Community Vision in Focus On December 5, 2025, there were smiles all around at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation (STEGHF) as a community campaign for advanced eye care reached a su- ccessful conclusion. Earlier in 2025, the Foundation launched a $260,000 fundraising effort to purchase three state-of-the-art ophthalmic technologies for STEGH. The items needed were: a Leica Surgical Microscope, Verion Imaging and Guidance Bundle and Innova Surgical Laser that together will make advanced cataract, glaucoma, retinal and laser surgeries possible right here in St. Thomas. For patients, that means reduced travel, shorter wait times and greater peace of mind knowing care is available close to home. At the heart of the final push was a ceremonial cheque for $8,200 presented by the Eyes Right Foundation, the name commonly used for the District A-1 Sight Conservation Foundation. District A-1 Lions, including members from London, St. Thomas, Delaware, Petrolia and surrounding communities, are all members of Eyes Right. Donna McManus, District A1 Lions Vision Chair, explained that the main objective of Eyes Right is to provide funding to hospitals across Southwestern Ontario to purchase diagnostic and surgical equipment for eye disorders, while also promoting cornea donations for transplant and research purposes. Over 90 per cent of the Foundation’s funds are raised by Lions members through their own fundraising initiatives. In November, 202, the Eyes Right 5 board accepted a proposal from the STEGH Foundation, sponsored by the St. Thomas Lions Club. At that time, the hospital campaign was just $30,000 short of its goal. As the paperwork was finalized and due diligence
A ceremonial cheque in the amount of $8,200 was presented to Foundation Executive Director Ryan Byrne (far left) and Kelly Montfort, Manager of Development at STEGHF (far right). Also included are members of the St. Thomas Lions and the Eyes Right Foundation board members. Submitted photo. completed, additional community donations rolled in, further reducing the gap. The final top-up amount required from Eyes Right came to $8,200, neatly wrapping up the campaign. Donna noted that this marks the third time Eyes Right has supported STEGH with funding for eye health care equipment, underscoring a longstanding commitment to vision care in our region. She also credited the St. Thomas Lions for thinking outside the box and championing the project locally. Kelley Montfort, Manager of Development at the STEGH Foundation, said the impact of the gift will be felt for years to come. Kelley emphasized that the support of Eyes Right and the St. Thomas Lions was instrumental in bringing the campaign across the finish line, ensuring the surgical team now has advanced ophthalmic technology that will improve outcomes and allow more patients to receive care close to home. It is, as Kelley described, a community partnership at its very best.
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All articles written by Geoff Rae unless otherwise noted. Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen • Writer Peri Hayes Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood We look forward to hearing from you. Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com • 519-495-7177
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