Three Awards Totalling $65,000 for Eye Disease Research

FMO

The Eye Disease Foundation held a dinner-show and auction on November 12 at the Capitole de Québec to raise funds to benefit eye disease research. The event, co-chaired by Stephen Rosenhek and Mélanie Lau, owners of the Le Naturiste stores, allowed the organization to raise $75,000 and to announce the winners of three scholarships totaling $65,000.

Since the creation of the Foundation 34 years ago, $3 million has been given to research. Revenue collected during this fundraiser will help support eye disease research projects at universities in Quebec. The first scholarship is intended for the University of Montreal School of Optometry’s project on patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The second will go to Dr. Vincent Pernet (St-Sacrement Hospital in Quebec City) and will serve as seed money for his work. The last is dedicated to St-Sacrement Hospital’s University Centre of Ophthalmology, for ocular melanoma research and improvements to the quality of care for patients who are affected. Proceeds from the evening will also be used to fund prevention and awareness activities, such as the visual screening program « Participe pour voir” (Participate to see).

It is important to note that the Eye Disease Foundation is the only Quebec organization to dedicate its financial resources to research.

Get Involved!

Get Involved!

Optométristes Sans Frontières is presently recruiting optometrists, opticians, technicians and assistants for its next four humanitarian missions:

– Chuy, Rocha (Uruguay) – November 16 to December 2, 2012

– Moshi, Kilimandjaro (Tanzania) –February 1 to 23, 2013

-Arequipa (Peru) – February 15 to March 2, 2013

– Kisubi (Uganda) – Marach 15 to 31, 2013

For each country, the field partner wishes to receive a group of four to eight persons, composed of two or three optometrists, two opticians, and one or two assistants/technicians.

The missions take place in a rural environment, providing eyecare to impoverished people while giving the participants the opportunity to experience international solidarity. This kind of team can provide eyecare to about 500 to 1,000 people per mission.

As a professional, you can contribute to the evolution of visual health beyond our borders. For information and details, please contact Terre Sans Frontières Project Officer Petain Saavedraat 450 659-7717 (345) or by email at p.saavedra@terresansfrontieres.ca. Website : www.terresansfrontieres.ca