Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada

Each day, and particularly during Black History Month, we recognize the strength and resilience of Black communities throughout Canada, while also acknowledging the disproportionate impact of eye conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Did you know glaucoma can develop earlier and progress faster for people of African origin? And that diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of blindness, poses a higher risk for Black individuals with diabetes? That's why we’re committed to addressing health disparities, ensuring equitable eye care and providing accessible and culturally sensitive services. Early detection and proactive management are key to preventing vision loss. Find an eye doctor near you by visiting the Canadian Association of Optometristssite: https://ow.ly/tUuR50V7UHl To have us attend your community event, please reach out to us at https://ow.ly/CZaM50V7UHk At VLRC, we're here to support your vision rehabilitation, today, tomorrow and always. #BlackHistoryMonth #HealthyVision #CommunityHealth

Today, Caitlin Drouin and Caitlin Lazarus from VLRC had a fantastic time conducting diabetic retinopathy screenings at the Chiefs of Ontario 18th Annual Health Forum in Toronto! They also shared information about our Eye Health Screening Initiative (EHSI) with attendees. Diabetic retinopathy can cause issues like blurry or distorted vision, and sometimes even blind spots, depending on how advanced the condition is. It can also affect how we see colours. Although it's the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in Canada, the great news is that it’s preventable! That’s why we at VLRC are passionate about supporting Indigenous communities by offering screenings at community events. #DiabeticRetinopathy #VLRC Image description: A man sits at a table that is covered with brochures and looks through a tabletop eye screening device. A woman stands in front of the device.)

VLRC values knowledge sharing and collaboration. That's why we're congratulating Alexandra Lucyk on her recent presentation to the Ponoka Whitecaners, where she provided practical information on visual aids and vision conditions. This initiative underscores our dedication to improving the lives of individuals with vision loss. Read the story: https://ow.ly/7JEE50V5mkM #CommunitySupport #VLRC #HealthcareHeroes #PonokaWhitecaners Image description: The words “VLRC in the News!” are in a white circle on a light blue background. There is a yellow megaphone to the bottom left and the VLRC logo on the bottom right.

Make a difference and have fun doing it! Canada needs more health care professionals. According to Statistics Canada, 4.5% of the Canadian population is Black, yet only 1.5% of physicians are Black. This Black History Month, take a step towards changing that! If you’re a medical student (or know one!), explore careers in optometry or ophthalmology. For health studies and occupational therapy students, careers in vision rehabilitation present a rewarding path. Imagine making a real difference in your community, one triumph at a time. Curious about the different roles in vision rehab? Visit our site to learn more: https://ow.ly/zTf450V79af #BlackHistoryMonth #VLRC #RepresentationMatters #VisionRehab Image description: Photo of a college-age Black man with a backpack. A message on a blue background says, “Step into your potential with a career in health care. #BlackHistoryMonth and #Representation Matters” The VLRC logo is on the bottom right.

Snowy sidewalks can be more than just a hassle — they can pose a real danger for people with vision loss. Hear what our nine-year-old VLRC client has to say, as he shares his experiences with navigating snow-covered walkways. Our new video supporting the #SnoWay campaign showcases the impact of uncleared paths on individuals with vision loss. Take action today! Let’s clear our sidewalks and create a safer, more accessible community for everyone. Watch and share: https://ow.ly/oiTE50V3TiB #SnoWay #VLRC #CNIB #Accessibility #CommunityImpact

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated and certified professionals who empower individuals with vision loss through VLRC’s orientation & mobility services. Your impact is immeasurable. #WhiteCaneWeek Learn more about how VLRC’s orientation & mobility specialists help clients travel independently: https://ow.ly/hSPh50UUt7I

Building a stronger community together! Andrew Naraine and Sue Marsh-Woods recently delivered donations collected by their Toronto Bayview team to Anduhyaun Inc. This gesture reflects VLRC’s allyship with Indigenous groups and persons. Did you know that Anduhyaun Inc was founded by four grandmothers in 1973? We encourage other organizations to consider partnering with Anduhyaun Inc. to make a positive impact in the lives of Indigenous women and children facing difficult circumstances. Learn more about their incredible mission and how you can support them: https://ow.ly/GzCf50UQBwW #collaboration #communitysupport #VLRC

Wishing everyone good health, luck and much happiness in the Year of the Snake! #LunarNewYear #YearOfTheSnake #VLRC (Image description: Gold background with red text stating, “Wishing everyone good health, luck and much happiness in the Year of the Snake! The “Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada” is in the bottom right. A red snake on the left side of the image)

Did you know that vision loss can have a significant impact on mental health? People with uncorrectable vision loss are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, social isolation and other psychological problems, than people without vision loss. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues due to vision loss, visit the Let’s Talk Mental Health Resources webpage at: https://ow.ly/PZyu50UIPkl to find support. Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is committed to helping people with vison loss live the life they choose. As a national healthcare organization, we integrate vision loss rehabilitation within multidisciplinary care to maximize the health and independence of Canadians impacted by vision loss. To access our services, please make a referral through our website at: https://ow.ly/Sh4g50UIPkm Remember, you are not alone. Let’s talk about mental health and vision loss. #BellLetsTalk Image description: Two people are sitting near each other on a couch. The woman has a clipboard on her lap, and she puts a comforting hand on the forearm of the man. The text “#BellLetsTalk” and the VLRC logo are at the bottom of the image.

This winter, let's make our communities safer for everyone! VLRC proudly supports CNIB's #SnoWay campaign to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with vision loss due to snow and ice-covered passageways. If you spot a poorly cleared sidewalk, then take a photo and share it with #SnoWay! Your contribution will help CNIB advocate for municipalities to review their snow clearing policies and practices. Learn more and get involved at https://ow.ly/cQiR50UFKve #SafeAndAccessibleJourneys #ShovelTheSnow #VLRC Image description: An image of a young boy wearing a colourful winter coat, is shoveling snow. A quote bubble near him reads, “#SnoWay”. The CNIB and VLRC logos are at the bottom of the image.