Waterloo Eye Institute: Dani's story

I was diagnosed with cataracts shortly after my husband died suddenly in March 2019. My optometrist made me an appointment with an ophthalmologist at the start of May, who confirmed that I need surgery on both eyes. I was warned that the wait list was at least 9 or 10 months. I asked to be put on the cancellation list, but was told that the chances of having my surgery sooner than later was very slim.

My eyes are getting worse and I have a very hard time seeing while driving at night. Since I no longer have a partner, I am limited in what I can do or where I can go. I'm scared my night vision could cause me to have an accident, so I choose to stay home. My diminished sight also impacts driving during the day and using my computer.

I recently called to find out the status of my surgery and was told that the wait is now even longer. I probably won't have my surgery until May or June next year. I feel that patients have to wait an unreasonably long time to get the help they need. We need a better system to deal with people's vision loss. - Dani, Waterloo-Wellington resident

By reducing the demand on local hospital operating rooms, the Waterloo Eye Institute's ambulatory surgical centre will increase access to ophthalmological care and shorten wait times for cataract and other low-risk eye surgeries. Learn more.