C
anadians are known
around the world
being leaders in
as
providing resources
and care to those in
need.
A team of Canadian eyecare
providers (ECPs) are continuing
this tradition through the Canadian
Vision Care program (CVC).
The team, founded by Gerry
Leinweber, Gord Hensel, Andy
Patterson and Brad Almond began
their journey in 1979 while Andy and
Gerry were interning in Jamaica as
students attending the University of
Waterloo School of Optometry.
When the project they were
working with was cancelled, the group
decided to carry on at the request of
the Lions Club of Montego Bay.
“It was a pretty big job but we
decided to do it right and create a
charity,” said Leinweber, adding out
of this CVC was born.
The group started small raising
money, awareness and offering eye
exams and surgery to those in need
in a variety of locations including
returning to Jamaica this past
December, Costa Rica and parts of
Africa.
Since then the organization has
done more than $60 million worth of
work supported through fundraising
events such as golf tournaments and
private donations.
The team continues to recruit for
the program as well as see exceptional
support from across the industry.
This has allowed them to make
regular trips to areas in desperate
need of resources and medical support
from very basic care to more serious
solutions.
The break down generally runs
80 per cent eye exams and 20 per cent
surgery. The team is working to help
those in the developing world better
understand the importance of eyecare
and preventative care.
One of the most common and
preventable ailments the team treats
on a regular basis is glaucoma.
“These populations tend to
have seven times the normal levels of
glauncoma,” he said.
Leinweber noted that through
simple education it is easy to
reduce these numbers and prevent
unnecessary sight loss.
Through the building of
optometry schools, CVC is helping
to educate the next generation of
eyecare providers who will be able
to treat and help the people of their
own country.
Leinweber adds he hopes the
program will