I decided to give an update on my story and give back to the community that has helped me raise awareness and make a change for people suffering with eye disease. My journey started with a diagnosis at the age of 3 with amblyopia and then another diagnosis at the age of 33 with keratoconus.
Where do we stand with keratoconus coverage in Ontario? The optometrists in Ottawa have received an updated letter stating the 5 academic sites to offer CXL free of charge for patients who qualify are:
1. Kensington Eye Institute – Toronto
2. University of Ottawa Eye Institute
3. London Health Sciences Centre
4. Hotel Dieu Hospital at Queen’s University
5. McMaster University Eye Clinic
I have been told that along with these 5 approved clinics, the government is working on a diagnostic code for the procedure which will allow more clinics across the province to cover the procedure. To my knowledge this is supposed to be released in the spring of 2019 and I will be following up with my sources in the new year to make sure we are still on track with CXL.
We are very lucky to live in Canada where we have access to eye care. I have worked very hard to make a change for eye care in Ontario and I have partnered up with my employer Nuvo Eye Centre to continue to advocate for accessible eye care around the globe.
October is Children’s Vision Month. In an effort to make a difference, Nuvo is participating in the World Sight Day Challenge 2018, a major fundraising campaign coordinated by Optometry Giving Sight designed to raise funds for projects that provide training, establishing vision centres and deliver eye care services for adults and children who are blind or vision impaired due to uncorrected refractive error or simply need an eye exam and a pair of glasses. Imagine all the cases of amblyopia or keratoconus outside of Canada that go not only untreated but undiagnosed each year. Nuvo and Optometry Giving Sight aim to help change that.
I am so proud to work with a company that helps people See Better, Look Better and Feel Better! As I am an advocate for people suffering with keratoconus, I have been inspired by Nuvo to extend that passion to the global community.This year we are hoping to raise over $6000! This year our fundraising efforts include:
*Donating $5 for every pair of glasses sold during the month of October
* Donating $2 for every order of contacts made during the month of October
* A month-long used book sale at our Orleans location
* $2 / $5 / $10 raffles for donated prizes (contact me for more information)
* And is matching all monetary donations made during the month of October!
As an Avon Sales Representative I will be donating $2 of every bubble bath purchase during the month of October. Please feel free to contact me for more information on any of the fundraising events taking place. Shop directly from my link below for bubble bath and more great items from Avon!
Thank you again to all my supporters out there! Family, friends, co-workers and more.To those people who have reached out to me for advice, to offer guidance or just to share stories, thank you for coming together for this cause, I will continue to advocate!
Michelle