Press Release
It could prevent vision loss for someone living in your community.
The CNIB Eye Van is touring Northern Ontario in an effort to educate residents about vision health and how it relates to diabetes.
The van will be set up in the Rainycrest parking lot in Fort Frances tomorrow through Friday (July 6-8) and then again July 11-15.
It also will be in Rainy River from July 18-21.
The CNIB Eye Van is a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art 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.
Staffed by a rotating team of visiting ophthalmologists and CNIB ophthalmic assistants, the Eye Van travels more than 6,000 km to 30 communities, examining more than 5,000 patients.
This service provides for an early diagnosis of eye conditions that could lead to blindness if left untreated.
The CNIB has partnered with the Northern Diabetes Health Network (NDHN), and has adopted the Ontario Diabetes Strategy-3 Key Benchmarks as part of the 2011 tour.
Diabetes educators will speak to Eye Van patients about the importance of blood tests that measure your blood sugar control and bad cholesterol, as well as regular retinal eye exams.
The most damaging eye condition caused by diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which can result in vision loss ranging from mild to severe.
Anyone experiencing problems with their vision can obtain a referral through a family doctor, specialist, nurse practitioner, optometrist, diabetes educator, public health nurse, nursing home, First Nations’ nursing station, CNIB staff, and external agencies.
