Mobile eye clinic looks to go nationwide

Westman may soon see a state-of-the-art mobile eye clinic roll into the region, as FYidoctors considers expanding its newly launched service across Canada.

The custom-built mobile unit, launched earlier this month in Calgary, is part of the organization’s mission to break down barriers to eye care for underserved populations. Equipped with a modern exam lane, more than 400 frame options, prescription lens dispensing, a wheelchair lift, a washroom, Wi-Fi and even solar-powered energy, the bus operates as a fully functional eye clinic on wheels.

The clinic, a first-of-its-kind initiative, is designed to bring comprehensive optometry services directly to communities across the country, spokesperson Sophia Ear told the Sun.

“Our mission is to increase access to vision care across Canada,” she said. “We know that many people are left behind — whether because their community doesn’t have an optometrist, or they can’t afford exams and glasses. The mobile clinic allows us to bring eye care directly to them.”

FYidoctors already operates a clinic in Brandon. Bringing the mobile service to the broader Westman region would depend on community interest and requests, Ear said, adding that residents, organizations, or municipalities can submit requests through FYidoctors’ online form to signal the need for a mobile clinic visit.

“If someone from the community submits a request, we can evaluate it and see if there are doctors available to travel with the bus,” she said. “It really depends on community interest and local collaboration.”

For Westman, the chances of securing a mobile clinic stop may hinge on partnerships. Ear noted that FYidoctors is open to working with local schools, non-profits, First Nations, drop-in centres and municipalities.

“Partnerships are important — not just for hosting but for helping us co-ordinate the event and spread the word to residents,” she said. “There’s no monetary exchange expected. It’s about collaboration and making sure we can reach the people who need care most.”

While demand for the service has already proven high, one challenge is capacity.

“At our last event, we were booked up very quickly,” Ear said. “We can only take a limited number of patients each day, so unfortunately, we can’t see everyone. That’s been our biggest challenge so far, but it also reaffirms the need for this initiative.”

The organization has plans to expand the program nationwide, with more mobile clinics expected to be built and deployed in the coming years.

CEO Dr. Alan Ulsifer described the initiative as “a dream now made real,” emphasizing its role in addressing health equity in rural and Indigenous communities.

For Westman residents and organizations eager to see the mobile clinic roll into the region, the next step is simple: make the request.

“We hope to build many more of these clinics,” Ulsifer said. “It’s about meeting people where they are and removing barriers to care, because clear vision is essential for learning, working and living well.”

The mobile clinic’s first two outings in Calgary targeted vulnerable populations, including partnerships with Goodwill Alberta and Calgary Pop-Up Care Village, where many patients received free eye exams and new glasses.

Services are typically billed to insurance or government coverage when available. However, FYidoctors says it is prepared to offer care at no cost for individuals without coverage, depending on the partnership arrangements.

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