Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) has funded $50,000 in new surgical equipment to support cataract procedures at the Kirkland Lake site of Blanche River Health (BRH). The purchase includes an additional eye surgery stretcher and supporting trays, allowing the hospital to double the number of cataract surgeries performed locally.

This investment addresses a growing backlog, with current wait times reaching up to 18 months. The increased capacity will benefit not only patients in Kirkland Lake but also those from Englehart and surrounding communities who rely on access to local, timely surgical care.

Cataract surgeries at BRH are currently performed by Dr. Niranjan Vijay, founder of Eye Specialists of Northern Ontario (ESNO) and a visiting ophthalmologist who travels regularly to the region to provide specialized care.

“This purchase is a direct response to community need,” said Samantha Saudino, Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer at BRH. “By adding a second stretcher and more trays, we can increase efficiency in the OR and dramatically reduce delays for patients waiting to have their vision restored.”

Cataract surgeries are among the most common day procedures performed at BRH, with demand continuing to rise. Individuals can be referred through a referral by their physician or nurse practitioner (NP).

“Every piece of equipment we fund has one purpose: to improve care close to home,” said Mitch Moreau, BRHF and BRH Board Director. “This investment helps ensure that seniors and others needing cataract surgery aren’t left waiting or travelling far from family for treatment.”

The new equipment is already in use, helping more patients across the region see a little more clearly, a little sooner.

About Blanche River Health Foundation

The Blanche River Health Foundation raises funds for equipment and capital projects at the Blanche River Health hospitals in Englehart and Kirkland Lake. With limited government funding, the hospitals rely on people’s generosity to modernize facilities, improve patient care, and advance its mission to make healthcare work for you. Governed by a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring essential improvements are made possible.

To continue supporting BRH, please consider donating to the BRH Foundation via:

• Online: Visit brhfoundation.ca
• Cheque: Blanche River Health Foundation, 145 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, Ontario P2N 3P4
• Lottery Tickets: Purchase Split the Pot tickets at splitthepot.ca
• Your Estate Planner: Include the Foundation in your will through planned giving: legacy.brhfoundation.ca 
• Grateful Hearts Program: Honour a caregiver or staff member who made a difference by donating in their name through grateful.brhfoundation.ca

Visit brhfoundation.ca to learn more or to donate.

Pictured: 

Blanche River Health Foundation members, join Blanche River Health staff and visiting specialist, ophthalmologist, to check out the newly funded cataract surgery equipment, allowing surgeries to almost double.

Left to right:

Jewel James (BRH Manager), Samantha Saudino (BRH Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Office), Tianna Mallette (BRH Registered Nurse), Mitch Moreau (BRHF and BRH Board Director), Dr. Niranjan Vijay (Ophthalmologist – visiting specialist), Kendra Porritt (BRH Registered Nurse), Walker Houghton (BRH Registered Nurse), Barbara Effenberger (BRH Vice President, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer), Taigen Sullivan (BRH Registered Nurse), Debbie Desjardins (BRH Registered Nurse), Rene Boudreault (BRHF Board Vice Chair, Amy Bullock (BRH Registered Nurse), and Cassandra James (BRHF Executive Director).