While Canada contends with an aging population, an organization focused on vision care says more needs to be done to support strategies to address gaps in the healthcare system.

 

Glaucoma, a disease of the optic nerve, is the leading cause of blindness around the world.

 

While there’s no cure for glaucoma, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society says medication and surgery can help people live with the disease and slow its progress if caught early enough through regular eye exams.

 

COS along with other eye care organizations are advocating for a Vision Health Desk at the Public Health Agency of Canada to address age-related eye diseases that can cause blindness.

 

It says this initiative would support eye health and work with provinces and territories on strategies on eye health, vision care, and the full integration of post-vision loss rehab therapy into the healthcare system.

 

For more on Glaucoma Awareness Month, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.