News
Supreme Court Sends a Strong Message
Tue, 16 Jun 2009The Hamilton Spectator (June 12, 2009) has reported that Mr. Bruce Bergez - Great Glasses - has had his appeal rejected by the Supreme Court of Canada.
The report states, "Bergez is the founder of the Great Glasses chain of stores, which operates throughout southern Ontario using its well known '3-for-1' business model.
Bergez was asking the Supreme Court for the chance to overturn a November 2006 finding of contempt in Hamilton court that led to the largest fine for a civil contempt case in Canadian history.
Bergez had been fined $1 million and a further $50,000 a day for every day since that he hasn't been in compliance with Ontario legislation governing the prescribing and dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses."
OAO supports Ontario legislation legislation governing the prescribing and dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses.
A refraction test alone does not constitute a medically sound eye exam. Refraction alone does not check for diseases of the eye and vision system, it does not take into account other medically critical factors and is not in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).
A complete eye examination when performed by an optometrist or physician consists of a minimum of 8 elements to ensure the eyes, and visual system, are healthy. These combined elements help form the basis of a prescription for eye wear if needed.
A stand-alone refraction test, in the absence of a complete eye examination, substantially increases the risk of harm by removing the safeguard of early detection and diagnosis of eye diseases. Any changes in vision – such as those that would prompt an individual to seek a new prescription for eye glasses – should be thoroughly evaluated in order to determine the underlying cause.
The full Hamilton Spectator article can be reviewed online here.
