According to ophthalmologist Dr. Harold Smith, he needs two things to successfully perform cataract surgery. One, and the most important, is a great team, something which he has always had in Yorkton. The other, and the part which the Health Foundation has recently provided, is a quality surgical microscope.
The new equipment will be in high demand in Yorkton, Smith explains, because the aging population of the area makes it a heavily used surgery in the region.
“We’re a busy cataract staff centre with excellent team support from the nursing staff and the anesthesiologist that help me to perform this surgery on roughly 30 patients every week here in Yorkton.”
The new model is an update of the old one, and Smith describes it as the surgical equipment equivalent of a luxury car. Updates mean that the new microscope has a brighter and cleaner lighting system, as well as sharper focus.
“The features are always being updated and changing.”
The new microscope is also safer to use, because unlike the older model it uses wireless pedals. That’s important, because getting rid of wires means that there are fewer tripping hazards in the operating room for patients and staff.
The old microscope was in use for 13 years. It is still going to be kept as a backup in case the new one has a breakdown or needs service. There was not a backup before, so if the older microscope went down it would mean postponing surgery.
“Now we have an added layer of security. I’m fond of saying that it’s great to have a backup in all things in life except your spouse.”
The new surgical microscope cost just under $200,000.
“You can compare that to the price of eyesight, which is really priceless. We are very lucky to have it, and we have to thank the Health Foundation and the community at large for their support and the excellent staff we have here who allow me to perform these surgeries.”
