The results are quite impressive. Over the past 15 years, the Eye Centre at Pasqua Hospital has performed more than 400,000 procedures to help preserve the vision of people in southern Saskatchewan. Since 2002 alone, the Centre has seen 314,000 patient visits. It is the generosity of individuals and community groups like the Odd Fellows & Rebekah Visual Research & Equipment Foundation and Canton Regina No. 1 Patriarchs Militant IOOF that continue to make it all possible.

Both groups are long-time supporters of Hospitals of Regina Foundation and the Eye Centre. In 2016 alone, they teamed up to provide a gift of more than $94,000 towards improved eye care services in our community. Over the past 29 years, the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs have donated more than $584,000. In addition, Canton Regina has contributed nearly $258,000 since 1985.
 
Their support has helped the Foundation equip the Centre with innovative tools and technology, including major ocular surgery trays with ophthalmic surgical instruments, a specular microscope and an OCT Heidelberg anterior chamber segment module.
 
We never imagined we would have this kind of impact on the community,” says Laura Argue, secretary of the Odd Fellows & Rebekah Visual Research & Equipment Foundation. “Still, our vision nearly three decades ago is the same one that drives us today.  We are committed to supporting eye care research and treatment. Giving back is a way for us to help our fellow man.

Dwayne Pearce, past captain of Canton Regina No. 1 Patriarchs Militant IOOF, echoes those sentiments.
 
A person’s eyesight is a precious gift,” says Dwayne. ‘It is heartwarming to know that we have touched the lives of many in our community and that we are helping them live better lives.

Bev Alfano, director of the Eye Centre, Ambulatory Care and Medical Outpatients, agrees that the impact of both donors has been tremendous.
 
“Our ability to provide top-quality, standardized eye care to the people of southern Saskatchewan has never been stronger,” says Bev. “Patients benefit from such features as cutting-edge technology, dependable diagnoses and less invasive treatment for a variety of ocular conditions.”
 
Dr. Jeffrey Judelson, an eye specialist at the Pasqua Hospital, has built a strong relationship with both community groups over the years. He says the eye centre is very fortunate to have such committed, supportive donors willing to make a difference.
 
“It is a special feeling knowing there are people in the community committed to the work we do,” says Dr. Judelson. “Their investments have meant that my colleagues and I are able to deliver care to our patients equal to any of the finest institutions in North America. We are incredibly grateful on behalf of our patients for that.”
 
“Through their continued support of the Foundation both groups have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those who use the Eye Centre,” says Jakki Crowe, Hospitals of Regina manager of individual and legacy giving. “Their generosity has helped give the gift of sight to thousands of people in our community.”

This story appeared in our Spring 2017 newsletter. Click here to read more.
 
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