To: amy.smith@cbc.ca “Amy Smith”

From: Kristen Googoo

Subject: CNIB wants equality

Good morning Amy,

We at the CNIB are raising awareness that rehabilitation services for vision loss are not covered here in the province, yet rehab services are covered for most other illnesses and diseases. The health and safety of about 13,000 blind and severely partially sighted Nova Scotians are in jeopardy because of a lack of government funding for vision rehabilitation therapy.

There are about 151,000 people living with some form of eye disease in Nova Scotia and CNIB has been actively trying to seek government funded rehabilitation services for people with sight loss for more than six years now without success. The projected cost for these services is $1,018,407 per year.

Vision rehabilitation therapy is the next step of the continuing health care journey for Nova Scotians with vision loss following the diagnosis, treatment, and care provided by optometrists and ophthalmologists. Vision rehabilitation is what is needed most – in their homes and communities, on the phone, online, and at CNIB Centres in Halifax and Sydney. This therapy addresses unique needs and is delivered by professionals with extensive education, specialized skills, and experience in the blindness field.

If Nova Scotians with sight loss do not have access to rehabilitation therapy, they will experience a higher rate of isolation, clinical depression, falls and hip fractures, dependence on social programs, more hospital visits, and premature admission to long-term care facilities.

In response, CNIB is hosting a “Rally for Equality” on Thursday, Nov. 12. Blind and partially sighted Nova Scotians will march from Grand Parade to the legislature at 12:15 p.m. to raise awareness about the urgent need for adequate, sustainable government funding for vision rehabilitation therapy.

Thank you, and I look forward to following up with you soon.

Kristen Googoo

Communications officer

CNIB Halifax Division

Phone: 1-902-555-5555

Email: kristen.googoo@cnib.ca

Back