The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) calls upon Ontarians to take an active role in maintaining their vision health to avoid preventable vision loss. CNIB's state-of-the-art Ontario Medical Mobile Eye Care Unit, also known as the CNIB Eye Van, is at the Ontario Legislature today to help shine light on the important issue of vision health.
"Our population is aging, and the incidence of age-related vision loss is on the rise due to the higher prevalence of eye disease in the senior population," says Dr. Steve Arshinoff, Medical Director, CNIB Eye Van. "People need to act now to protect their vision health. Regular eye examinations by a qualified eye-care professional are key to the early detection and treatment of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss."
Seniors will make up 21 per cent of the population by 2026, as compared to 13 per cent in 2000.(i) In Canada, one in nine people over age 65 will experience irreversible, serious loss of vision; this number climbs to one in four over age 80.(ii) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 50 and the incidence of other age-related eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, is also soaring.(iii)
"As vision loss in Canada increases, so will the demands on the healthcare system. Soaring associated medical, rehabilitation and social costs may have a dramatic impact on the economy," says Cathy Moore, National Director, Consumer and Government Relations, CNIB. "Community-based vision care and rehabilitation services create significant cost savings for the healthcare system and ease pressures on overburdened acute care resources."
"The Government of Ontario understands the need to support prevention and sustainable vision rehabilitation service," says Peter Fonseca, MPP Mississauga East, Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry of Health Promotion. "The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) provides over $5 million annually to CNIB for rehabilitation services."
In addition, the Eye Van receives $340,000 from MOHLTC for its provision of programs in under-serviced regions. The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines has also provided grant support for the Eye Van through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). This year, the Eye Van received $141,000 from NOHFC to refurbish and repair the van, and purchase medical equipment.
The CNIB Eye Van, a state-of-the-art medical eye care clinic on wheels, provides remote areas of Northern Ontario with access to essential eye care by bringing eye care specialists right to their communities. This service provides for an early diagnosis of eye conditions that could lead to blindness if left untreated.
Early referral and access to vision rehabilitation services is also important to help people maximize the use of their remaining vision and adjust gradually to further vision loss. This is especially important for elderly persons who tend to view vision loss as an inevitable part of aging and are unaware that rehabilitation services are available.
"CNIB was my lifeline - they gave me the support, information, and encouragement I needed to resume a 'normal' life," says Pat Cory, a CNIB client for more than 10 years. "When I first received my diagnosis of dry AMD (acute macular degeneration), more than 10 years ago, I was in denial. I quickly realized that I was going to have to make a lot of lifestyle changes."
THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND (CNIB)
CNIB is a nationwide, community-based, registered charity committed to research, public education and the vision health of all Canadians. CNIB provides the essential services and support necessary to enjoy an active life, regardless of vision loss. Founded in 1918, CNIB serves communities across the country, offering access to rehabilitation and training, innovative consumer products, and one of the world's largest digital libraries. To find out more, visit www.cnib.ca.
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(i) CNIB web site at www.cnib.ca.
(ii) Ibid
(iii) Ibid
For further information: Dana Allison, Senior Account Executive,
Edelman, (416) 979-1120, ext. 318, dana.allison@edelman.com
All of the above text is a press release provided by the quoted organization. TheMatureMarket.com accepts no responsibility for their accuracy.
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