Lions’ Eye Care Niagara Commits to Raising $200,000 for the Purchase of a New Microscope for Ophthalmology at Niagara Health
On September 13th, OneFoundation for Niagara Health System hosted Lions from across the region to celebrate Lions’ Eye Care Niagara’s new commitment to raise $200,000 for the purchase of a new microscope for Ophthalmology at Niagara Health.
At the celebration, hosted at Niagara Health’s Welland Site, OneFoundation staff and board members and Niagara Health staff and executives recognized the generosity of the Lions Clubs in Niagara and Lions’ Eye Care, highlighting why their gift is so important.
“Niagara Health’s regional Ophthalmology program at the Welland Site is essential to residents across Niagara, with more than 5,600 eye surgeries performed here every year,” explained Suzanne Johnston, President of Niagara Health. “This donation will allow us to continue to provide extraordinary and innovative care.”
The new microscope will replace one of two existing microscopes at the Welland Site. The new microscope contains advanced and accurate technology that will help Niagara Health’s team of ophthalmologists perform delicate ocular procedures on patients, including cataract, cornea and glaucoma surgeries.
“The surgeries we perform are microsurgeries, which means they cannot be performed with the naked eye,” explained Dr. El-Karim Rhemtulla, Chief of Ophthalmology. “The surgeries we perform improve patients’ eye sight for driving, reading and falls prevention, meaning that the Lions’ Eye Care donation will help positively affect the eye sight of thousands of Niagara residents each year.”
The evening concluded with some extra excitement. Ted Burrows, of the St. Davids and District Lions Club, presented cheques amounting to almost $11,000 towards the campaign and encouraged other clubs to start fundraising. This donation brings Lions’ Eye Care to over $30,000 raised of their $200,000 pledge!
“It is wonderful to be partnering with Lions Clubs across Niagara once again, as they continue to support eye care at Niagara Health,” said Kristina Manzi, Director of Operations at OneFoundation. “We are so grateful for their devotion to healthcare in Niagara.”
By the end of the evening the Lions, OneFoundation and Niagara Health left feeling excited for the future of eye care at Niagara Health, confident that this donation would help build a healthier Niagara.
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For more information Contact:
Shelby Riddell
Communications Specialist, OneFoundation for Niagara Health System
Shelby.Riddell@niagarahealth.on.ca
Direct: 905-378-4647 x 32315 | Cell: 905-246-7596 | Main: 905-323-FUND (3863)
