These links are misleading. In BC the government only pays about $46 for a full exam (the fee increased last year), BUT an OD can charge whatever they want, and the patient must pay the difference. It's just like dentistry. So, If I charge $100 for a full exam, and the patient is covered under provincial MSP, then they must pay ~$54 OUT OF POCKET. MSP only pays ~$31 for visual fields, but I can charge whatever I want, and the patient must pay the difference...again, just like dentistry, at least here in BC.
My understanding is that with US vision plans, balanced billing is not permitted, so that if VSP or whoever pays $67, then that's all you can get.
One more thing. I am booked SOLID about 2-4 weeks in advance. I see ~ 20-22 patients everyday. My associate, who has been working with me only since June, is fully-booked everyday. My colleagues in the northern part of the province are booked solid for ~4 months.
It doesn't matter what you charge for services, if no one is in your chair you won't make money, and according to this forum, there are lots of ODs in the US twiddling their thumbs, seeing only a few patients/day.
I'm sure there are still excellent opportunities in the US within private practice in the US, but if the OP is considering a move back to Canada, then I want them to be informed that there is great potential here.
Lastly, socal2014, you seem to have a vendetta against optometry in Canada. When you get out in the real world and start looking for work in California, the reality of optometry there will depress you. PM me at that time, I may be able to put you to work