Things are looking up at hospital ophthalmology clinic

North Bay and District Hospital Foundation
News Release

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Each year the North Bay and District Hospital ophthalmology clinic helps thousands of patients return home with a new look on life. Today over half a million dollars in state-of-the-art ophthalmology equipment, a new advanced microscope, a YAG SLT laser and a Heidleberg Spectralis HRA (Camera), was invested as a result of the combined efforts of the Hospital, North Bay and area community members, the government of Ontario, the regional Lions and Lioness Clubs and a leadership donation from the Lions Club International Foundation.

The North Bay and District Hospital ophthalmology clinic is the first in Northern Ontario to acquire a Heidleberg Spectralis camera. All the equipment purchased will ensure the clinic remains a centre of excellence, with a sharper focus on eye care-second to none. Clinical leader, Billi Onley explains, “this equipment will allow the clinic to perform a wider range of tests on a broader scope of patients.”

Thousands of people have had their sight restored at the North Bay and District Hospital ophthalmology clinic each year. Functioning as a district referral centre for eye surgery, the clinic serves North Bay and outlining communities; caring for an abundance of patients who suffer from a variety of vision problems, most notably cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic related eye diseases.

The Heidleberg Spectralis uses laser light and offers a number of advantages to patient care such as precision and details otherwise not seen in the older flash photography equipment. The YAG SLT is used to treat glaucoma and the procedure performed is effective in reducing the number of medications patients need to use. Ophthalmologist Dr. Kenneth Kesty explains, “the YAG laser is a painless procedure performed without the need of an aesthesia. Without these pieces of equipment, local residents would have to travel to Ottawa or Toronto for procedures which take no more than fifteen minutes.”

Forty percent of North Bay and area individuals are over the age of 45, where susceptibility to degenerative eye functions is increased. The combined efforts to raise funds for this equipment will help ensure that the quality of care close to home remains a possibility for North Bay, now and in the foreseeable future.

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