Canadian doctors of optometry along with ophthalmologists and CNIB recognized Dr. Lee Ford-Jones’ outstanding contribution to children’s health and vision care at their Parliamentary Breakfast kicking off National Vision Health Month.
OTTAWA, ON (May 24, 2016) — The second annual Vision Champion Award was presented to Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Lee Ford-Jones for her tireless commitment toward raising awareness and improving eye care and vision health issues as well as overall health for young Canadians.
“The best way to prevent vision loss is through educating and raising awareness for Canadians. Dr. Ford-Jones’ work promotes meaningful discussion about vision issues for school-age children,” says Dr. Barry Thienes, president of the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) and its members applaud the leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts Dr. Lee Ford-Jones, who personally experienced the disadvantages of uncorrected vision problems as a young child and struggled with early learning skills until her severe near-sightedness was identified and corrected.
As a physician, she has dedicated her professional work to improving health care, including vision care, for children. Dr. Ford-Jones works tirelessly to provide awareness and education on the importance of vision in child development and learning, and the resources for accessing eye care. Dr. Ford-Jones is an Infectious Diseases Specialist and Clinical Researcher at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto. Since 2007, she has lead a new educational initiative in Social Pediatrics that targets the disadvantaged.
The Vision Champion Award recognizes individuals and organizations outside of the eye care professional community who have worked to improve eye health and vision care in Canada for the greater good. Last year, Member of Parliament Pat Davidson, received the award as recognition for her efforts made through her Private Members Bill, Bill C-313, An Act to Amend the Food and Drugs Act (non-corrective contact lenses).
About the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO):
The CAO represents 85% of optometrists in Canada. Doctors of optometry provide two-thirds of all primary eye care in the Canada.
Optometrists are highly qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role in a patient’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, and others. For more information see www.opto.ca
For more information or to arrange an interview with a doctor of optometry, please contact:
Debra Yearwood
Director of Marketing and Communications
Tel.: 613 235 7924 Ext 217
Email: dyearwood@opto.ca