FYidoctors Launches Mobile Eye Clinic to Expand Vision Care Across Canada

The newly launched mobile eye clinic by FYidoctors aims to enhance access to vision care for underserved communities across Canada. Following its debut in Calgary earlier this month, the organization is considering expanding the service to regions like Westman, contingent on community interest and requests.

This innovative mobile unit operates as a fully equipped eye clinic on wheels, featuring a modern exam lane, over 400 frame options, prescription lens dispensing, a wheelchair lift, washroom facilities, and solar-powered energy. According to spokesperson Sophia Ear, this initiative addresses significant barriers many people face in accessing eye care. “Our mission is to increase access to vision care across Canada,” she explained. “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.”

Currently, FYidoctors operates a clinic in Brandon, but the introduction of the mobile service to the broader Westman area will depend on local demand. Residents, organizations, and municipalities interested in hosting the clinic can submit requests through the FYidoctors online form. Ear emphasized that community collaboration is essential for the initiative’s success, stating, “If someone from the community submits a request, we can evaluate it and see if there are doctors available to travel with the bus.”

Partnerships will play a critical role in bringing the mobile clinic to Westman. The organization is keen to collaborate with local schools, non-profits, First Nations, drop-in centers, and municipalities. Ear noted, “Partnerships are important — not just for hosting but for helping us coordinate the event and spread the word to residents.” The emphasis is on collaboration without a financial exchange, focusing instead on ensuring that care reaches those who need it most.

Despite high demand for the service, capacity poses a challenge. “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.”

Plans for future expansion include developing more mobile clinics across the country. Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO of FYidoctors, described the initiative as “a dream now made real,” highlighting its significance in promoting health equity, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities.

The mobile clinic’s inaugural outings in Calgary focused on vulnerable populations, partnering with organizations like Goodwill Alberta and Calgary Pop-Up Care Village. Many patients benefited from free eye exams and new glasses during these events. While services are typically billed to insurance or government coverage when available, FYidoctors is prepared to offer care at no cost for individuals lacking coverage, depending on partnership agreements.

As FYidoctors looks to the future, residents and organizations in Westman keen to see the mobile clinic in their area are encouraged to make their needs known. “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.”