Belleville city council is supporting Optometrists, local and otherwise, in their ongoing fee dispute with the Ontario government.
Council saw a letter from 23 local optometrists asking for support as they try to have fees paid to them by OHIP increased significantly.
Optometrists have stopped doing exams paid for by OHIP in protest of the low fees, which have only increased slightly in 32 years to about $45 dollars an exam.
Optometrists say their cost for an exam is around $80. OHIP pays for exams for those 19 and under and for seniors, with certain restrictions.
Both councillors Kelly and Thompson stressed the importance of eye care for young and old before council approved a motion that the two sides get back to serious bargaining on the issue.
