Tuesday, April 25, 2006, Saskatoon – New, state-of-the-art digital camera equipment will help give the gift of restored vision to people across Saskatchewan, thanks to a continued support from Lions Clubs in the province.
"This equipment will help diagnose patients affected by eye disease earlier and help chart the best possible treatment options, including corneal transplants," said Dr. William Hamilton, medical director of the Lions Eye Bank of Saskatchewan. "This generous donation from the Lions Club is another example of that organization’s commitment to eye health and transplant services."
The eye cap photography system allows the patient to see what the doctor sees when looking at their eyes, making it very helpful for teaching purposes and for maintaining complete clinical medical records. The pentacam takes very accurate digital images of the cornea and anterior segment of the eye. It is valuable in early diagnosis and monitoring of corneal diseases. The equipment is valued at approximately $60,000.
Gail Morgan, president of the Lions Eye Bank of Saskatchewan, said the equipment fulfils a need in the province and makes a difference in many lives. "Patients requiring corneal transplants in Saskatchewan have access to high-quality equipment in both Saskatoon and Regina," she said. "Support for the Lions Eye Bank is part of the Lions’ work across the province to raise awareness of the need for all organ and tissue donations, and particularly for the donation of corneas."
April 23 – 29 is National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. The Lions Eye Bank of Saskatchewan is the health facility that recovers donated eye tissue in this province and works with the Saskatchewan Transplant Program. Donor eyes are used for sight-restoring corneal transplant surgery and for research and education concerning the prevention of blindness.
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For more information contact:
Gail Morgan
President, Lions Eye Bank of Saskatchewan
306-441-3870
Marla Ewen
Tissue Donor Coordinator
Saskatchewan Transplant Program
306-655-5932
Saskatoon Health Region
"Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service."
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