The Lions Clubs of Northwestern Ontario, in partnership with the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), are proud to announce a transformative investment of $142,400 to fund a second Alcon Centurion cataract surgery machine and ophthalmology instruments at Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH).
This investment will significantly expand cataract surgery capacity at LWDH, helping to address cataract wait times.
Half of the funding for this project was generously contributed by local Lions Clubs, with the remaining half provided by LCIF. Participating clubs include:
- Kenora Lake of the Woods Lions Club
- Ear Falls Lions Club
- Vermilion Bay Lions Club
- Dryden Trillium Lions Club
- Red Lake Lions Club
- Dryden Lions Club
- Sioux Lookout Lions Club
- Ignace Lions Club
“Vision care has always been at the heart of what Lions do, and this project is a powerful example of Lions coming together to meet a real and growing need in our communities,” said Rick Flavelle, Kenora Lake of the Woods Lions representative.
“On behalf of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation, we are deeply grateful to the Lions Clubs and the Lions Clubs International Foundation for their extraordinary generosity and leadership,” said Mira Trebilcock, Executive Director of the LWDH Foundation. “This investment will have a meaningful and lasting impact on advancing local healthcare.”
Addressing a Growing Need
Debra Bastone, Interim Surgical Services Manager, LWDH explained, “Our Hospital currently has one operating room dedicated to cataract surgeries. While our ophthalmologist is able to complete approximately 12 procedures per day, equipment and room capacity limit our ability to keep pace with growing demand.”
Capital medical equipment and technology such as the Centurion machine is not funded by the Ontario government, making community support essential. As a result of current constraints and wait times, many patients have to travel outside the region for care.
A Practical, Proven Solution
With the addition of a second Centurion machine, cataract surgery capacity at LWDH will increase substantially. Cataract surgeries typically take 10–15 minutes per eye, with approximately 10 minutes required for room preparation between procedures. With two operating rooms available, the ophthalmologist will be able to complete 20 to 24 cataract surgeries per day, nearly doubling current capacity.
State-of-the-Art Technology
The Alcon Centurion Vision System is a state-of-the-art cataract surgery platform that precisely measures and maintains fluid pressure in the eye before, during, and after surgery, reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes.
The new equipment:
- Is compatible with existing Centurion technology
- Provides a critical backup as current equipment ages
- Aligns with existing staff training and surgical protocols
- Supports efficient use of surgeon availability and hospital resources
Lasting Impact for Patients and the Region:
This investment will result in:
- Shorter wait times for cataract surgery
- Less travel and easier access to care close to home
- Reduced strain on regional hospital services
Cheryl O’Flaherty, President & CEO of LWDH reiterated, “Through their continued commitment to vision care, the Lions Clubs and LCIF are making a lasting difference for patients and families across Northwestern Ontario with the addition of a second Centurion machine to Lake of the Woods District Hospital. We sincerely thank them for their leadership and generosity.”