News Release

Improved Eye Care Services for Small Northern Towns

July 24, 2009

McGuinty Government Invests In CNIB Mobile Unit Upgrades

NEWS  

Residents in small northern communities serviced by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Medical Mobile Eye Care Unit will benefit from improved diagnostic and treatment services.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is providing $113,250 to improve the CNIB Eye Van.  It will get upgraded medical equipment such as lasers and surgical instruments that will result in better treatment and care.

A group of 20 participating ophthalmologists, assisted by two CNIB ophthalmic assistants, use the van to provide vision screening, treat eye conditions and perform minor surgery in small northern communities where local services are not available.

QUOTES

“Our investment is helping deliver needed quality eye care to northern residents in communities where there are no ophthalmology professionals.”
- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and Chair of the NOHFC.  

"I am delighted that our government is again working in partnership with the staff of the CNIB Eye Van to provide this much-needed service across the North."
- Rick Bartolucci, MPP for Sudbury

QUICK FACTS

• From March to November, the CNIB Eye Van logs more than 6,000 kilometres visiting 30 communities to treat about 5,000 patients.
• In 2005, the NOHFC provided $141,000 to the CNIB to refurbish its transport truck, upgrade the 48-foot trailer and update some essential diagnostic equipment.
  

LEARN MORE

• Read about the services of the CNIB
• NOHFC funding is provided under its Infrastructure and Community Development Program.
  

Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Michel Lavoie, Communications Branch, 705-564-7125   

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