leeway as to what may be covered, although ALL essential healthcare must be provided free, while some coverage, such as chiropractic services may or may not be a covered service. All jurisdictions have a board that makes these determinations, as well as setting the fee structure for various procedures, and all of these boards use physicians, including ophthalmologists.
ALL 10 PROVINCES has de-insured eye examinations as an insured benefit for adults between 19 and 65. Independantly.
All 10 jurisdictions, with extensive medical consutation, have de-insured routine eye examinations in a country where the law says you MUST provide all essential health services. When cutting back, its usually the FIRST thing to go. Now that doesn't mean I agree, but for heavens sake, lets try to keep some perspective here.