Today’s letters: Nothing wrong with having a choice on cataract lenses

No pressure over private lens sale

Re: Extra cataract care costs slammed, Feb. 21.

I recently had cataract operations (both eyes) at a private clinic. I was told there were different lenses available, including a lens that OHIP would pay for. I had astigmatism which the OHIP lens would not correct, meaning that, with that lens, I would require glasses for good distance vision.

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Also available was a lens that would correct for astigmatism and allow me to go without glasses — except for near vision (reading, including small print on a computer). That lens would require more precise eye measurements, at a cost, and the lens itself was not cheap. Instead of zilch for the OHIP lens, the cost for the lenses that would correct for astigmatism, including more involved measurement procedures, plus the “planning” that would be required, was $2,070 for two eyes.

The clinic did not press me to choose that option. I was able to afford it and, rather than going with the free OHIP lenses, I freely chose and agreed to pay extra for the lenses that free me from having to wear glasses to see clearly in the distance.

I did not feel pressured. I was happy to have the option of OHIP lenses at no charge. I was happy to have the option of paying for better lenses. I do not feel I contributed to the deterioration of our public health system by choosing that option.

Stephen McNamee, Ottawa

Stop the half-truths, election candidates

My limited experience cold-calling for a federal party informs what I am about to say.

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Neither Canadian voters generally nor the various opposition leaders know squat about government and how difficult it is to maintain the confidence of the House at both the federal and provincial level in a job that becomes more difficult daily. Instead, they clamour at the door, saying they can do better. When in Canadian history has that ever actually happened?

Here in Ontario, both federally and provincially, we might soon have first-time leaders who say they know the jobs before them exquisitely and will instantly master them. What a load of high-rodent guano.

What I’d like to hear from them instead of slogans and half-truths is an honest accounting of their education, experience, background, achievement and energy. And every candidate in every jurisdiction must be bilingual.

Thomas Brawn, Orléans

Sending cheques to the deceased

Last week, I received an Ontario government $200 cheque for my wife, even though she passed away last May. With the funeral’s home help, we had cancelled health cards, driver’s licence etc.

I managed to get in touch with my MPP, who said he would be in touch with the government. I left messages with one government person who wasn’t available and also tried another. I haven’t received a reply.

At least one other person in my building has also been given a cheque for a family member who died. How many of us are there? What do we do? If we can cash it, I will give the money to a food bank, which needs it more than I do.

Michel René de Cotret, Ottawa

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