Reducing barriers to vision care

Winnipeg

Optometrists play a vital role in eye health. They not only prescribe glasses but can monitor healthy eye development and detect early signs of disease. Winnipeg is fortunate to have a wealth of eye health specialists who can see patients beginning in infancy.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Dr. Shannon Smith-Bodiroga pursued her optometry degree at the Illinois College of Optometry, graduating in 2008. An optometrist with 17 years of practice in Winnipeg, she works out of See Eye Clinic, at 620 Leila Ave., and appreciates many aspects of her profession.

“I enjoy working with patients of all ages and getting to know them,” she said. “I’m excited about all the new technology in optometry and how it provides me with new treatment options for my patients.”

When it comes to children’s eye health, there are several important points to consider, says Smith-Bodiroga.

“It is very difficult for parents and caregivers to know how well their child sees, and more importantly, if both eyes see equally. I’ve encountered numerous cases of amblyopia, a condition where a child has reduced vision in one eye — or less frequently both eyes — related to abnormal visual development. It’s rare that parents come in with visual concerns, as most children are functional with their better seeing eye, and most children don’t realize one of their eyes is stronger than the other,” she explained, adding that amblyopia, often called ‘a lazy eye,’ is correctable if it is diagnosed and treated ideally before the age of seven.

Annual eye examinations with an optometrist are recommended starting at the age of six months, to help ensure the eyes are healthy. If there are any visual concerns, parents and caregivers should not hesitate to bring the children in for an appointment at any age.

“I am able to examine children with equipment and diagnostic tests that don’t require their subjective interpretation, so I can tailor my eye examinations to one’s abilities,” said Smith-Bodiroga.

“One of the newest areas of advancement in optometry is called myopia management. This is a treatment program that studies have shown to slow down the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children and young adults, thereby reducing their future risk of eye diseases related to myopia. It’s exciting as primary eye care providers to be able to offer new treatment options that until recently weren’t available.”

Husband and wife team Dr. Nana Owusu and Dr. Renée Phipps are business partners and optometrists with 17 years of experience. They’ve been the founding owners of Prairie Eye Care — with four locations in Winnipeg and one in Edmonton — since 2010.

Passionate about giving back, mentoring others, and building up the communities they serve, they’ve seen patients from 10 days old to 107 years young.

“A large part of our work focuses on pediatric eye care, and we collaborate closely with pediatricians, ophthalmologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, and other health professionals to ensure our patients receive comprehensive, connected care,” said Owusu.

Phipps has a special interest in pediatric vision and is the author of Harry the Bear and the Perfect Pair, a children’s book about a young bear’s first visit to the optometrist.

Their office includes a dedicated dry eye clinic, and staff provide management for a wide range of ocular and systemic conditions.

“We’re proud to offer myopia management to help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children—a condition that has now reached epidemic levels globally. We also provide general eye care, including glasses and contact lenses,” Owusu said.

“Children’s eye health is foundational to learning, development, and day-to-day activities. In fact, 80 per cent of our children’s learning is visual. Many kids have vision problems and don’t even realize it, which is why regular eye exams are so important — even if your child seems to see well.”

In Manitoba, children’s eye exams are covered by Manitoba Health up to and including age 18. Owuso and Phipps note that one in five children enters school with an undiagnosed vision issue, so they strongly recommend annual exams to give every child the best start possible.

Prairie Eye Care participates in the Manitoba Association of Optometrists’ Eye See Eye Learn program, which provides a free pair of glasses to children in their kindergarten year.

“It’s a great way to reduce barriers to vision care and help children thrive in the classroom from day one,” Owusu added.