Portage Vision Services

11/17/2025

Routine eye exams are essential for early detection to prevent diabetes-related vision loss.

Diabetes Canada recommends that individuals with type 1 diabetes undergo an eye exam within five years of diagnosis and are then rescreened annually. Those with type 2 diabetes should have an exam at diagnosis and be rescreened every 1 to 2 years thereafter.

In addition to retinopathy, optometrists can detect other ocular signs that may indicate undiagnosed diabetes. Fluctuating vision, loss of accommodation, and sudden diplopia are among the non-retinal complications that can raise suspicion of diabetes in otherwise asymptomatic individuals.

Regular preventive eye visits allow optometrists to notice these changes early, facilitating prompt referrals for medical evaluation and diagnosis.

Timely diagnosis of diabetes is essential to minimizing the risk of complications. Delays in identifying diabetes are closely linked to a higher incidence of diabetes-related health issues, including retinopathy.

Late diagnoses of ocular diseases are also linked to poorer quality of life, including physical, psychological, financial, and social aspects.

Early detection through optometric screening enables healthcare providers to devise timely treatment plans, reducing the burden of advanced disease and improving patient outcomes.

11/13/2025

What is Diabetic retinopathy?

👁️ Diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the retina are damaged.

👁️ Those who have poor blood sugar control, smoke, have high cholesterol or have had diabetes for a longer duration are more at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.

👁️ Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam by your optometrist.

11/11/2025

If you have an eye emergency while our office is closed please visit the Misericordia Health Centre, located at 99 Cornish Avenue in Winnipeg.

11/11/2025

Our office will be closed Tuesday, November 11th.

Regular office hours will resume Wednesday, November 12th.

11/08/2025

One of the most significant but often overlooked complications of diabetes is its impact on vision.
Diabetes affects vision primarily through prolonged hyperglycemia, which damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss both worldwide and in Canada. DR progresses in stages, starting with mild non-proliferative DR and advancing to proliferative DR, which can cause severe vision impairment if untreated.

11/04/2025

Diabetes Awareness Month

▪️Diabetes is a global health crisis, affecting more than 588 million adults worldwide, with projections indicating a rise to 852 million by 2050.

▪️In Canada, approximately 3.7 million individuals live with diagnosed diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes increases with age; among those aged 65+, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes is 27%.

▪️In Canada, approximately 3.7 million individuals live with diagnosed diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes increases with age; among those aged 65+, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes is 27%.

▪️Diabetic retinopathy is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making it a silent yet progressive threat to vision health.

▪️Diabetes-related vision complications are a significant but preventable cause of blindness. Strong evidence supports the role of regular eye exams in reducing the burden of diabetic eye disease.

10/31/2025

10/27/2025

🎃👓🎃

10/24/2025

Is your child in school, but never had an eye exam?

👀 Surprisingly, one in five children entering school has a vision disorder. Many children accept poor vision and other eye problems because they are unaware that their vision is not the same as that of other children. If left unchecked, serious long-term effects can result.

📖 Since 80% of a child’s learning is based on vision, excellent sight and eye health are critical to doing well in school.

Parents may think their children’s vision is OK if they don’t complain, or if they’ve successfully completed a vision screening. However, screenings are limited – they may not assess near vision ability, eye health, and how well the eyes work together as a team.

Parents might assume that if they have good eyes, their children must too. It doesn’t always work that way. Why not book an eye exam and be sure?

10/22/2025

👻Boo! Its time go get spooky! If you're costume has cosmetic contact lenses be ware of the dangers!

Don't:

❌ Share your contacts with anyone else

❌ Continue to wear lenses if irritation or adverse side effects occur.

✅See an optometrist to have your contact lenses fitted properly.

✅ Read the instructions that accompany the product package.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!