Timmins - Diabetes Eye Health Screening

Our team will be hosting a Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Clinic on Thursday, June 27 from 1PM-4PM.

This clinic is open to all Mushkegowuk members who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Individuals do not need to be a rostered patient to attend our screening clinic. Appointments are required. 

What should you bring to your appointment?

• Your health card

How does the 15-minute screening work?

This innovative program uses a portable camera to take images of each eye. These images are uploaded and analyzed by software approved by Health Canada. Following the screen, an electronic report will indicate a positive or negative screening result. This is a screening tool - not a diagnosis!

All positive screens to Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada. Positive screens will be referred to the program's Ophthalmology partners for review, confirmation and follow-up care. Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada will provide referrals to additional services as needed.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy? 

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when there are increased levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood, that can cause the blood vessels in the eye to swell and leak fluid into the retina. New blood vessels may also grow and causing further damage. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blurry vision, floaters and blindness. 

How common is Diabetic Retinopathy? 

Nearly all individuals living with Type 1 diabetes and 60% of individuals living with Type 2 diabetes will develop some form of Diabetic Retinopathy within the first 20 years after the onset of diabetes. 

Can vision loss from Diabetic Retinopathy be prevented? 

Diabetic Retinopathy may not have any symptoms at first - but finding it early can help you take steps to protect your vision. Keeping yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and nutritionally balanced is a way to honour your eye health. With early detection, treatment is often very successful and can prevent further eye health damage. 

Don’t wait, get your screening today! To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 705-269-6662 or moma@mushkegowuk.ca