Chairman George Van Ankum welcomed close to 20 people to an information meeting sponsored by the North Perth – North Wellington Branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association on April 12 at the Drayton Reformed Church.
Reports were given regarding memberships, assistance programs, save-a-tape programs, the annual appeal, the video conference on sodium and fat, and the upcoming regional annual general meeting.
Karen Rozema introduced guest speaker Dr. Kathryn Alton of the Palmerston Optometry Clinic. Alton was raised on a farm near Lucknow, earned her degree at the University of Waterloo in 2007, and shares her time between Palmerston and Wingham optometry clinics.
Alton believes her role is an important part of the diabetes management team to provide total care to the patient. Early detection of any problems is the best way to maintain the best vision care. She discussed the anatomy of the eye, blood vessel and retina.
Fluctuating vision could be a result of uncontrolled sugar levels. Insulin helps nutrients enter the cells. The eyes require a high demand of oxygen.
Alton displayed many retinol photographs that show a unique imprint of the back of the eye. This allows for better viewing of the vessels and an easy way to check for bleeds and leaks.
One case study explored the life of a man who looked the picture of health, although he complained of blurred vision. A diagnosis of diabetes and devastating changes in one eye kept the man off work and on lots of medications.
The specialist monitored his progress and within the year, his eyes were back to normal. Alton shared wonderful tidbits of information that opened everyone’s eyes wider to the need of good eye health, good blood glucose control, possible lifestyle changes and yearly eye exams that are crucial to the well being of the eyes.
Eleanor Gordon won the Choice Menus: Cooking for One or Two cookbook in the door prize draw.
Van Ankum invited everyone to look over the literature display and enjoy the luncheon prepared by Alice Van Ankum.
For more information about the Diabetes Association, call 519-338-3181 or email npnw@diabetes.ca.
