Nickel Belt MPP calls for better eye care for people with diabetes in Sudbury
New Democrat MPP France Gelinas is calling on the province to provide better eye care for people living with diabetes in the Sudbury area.
She said retinal scans are covered by OHIP when performed by an ophthalmologist, but cost patients out of pocket if they are performed by an optometrist. It can cost between $60 and $120.
Gelinas said many low-income diabetics patients have reached out to her saying they have passed on these exams because they simply can't afford them. She said wait times can be up to six months to see an ophthalmologist in Sudbury.
"Either make it that the optometrist can do the scan and bill the government so that the person doesn't have to pay," said France Gelinas. "Or bring one of those -- they are called teleophthalmology clinics -- bring one of those clinics to Sudbury. We have a very high rate of people with diabetes in our region."
Gelinas said there are currently 15 such sites across Ontario.
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