Two patients at the Toronto Western Hospital have become the first in Canada to receive the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis Device.

Both patients lost their vision due to retinitis pigmentosa. The prosthesis will not restore their sight, but will allow them to once again perceive light.

A prosthesis the size of a pencil eraser is implanted into the retina. Then each patient is given a pair of glasses with a built-in video camera. Information from the camera is wirelessly transmitted to electrodes in the implant and converted to electrical pulses. These pulses are turned into images, which are transmitted to the brain. The patient must undergo intensive rehabilitation to learn how to process these images.

 

The implants have already produced results. Orly Shamir, one of the patients, can detect a moving square on a computer screen, which she was unable to see at all before. She can also see the movement of a line across the screen, as well as black and white stripes on a board.

“The device stimulates the retina the same way that light normally does, just electronically,” said Dr. Robert Devenyi, a member of the team of physicians who performed the surgery.

Source: http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/bionic-eye-implants-let-canadian-patients-perceive-light-1.2052819

 

In Saskatchewan, the government is now fully covering the cost of annual eye examinations for diabetic adults.

This measure is the result of an agreement between the government and the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO). Up to now, eye exams were only covered by the government when provided by ophthalmologists. This was a financial barrier for some patients.

“Doctors of optometry will continue to collaborate and communicate with ophthalmologists, family physicians and other health care providers to ensure the best possible patient outcomes for the eye health of our patients,” said Dr. Kevin Woodard, SAO president.

The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) says it is pleased to see the government’s decision. According to the CDA, approximately 90,000 people – that is, 8.2 per cent of the province’s population – have been diagnosed with diabetes, and that number is expected to rise to 10.9 per cent by 2024. A regular eye exam can help preserve vision for many of them. “By the time someone with diabetic retinopathy notices changes in their vision, the opportunity for prevention has been lost,” said Warren Wagner, CDA regional director.

The cost to the government of covering eye examinations between 2014 and 2016 is estimated at about $1.15 million.

 

Source:

http://globalnews.ca/news/1601151/saskatchewan-expands-vision-care-for-diabetics/

On October 16, specialized media, the general population, and eyecare professionals gathered for the official launch of a major awareness campaign being rolled out across Canada.

 

Exposure to blue light coming from the various electronic devices affects our vision health. The campaign – called Blue Light Exposed – is intended to raise public awareness about this reality and to provide eyecare professionals with the tools they need to better inform their patients.

 

The initial media portion of the campaign has been launched and will continue through to December. News clips will be released to various television and radio stations. In addition, optometrists will be invited to keep raising awareness in their practices in 2015, by using tools developed for that purpose, including a video clip that will be available in a few weeks, according to our information.

 

A website is already up (www.bluelightexposed.com) and contains a great deal of information on the subject, plus a special section for eyecare professionals.

 

The results of a study conducted by University of Montreal professors will soon be available, and other awareness activities are planned.

 

This Canada-wide campaign is sponsored by lens manufacturers Essilor Canada, Nikon Optical, and Shamir Canada.