Eye van coming to RR July 26th

News Release
CNIB

Every year, the CNIB Eye Van is a welcome sight to residents of 30 remote communities as it rolls 6,000 km across Northern Ontario. Now, thanks to the support of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ontario Diabetes Strategy, CNIB and the Northern Diabetes Health Network (NDHN) have expanded their partnership to ensure that residents of Northern Ontario receive valuable diabetes education and screening services in addition to medical eye care.
Staffed by a rotating team of 25 visiting ophthalmologists and two CNIB ophthalmic assistants, the CNIB Eye Van provides vision screening, treatments and minor surgery to an average of 5,000 people every season. Ninety percent of patients screened on the Eye Van are identified with conditions that could lead to serious vision loss if left untreated.
“We are delighted to be able to support this outstanding collaboration between CNIB and NDHN,” says Dr. Joshua Tepper, Health Human Resources Strategy Division, MOHLTC. “People who have diabetes have an elevated risk of developing major eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Together, we can increase awareness in rural areas.”
Since the CNIB Eye Van began the 2010 Tour of Northern Ontario on March 15, NDHN member programs have enhanced access to diabetes screening and education in communities including Englehart, Iroquois Falls and Cochrane. The response to the new diabetes initiative has been outstanding.
Susan Griffis, Chief Executive Officer, NDHN noted that, “During the first 5 weeks of the enhanced CNIB/NDHN Collaborative this year, 412 people, or 57% of Eye Van patients were assessed for diabetes. Of those assessed, 43% were found to have diabetes, and another 45% were at risk of developing diabetes. These patients have been referred to the NDHN diabetes programs to help them learn how to manage their diabetes and the risks associated with the disease.”
When will it arrive?
Do you have diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration or a family history of eye disease? Are you experiencing abnormal vision? Contact your family doctor, optometrist or nurse practitioner for a referral to the CNIB Eye Van.
An ophthalmologist will examine your eyes onsite.
You may also be screened for diabetes or have your blood sugar checked if you are diabetic. The Northern Diabetes Health Network is offering diabetes education and screening services at the Eye Van location this year as part of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s Ontario Diabetes Strategy.
Appointments on the Eye Van are limited. Patients who need routine eye examinations or prescription glasses should see an optometrist. Priority is given to patients with medical eye concerns and referrals.
The Eye Van will visit Rainy River from July 26th to 29th. Contact your doctor or optometrist for a referral now! Appointments fill up quickly. Eye Van appointments are booked by Dianna Gamsby at 807-852-3222.
The Eye Van will be parked at the Rainy River Garage/Fire Hall, 6th St.
For more information about the Eye Van go to www.cnib.ca.