Operation Eyesight: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Operation Eyesight?
- Operation Eyesight Universal is an international development organization working to eliminate avoidable vision loss (blindness/vision loss that can either be cured or prevented) in partnership with local hospitals and governments, and through support from our generous donors around the world. For the clinic hosted by Maskwacis Education Operation Eyesight has partnered with Onesight Escillorluxottica to bring in optometrists and equipment. Information on both organizations can be found online on their websites.
- Operation Eyesight Universal is an international development organization working to eliminate avoidable vision loss (blindness/vision loss that can either be cured or prevented) in partnership with local hospitals and governments, and through support from our generous donors around the world. For the clinic hosted by Maskwacis Education Operation Eyesight has partnered with Onesight Escillorluxottica to bring in optometrists and equipment. Information on both organizations can be found online on their websites.
- When and where is MESC’s Operation Eyesight clinic?
- MESC’s Operation Eyesight Clinic April 28 - May 2, 2025 at Nipisikohpahk Elementary School (NES).
- MESC’s Operation Eyesight Clinic April 28 - May 2, 2025 at Nipisikohpahk Elementary School (NES).
- Will transportation be provided?
- Yes. MESC will provide transportation for your child and school staff supervisors to and from their school and Nipisikohpahk Elementary School.
- Yes. MESC will provide transportation for your child and school staff supervisors to and from their school and Nipisikohpahk Elementary School.
- What is the goal for MESC and Operation Eyesight?
- To eliminate avoidable blindness for Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission’s (MESC) students and to provide eyewear. Increase awareness and incorporate indigenous knowledge about eye health for students and caregivers.
- To eliminate avoidable blindness for Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission’s (MESC) students and to provide eyewear. Increase awareness and incorporate indigenous knowledge about eye health for students and caregivers.
- What is eye vision screening in MESC?
- Eye vision screening is a nonintrusive process that select MESC staff are now trained in to quickly check if eye alignment and vision is within normal range. MESC has purchased equipment to continue this practice but it is not meant to replace a regular visit to the eye doctor. In the 2024-2025 school year 1200 students from K4-Gr. 6 were screened in MESC. Approximately 600 students were referred for an exam at our Operation Eyesight Clinic.
- Eye vision screening is a nonintrusive process that select MESC staff are now trained in to quickly check if eye alignment and vision is within normal range. MESC has purchased equipment to continue this practice but it is not meant to replace a regular visit to the eye doctor. In the 2024-2025 school year 1200 students from K4-Gr. 6 were screened in MESC. Approximately 600 students were referred for an exam at our Operation Eyesight Clinic.
- Will screening happen every year? Will operation eyesight be at MESC every year?
- Vision screening is an additional service that MESC offers outside of our regular educational services. Screening will be provided every year however, moving forward different target grades will be determined on an annual basis. Future need will determine if an additional clinic will be hosted in years to come or if the need can be accommodated by Maskwacis Optical and other local health providers. Eye care and health education supported through Operation Eyesight will remain a constant in educating our awasisak and oskayak to take care of their bodies and live healthy lives.
- Vision screening is an additional service that MESC offers outside of our regular educational services. Screening will be provided every year however, moving forward different target grades will be determined on an annual basis. Future need will determine if an additional clinic will be hosted in years to come or if the need can be accommodated by Maskwacis Optical and other local health providers. Eye care and health education supported through Operation Eyesight will remain a constant in educating our awasisak and oskayak to take care of their bodies and live healthy lives.
- I received an email about an appointment for Operation Eyesight at my child’s school.
- If you received an email this is confirmation that we have received consent for your child to take part in the clinic. Our MESC team is working to upload all consents for the operation eyesight clinic. A date and time (during the MESC OES clinic) will be determined once all consents have been received and logistics can be organized. If you did not receive an email but signed a consent your child will have a spot in the clinic.
- If you received an email this is confirmation that we have received consent for your child to take part in the clinic. Our MESC team is working to upload all consents for the operation eyesight clinic. A date and time (during the MESC OES clinic) will be determined once all consents have been received and logistics can be organized. If you did not receive an email but signed a consent your child will have a spot in the clinic.
- What if my child was not referred to the Operation Eyesight Clinic?
- If your child was not referred to the clinic that most likely means they passed the screening. This screening does not replace the importance of seeing an eye care professional which is why MESC also partnered with Maskwacis Optical as they offer eye exams covered under NIHB. If your child passes the screening, they should have received a voucher to invite them to see an optometrist at Maskwacis Optical. Regular eye exams are important for eye health, regardless if glasses are needed or not.
- If your child was not referred to the clinic that most likely means they passed the screening. This screening does not replace the importance of seeing an eye care professional which is why MESC also partnered with Maskwacis Optical as they offer eye exams covered under NIHB. If your child passes the screening, they should have received a voucher to invite them to see an optometrist at Maskwacis Optical. Regular eye exams are important for eye health, regardless if glasses are needed or not.
- What services will my child receive at the Operation Eyesight Clinic?
At the MESC Operation Eyesight Clinic students will go through non-intrusive tests:
Visual Acuities - refers to the clarity or sharpness of vision
Color Vision (boys) - assesses your ability to distinguish colors and patterns
Stereopsis (Depth Perception) - assesses your ability to see in three dimensions
Autorefraction - uses a machine to measure how your eyes focus light, providing an initial estimate of your prescription, which is then used as a starting point for a more detailed eye exam
Tonometry - a procedure that measures the pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure or IOP) to screen for and monitor conditions like glaucoma and other eye diseases