Dr. Richard Saari Optometry PC

06/17/2026

Please be aware that pink eye isn't just pink eye... there have been 5 reported cases of EKC (epidemic keratoconjunctivitis) in the Welland area recently not necessarily linked to the outbreak in Hamilton. If your symptoms are worse than typical "pink eye" please seek care by your optometrist rather than other professionals so a full corneal evaluation can be conducted and steroid treatment initiated if appropriate. Niagara Region Welland Tribune Oao Optometrists https://www.facebook.com/share/p/192GvcA4dd/

Health officials are investigating a pink eye outbreak linked to the Hamilton Regional Eye Institute at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s King Campus 🏥 42 cases have been confirmed, with another 42 considered probable 😬

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We aim to keep our space respectful. Hate/racism comments are not tolerated and will be removed to the best of our capabilities.

05/30/2026

Is your child nearsighted? Does it seem like their prescription is changing every visit? Myopia control options have been available in Canada for more than 6 years and now we have a new option that has been show to nearly completely stop progression. No drops... just glasses with advanced lens design. Axial length measurements at your child's eye exam can help identify those at risk early and can help monitor to make sure that they are being treated as effectively as possible. Ask your optometrist about myopia management at your child's annual eye exam.

04/24/2026

As of May 1, 2026 the office will no longer be a provider for the Interim Health and Insurance program (IFHP) due to recent changes that increase the administrative burden without appropriate funding. Those seeking care will be required by IFHP to now pay 30% of all previously imposed fees which are unsustainable in our office. Any existing patients using IFHP can contact the office regarding their options and all new requests will be rejected but those requests will be directed to other offices known to still accept the program. We do regret this decision and hope to be able to reverse it in the future if the situation changes.

02/14/2026

Happy Family Day Weekend. The office is closed Feb 14 to 16 and will reopen Tuesday Feb 17.

02/11/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Many eye-related visits to emergency rooms could be handled through community eye care. Supporting optometry reduces pressure on hospitals and keeps care close to home. Visit www.YourVisionMatters.ca to join the campaign.

02/09/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Vision care is key to independence for Ontario seniors. Protecting sight ensures people stay active, healthy, and connected to their communities. Access to eye care matters now and in the years ahead. Visit www.YourVisionMatters.ca to sign up.

02/07/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Eye care is more than just a prescription. Regular eye exams are an important part of preventive health care. Access to timely care makes a real difference. Visit www.YourVisionMatters.ca to get involved.

02/05/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Up to 80% of learning is visual. Access to regular eye care sets them up for success in and out of the classroom. Strong vision care supports strong futures. Visit www.YourVisionMatters.ca to learn more.

01/06/2026

One of the main reasons for routine eye care… not all problems are obvious since visual acuity (what you can see… ie 20/20) isn’t affected until much later in the disease process. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17YP7orZ5F/?mibextid=wwXIfr

12/15/2025

Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) and the Canadian Association of Optometrists have been continuing to discuss a collaborative approach to protecting patients and benefit plans. While optometrist's continue to advocate for the simplest solution for submission and verification of eligibility and payment, not all insurances have functioning optimal solutions.

To ensure maximum compliance with all Health Insurances we will no longer able to check for patient eligibility online with the exception of Green Shield since the others do not have a unique option to check eligibility without submitting at the same time.

In the past we would submit the assumed amount and then reverse the claim submission and resubmit when services were rendered. This is onerous on staff and if cases were not reversed appropriately then we run the risk of falling foul to the CLHIA fraud standards and risk being removed from being able to submit directly on a patients behalf. Insurance cannot be used as a deposit on products or services.

We will continue to receive updates from the CAO and hope to be able to resume eligibility checks once CLHIA portals allow for a simple process. Patients should be able to check on their insurance provider aps to determine if they are eligible prior to scheduling or receiving services.

CLHIA and the CAO want to remind users and providers to continue to avoid risky practices which can jeopardize the client or the provider such as Billing Misrepresentation (ie. using a family members insurance for another family member's service), Adjusting service dates or Invoicing for non-prescription sunglasses.

Patients are reminded that benefit plans vary and it is their responsibility to confirm eligibility and limits before incurring expenses. Providers are reminded that "Use it or Lose it" messaging is inappropriate as it may encourage unnecessary use of benefits.

If you have any questions or concerns please call, text or DM the office and we will attempt to resolve any concerns or direct you to your insurance provider for more information.