Every day, I’m reminded by our dedicated care teams just how life-changing it is for someone to see the world clearly.

My name is Dr. Erica Van Daalen, and I have the privilege of serving as the Chief of Staff at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH). In my role, I have the honour of working alongside our talented clinical teams to ensure our patients receive the safest, highest quality care — right here at home. Today, I’m writing to you not only as a healthcare leader, but as someone who cares deeply about the people we serve and the equipment we need to care for them.

With an increasing population across St. Thomas and Elgin County, we’re seeing more patients than ever before — many of whom are currently traveling outside the region for the advanced vision care they need. That’s something we have the power to change, together.

We are working to introduce the Verion Image Guided System to STEGH — a revolutionary advancement in cataract surgery that creates a truly personalized plan for each patient’s eye. This state-of-the-art technology is used in leading hospitals across North America and will now, for the first time, be available to patients right here, in our community.

Can you imagine how life changes when everyday tasks — recognizing a familiar face, reading a menu, seeing street signs — become a struggle?

Vision loss doesn’t just impact what we see. It impacts how we connect, move, and live.

That’s why I’m reaching out - Will you help us bring our vision into focus?

Please consider making a gift this spring. Your gift today will help bring the Verion Image Guided System to STEGH - giving patients in our community the chance to see clearly again, and equipping surgeons with advanced technology to deliver the best possible care.

Vision loss affects nearly every part of a person’s life — from mobility and safety to emotional well-being and connection with others.

At STEGH, our Ophthalmology team is dedicated to patient-centered care, focusing on the unique needs, comfort, and goals of each individual. The Verion Image Guided System will take that personalized care even further — using digital imaging and real-time guidance to enhance surgical accuracy, reduce risks, and deliver life-changing visual outcomes. While our team already provides exceptional treatment, this leading-edge technology will support even greater patient satisfaction and a future where more individuals can see the world clearly.

Your gift will bring hope into focus, and help patients regain one of life’s greatest gifts: clear vision. This is an investment that will benefit hundreds of patients each year.

Seniors. Parents. Neighbours. Friends.

People in our community whose world will become brighter — because of your support.

We’ve made tremendous strides in advancing surgical care at STEGH, driven by a strong commitment to innovation and excellence. The Verion Image Guided System represents the next step in that journey, bringing state-of-the-art precision and personalized care to patients, right here at home.

Together, we’re creating a healthier, more hopeful future — one patient, one procedure, one generous gift at a time. Your gift could be the difference between someone living in uncertainty — or seeing with clarity and confidence again.

Thank you for being part of a community that believes in better care. I am so grateful for your continued support.

With heartfelt gratitude,

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