Cataract surgeries have resumed at Yorkton Regional Hospital for the first time in almost seven years.
The hospital’s former ophthalmologist left nearly a decade ago, and recruitment efforts have taken years, said Ross Fisher, executive director of the Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan.
“We have a new ophthalmologist in town called Dr. Amir Askari, and he did his first cataract surgeries on Monday,” Fisher said. “It’s great news, and it’s a win for the region because otherwise, people have to travel out to Regina or Saskatoon in order to get their surgeries done.”
The new service is expected to allow between 1,000 and 1,100 cataract procedures each year, saving residents multiple trips for surgery, pre-op and follow-up appointments.
Fisher said having an ophthalmologist locally improves accessibility, especially for patients who can’t travel or drive. The specialist will also handle other eye issues such as glaucoma and corneal problems, and their presence helps attract and retain trained operating room staff.
The foundation is still raising money to equip Askari’s office and fully establish the program.
“If you want to have good services here as a community, there is some responsibility on us to help make those happen,” Fisher said. “Occasionally we find doctors who are prepared to work with us, like Dr. Askari, and he has agreed to be here for a number of years.”
The foundation will continue fundraising in the coming months, including events such as a road race this weekend and a fall gala.
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