Optometry free after bc diagnosis?

crazy4carrots

Hi All:

I've had 6-month checkups following my trip through bc-land and haven't had to pay (I'm under 65).  The receptionist told me that under-65's don't have to pay under certain conditions, and when I asked her if it was because of bc, she said she assumed so.  Still don't know for sure and am wondering if any of you have experienced the same (in Ontario)?

There is some concern about an area on my retina that apparently "could have" some connection to bc so they're keeping an eye on it (no pun intended)....

leggo

You're lucky....I have to pay for mine. Weird that you don't have to pay under 65....it's usually the opposite. Take it while you can get it!!!  Hope the retina thing turns out to be nothing.

hrf

somone told me that if you take an A.I., then eye exams are covered. I don't know for sure but plan to call the optometrist this week.

leggo

You know Helen, I read that somewhere on the boards, so I mentioned it to my optometrist. It's never covered in Sask. for any reason. Let us know what you find out....I'm really curious.

redninrah

in Ontario- eye exams are not covered after Breast Cancer........

sling99

I'm in Ontario. Went for eye check up last month and told my optometrist that I just started taking tamoxifen for BC that was diagnosed earlier this year. He told me he would bill OHIP for this exam. And, if I should have any eye problems (eg. tamoxifen can speed up formation of cataracts) and need to come back say in a few months for any reason not to worry about cost as he could bill it OHIP from now on. I think the eye-exams are covered if you are taking certain drugs which could affect eye-sight and where it is recommended that you be monitored for any changes.

micheleboots

HMMMM, gotta check this out.

SoCalLisa

They may want to keep track of your eyes..get a baseline etc. when you start especially

tamoxifen..it can cause eye difficulties

Marple

I am on Arimidex.  I just need a referral from either my onc. or G.P.

Edit to add~I live in Ontario.

crazy4carrots

Hi Sharon -- You don't need a referral for an optometry visit.  And the optometrist can simply call your onc's office for verification that you are a BC patient.

Sierra

Im in Ontario

and mine were never covered

Sierra

not on tamo

or any other meds for eyes

Kyta

I just had an eye exam a few weeks ago. Informed the opthamologist about the BC and that I was taking tamox and I paid for the eye exam....no mention of OHIP coverage.

momtomygirls

I had my eyes examined a week after my diagnosis at the same clinic I go to and was surprised that I did not have to pay.  I was never told officially but I didn't question it...I saved $75!

Frankie_

I have not had my eyes examine since my bc dx (Sept/09). I do have an upcoming app't in Nov. The past 2 yrs I have not had to pay for the exam as I have learned that my left eye is lazy. This is a deficit that they have found when my eye is examine under their equipment. I was informed if either eye has a deficit then OHIP covers the cost of the eye exam.

crazy4carrots

Mich -- An ophthalmologist is a specialist MD and if you were referred by your family doc, you shouldn't have had to pay out of pocket.  It would be like going to a surgeon and paying out of pocket.  OHIP covers consultations with specialists.

Frankie -- good to hear from you!  I've been wondering how you're doing.

imbell

In Manitoba Optometrists are not covered under age 65 but patients who need to see opthomalogists for any eye problems related to any diseases or conditions are. We do need a referral from our GP.

barbe1958

I asked for a referral to an eye specialist and my GP gave me a name so I went. They told me before the appointment that as I was on a TON of blood pressure meds and having vision disturbances that OHIP would probably pay. Then the doc sat in front of me for 15 minutes to explain that as he found no problem, he would have to charge me! I told him that was ridiculous!! He didn't put drops in my eyes or check my peripheral vision. He said I could come back and get that done and I said no thanks!!! I paid him $30 of the $75 he wanted and told them that was all I had. He did upgrade my glasses prescription (tweaked it) but I threw it out. I said I didn't come to get my vision checked, I came to get my EYES checked! Boy was I pissed!!!!

Kyta

Thanks for picking up on that Lindasa - I meant to say 'optometrist'.