First Nation Remote Optometric Care

Our mission is to bring affordable, accessible vision care to Indigenous communities through mobile clinics. By removing barriers such as travel, parental accompaniment, and cost, we ensure that essential eye care services reach those in need. This document outlines our mission, operations, partnerships, and the humanitarian impact of our efforts in Northern Saskatchewan.

1. Our Mission and Philosophy

The leading cause of visual disability is uncorrected refractive error, which disproportionately affects remote communities. In fact, 80% of classroom learning is visual, and if untreated before grade 3, these issues can result in lifelong educational setbacks. Through our mobile clinics, we provide eye exams and glasses to students and adults, improving access to care and fostering better learning, well-being, and safety.

2. What We Do

Our pop-up clinics, hosted in schools and health centers, bring care directly to the community. We provide comprehensive exams, eyeglass fittings, and diabetic eye care. Additionally, we ensure continuity with virtual solutions, allowing communities to access ongoing support and ordering glasses year-round.

3. Addressing Access Barriers

Many communities in Northern Saskatchewan face significant barriers to accessing eye care, including long travel times, costs, and wait times. Our mobile clinics eliminate the need for travel by bringing optometric services directly to the community, allowing students and adults to receive care without leaving their community.

4. Improving Diabetic Eye Care

We are actively seeking funding to purchase retinal imaging equipment to enhance diabetic eye care in the communities we serve. Early detection of retinal issues is essential to preventing long-term vision loss, especially among diabetic patients. With community support, we plan to bring this technology to remote clinics, ensuring better care quality and outcomes.

5. Community Engagement and Humanitarian Impact

Our clinics contribute to the health, education, and economic well-being of the communities we serve:

*Health: Better vision leads to improved quality of life and prevention of avoidable health issues.
*Education: Clear vision enables better performance in school, promoting lifelong success.
*Economy: Access to vision care improves job opportunities and economic participation.

6. Our Legacy and History

With over 30 years of experience, our team has provided essential eye care services in collaboration with Health Canada and First Nations health clinics. We have served communities in Northern Saskatchewan such as La Ronge, Black Lake, and Stanley Mission. Our long-standing commitment reflects our belief in the importance of accessible healthcare for all.

7. University of Waterloo Partnership

We collaborate with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry to offer students a unique externship experience. Students join our mobile clinics, gaining hands-on experience while helping to deliver essential services to Indigenous communities. This partnership benefits both the students and the communities we serve.

8. Seeking Financial Assistance

We are seeking funding to support the transportation of equipment, lodging, meals, and wages for local assistants. Investing in retinal imaging equipment is a priority to improve care for diabetic patients. By supporting us, stakeholders will help enhance healthcare access while aligning with Truth and Reconciliation goals.

9. Conclusion

Our goal is to continue delivering high-quality eye care to First Nations communities, making a meaningful impact on health, education, and economic outcomes. We invite you to partner with us in this mission to improve access to vision care and foster well-being across Northern Saskatchewan.