Vision Health Canada

Vision Health Canada Inc. is a not-for-profit organization working to prevent blindness and improve quality of life for people with lived experience through research, advocacy, policy change, and equitable access to care.

One Voice. Clear Focus. Collective Action.

We are advocates for Canadians’ vision health. We work with like-minded groups to share a consistent message and speak with One Voice in support of all Canadians’ vision health. This approach is guided by a Clear Focus on specific goals that help us plan strategically and use resources effectively for maximum impact. Through coordinated Collective Action, we combine resources, share responsibility, and use our collective strengths to reach common objectives and create lasting change.

About Vision Health Canada

  • We envision a Canada where everyone, regardless of visual ability, has equitable access to eye care and vision health services; where assistive technologies are widely available and affordable; and where barriers to employment, education, and social participation are removed through awareness and skill development. We also envision a Canada with early detection and effective management of vision loss through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, and where people living with blindness or partial sight are empowered as equal and valued members of society. This vision will be achieved through leadership in policy reform, research, technological innovation, and community empowerment, positioning Canada as a global leader in vision health equity.

  • Vision Health Canada is committed to improving vision health in Canada by pushing for policies and funding that close gaps in care and improve accessibility, with a strong focus on research and advocacy. We study the needs of people who are blind or living with low vision to inform and change public policy and enhance quality of life. We also champion access to the best medicines and technologies and encourage investment in research to treat eye diseases and improve outcomes. Our mission includes promoting education on eye health and inclusive practices among healthcare professionals, employers, educators, and the public. We support education, skills development, and employment opportunities for people with vision loss. Finally, we work with government, stakeholder groups, industry, healthcare providers, and community partners to develop and implement sustainable solutions.

  • Our guiding principle is “Nothing about us without us.” We prioritize the lived experiences of Rights Holders in all aspects of our work, ensuring our efforts reflect the diverse needs of urban, rural, and Indigenous communities. Our advocacy, policy, and service delivery are grounded in evidence-based research.

  • Our core objectives are to promote best practices in accessibility and inclusion; amplify lived experiences to shape policies and programs; advocate for employment opportunities and workplace accommodations; and support national access to medicines, technologies, rehabilitation, and research that improve quality of life.

    We aim to prevent blindness by educating the public on eye health and the importance of regular eye exams, improving access to care and technologies, and advocating for equitable access to assistive device programs and AI innovations. In research and innovation, we aim to conduct needs-based research to address gaps in support of people living with vision loss; champion modernization of Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program and support its expansion into a national Assistive Technology Program (ATP) along with the adoption of emerging technologies (e.g., AI-driven aids); conduct research to develop a profile of people who are blind, DeafBlind, or partially-sighted in Canada in 2025; and complete the Ontario population-based eye disease prevalence study: a retrospective analysis and prospective ocular screening study.

    For education and awareness, we aim to engage governments, stakeholders, and the sighted community to reduce stigma and remove barriers to access and inclusion; support rehabilitation, habilitation, employment, and wellness programs; and use conferences, webinars, exhibits, and print and digital media to advance our networking and educational initiatives.

    We aim to promote assistive technology and innovation by advocating for funding and policies to increase access to assistive devices (e.g., smartphones, screen readers, smart canes); collaborating with technology developers to fast-track AI-powered solutions (e.g., navigation apps, diagnostic tools); and pushing for modernized national ATPs to include emerging technologies.

  • We serve individuals who are living with blindness, DeafBlindness, or partial sight, chronic eye disease, or age-related vision loss. At-risk groups include seniors, children, underserved and Indigenous communities, people with limited healthcare access, and the general public. Our stakeholders include governments, healthcare professionals, employers, advocacy groups, research funding organizations, and other partners. Most importantly, we educate and raise awareness among the public about the threat of vision loss and the importance of regular eye exams to help prevent blindness.