McMaster Paediatric Eye Research Group

For more information on the importance and the impact of Braille in Canada, visit brailleliteracycanada.ca 📚

Louis Braille, creator of the Braille tactile system, was born on January 4th, 1809. In his honour, we mark January as a time to recognize the impact Braille has had for countless blind and low-vision people around the world.

It is estimated that roughly 49 million people around the world are blind, and over 250 million experience either moderate or severe vision impairment. During October, we take time to highlight the challenges and celebrate the successes of those 300 million people.

It’s back to school season, learn more about the importance of vision on learning below! #backtoschool #learning #education #vision #eyeexam #eyehealth #seeingsmart #canadianassociationofoptometrists #eyecare

Early last month, the ICEE team visited Île-à-la-Crosse, SK to provide in-person eye examinations and prescription eyeglasses to members of the community. A big thank you to the local leadership and and our ICEE members who made the visit a success!

Exciting news! The ICEE Project recently expanded to Saskatchewan - check it out!

ALL children should have an eye exam between 6 and 9 months and then annually from 3 years. Exams are covered by OHIP. If you feel there are concerns, always feel free to schedule your child’s exam sooner.

Last week the ICEE team provided eye examinations for 181 children in Kashechewan, Fort Albany, and Moosonee. Thank you to all the WAHA leadership, nurses and staff that continue to welcome our team, and to all the dedicated ICEE members that visited remote Northern communities!

On this day of Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on the human rights violations of Indigenous people in Canada. We honor the children and families who suffered at the hands of residential schools and recognize the negative impact that Indigenous communities endure to this day.

August 26th is #NationalDogDay. Dogs are not only friendly and playful household pets, but as guide dogs, they can support a life of mobility, independence, and companionship for blind and partially sighted people.

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. As children are spending more time looking at computer and television screens, it is important to protect your child from experiencing #eyestrain. Check out the photo below to learn more. #eyehealth

Today on Shannen Koostachin’s birthday, we honor a brave leader who fought for safe schooling for First Nations children. Shannen led Students Helping Students, a campaign for a new school to be built in her community and the largest youth-led rights movement in Canadian history.

Yesterday at the eye clinic, Liam gave a wonderful performance of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean! Way to go Liam! 🎤

School's out for summer! Did you know children receive 3x the annual adult dose of UV? Make sure your child’s eyes are protected from the sun by wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat. #eyehealth #UVprotection

Adeline has been wearing eyeglasses and patching to strengthen her vision. Thank you Adeline for the creative patchy artwork! #MakingPatchingFun

National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to honour Indigenous history, culture, and traditions. To learn from the many silenced voices, listen to Unreserved with Rosanna Deerchild, a series profiling prominent Indigenous people in Canada. cbc.ca/listen/live-ra…

June 20th is #NystagmusAwarenessDay. Nystagmus is a condition where the eyes move rapidly and uncontrollably. This involuntary motion can impact a child’s vision, balance, and coordination. Look out for common signs that your child may be presenting.

On June 4th, the Indigenous Children Eye Examination (ICEE) team visited Attawapiskat First Nation. Eye exams were provided for 58 children and 48 children will be receiving eyeglasses to improve their vision. We look forward to visiting more communities this year!

This month, and every month, we honour the heritage, resilience, and diverse cultures of Indigenous Peoples. We remember the countless children removed from their families and recognize the continued colonial impact on all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

Last week the ICEE team visited Moosonee, Moose Factory and Fort Albany First Nation, and provided eye care for over 100 children. Thank you to the communities for welcoming us. The ICEE team is looking forward to visiting Attawapiskat First Nation this upcoming weekend!