A Call to Lead, Not Linger
As Canada’s population ages, the prevalence of blinding eye diseases is rising — but vision loss is not inevitable. Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC), the country’s largest charitable funder of vision research, is determined to change the narrative. By championing leadership, strategic investments and coordinated national efforts, FBC aims to redefine what it means to age with sight.
“Over eight million Canadians are living with an eye disease that could lead to blindness — many without knowing it,” says Dr. Larissa Moniz, FBC’s Director of Research and Mission Programs. “Over 1.2 million Canadians are actually living with vision loss.”
Early detection and treatment can prevent 75% of vision loss, but access to care is inconsistent across provincial health jurisdictions, and awareness of the need for eye health care is low. Diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma are rising rapidly among adults over 45 — and, according to FBC, the number of Canadians affected will double by 2050.
The implications of vision loss go beyond sight. It can lead to mental health challenges, loss of independence and higher healthcare costs – vision loss costs Canada $32 billion annually. So investing in prevention and research isn’t just about sight, it’s a smart economic strategy.
Research funded by FBC is leading to promising breakthroughs in gene and stem cell therapies, diagnostics, and treatments for retinal diseases and AMD. Sustained funding is crucial to bring these innovations to Canadians, according to Moniz.
“Canada risks falling behind if we don’t support vision research now,” she says. “Canada needs a national eye care strategy.”
Momentum is building with the recent passage of Bill C-284, the National Strategy for Eye Care Act. This legislation outlines a national framework to improve eye care, invest in research and promote eye health education nationwide. It’s a pivotal step forward, but more work remains.
“At Fighting Blindness Canada, we are advancing the science of sight and building a stronger community for Canadians living with vision loss.”
Learn more by visiting fightingblindness.ca, emailing info@fightingblindness.ca or by calling 1-800-461-3331.
