Dwayne Holmes knows a lot about Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s [WDMH] cataract surgery program – as both a long-time supporter and, more recently, as a patient. Now, a new microscope, purchased through donations to the WDMH Foundation, will help other patients as well.
“Almost 20 years ago, Lion Danny Proulx and I spearheaded the campaign to open the ophthalmology unit, with assistance of ten clubs and a grant from the Lions Club International Foundation,” explains Dwayne. “We are fortunate to have this service available close to home.”
The new microscope is used for cataract and strabismus eye surgeries. It acts as a very high intense magnification that the eye surgeon looks through at the same time as performing the surgery. The eye is very delicate, with fine structures and tissues that cannot be identified with the naked eye. The microscope can be connected to a processor that transfers the image of the eye to overhead monitors. This helps nurses to anticipate the surgeon’s needs and is also used as a teaching tool for new surgeons.
Dwayne says he is grateful to have been able to get this service close to his home in Winchester: “At all times I was treated by friendly, competent and caring staff who ensured I was comfortable with the procedures and understood all the follow-up on my part. I had heard from others how easy and convenient this service is. I think about all the hours that I (and a driver) would have spent travelling to the city for the same treatment. A friend of mine has been waiting for close to a year to receive the same treatment in Ottawa and has spent much more in travel, time and parking. We are fortunate to have this service available close to home.”
“In the last eight years, more than 3,500 patients have benefited from cataract and strabismus surgeries at WDMH and this purchase was essential for keeping this surgical service close to home,” sums up Kristen Casselman, Managing Director of the Foundation. “We are very grateful to the many donors who have helped us to purchase this important piece of equipment.”
The new microscope cost $94,731.21 and replaced one that was about 20 years old.
