Eye Van seeing patients in RR next week

News Release
CNIB

As part of its 40th anniversary tour, the CNIB Eye Van (Ontario Medical Mobile Eye Care Unit) will be stopping in Rainy River. This program provides critical eye care to remote areas of Northern Ontario where these types of services aren’t typically available. Eye Van ophthalmologists conduct vision exams, treat eye conditions, perform minor surgeries and offer much-needed medical advice and information about how to help maintain vision health.
“CNIB would like to thank the Royal Canadian Legion, Major Hughes Branch 54, and the entire community of Rainy River for supporting the Eye Van. Your support and dedication is truly remarkable and we would not be able to serve 5,000 patients every year without your commitment,” says Monique Pilkington, CNIB Eye Van Manager.
CNIB would also like to recognize its major sponsor, Sun Life Financial, for its generous gift of $100,000. “We are thrilled to welcome Sun Life Financial as our newest partner for the CNIB Eye Van. For many Eye Van patients, this service means a chance at early detection if an eye condition is present – and a much greater opportunity to receive treatment and avoid sight loss,” says Pilkington.
“Celebrating 40 years in operation, it’s clear that the CNIB Eye Van program is an invaluable resource to many Ontarians,” says Mary De Paoli, Executive Vice-President, Chief Marketing Officer and Public & Corporate Affairs, Sun Life Financial. “We’re strongly committed to promoting health and wellness in our communities, so we’re proud to support CNIB and its team of exceptional health professionals in improving access to critical eye care and raising awareness about vision loss prevention.”
The CNIB Eye Van will be in Rainy River July 23, 2012 - July 26, 2012 at the Town of Rainy River Garage. Anyone with vision health problems should contact their doctor or optometrist for a referral to the Eye Van. The Northern Diabetes Health Network will also be on site at the Eye Van location to provide diabetes education and screening for Eye Van patients and community members.
The CNIB Eye Van is a fully-equipped medical eye care clinic on wheels. It is a custom-made transport truck and 48-foot trailer with reception and waiting areas, a vision screening area, and a doctor’s examination room.
The program was established in 1972 in partnership with the Ontario Medical Association as well as many community partners.
About CNIB
CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To learn more, visit cnib.ca or call the toll-free CNIB Helpline at 1-800-563-2642.