Keeping eye care close to home

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, …. At Aberdeen Hospital, an investment in upgraded Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) equipment is helping ensure that critical eye testing can continue locally, reducing the financial and emotional burden of travel for many Pictou County residents.

Upgraded Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) equipment at Aberdeen Hospital was made possible by a gift from J. Doreen Bennett, in memory of her father, Roy J. Bennett, Mayor of New Glasgow at the time of the hospital’s opening. From left to right: Tanya MacDonald, health services manager; Liz Sheppard, clinic clerk; Marilyn Adams, orthoptist; Kirsten Snow, orthoptist.

While the hospital does not have ophthalmologists on site, diagnostic eye testing remains an essential part of care for people living with chronic or progressive eye conditions. Patients often need to travel to Antigonish, Truro, or further for these specialist visits. “Most patients need to make one trip for testing and another to see the physician,” explains Marilyn Adams, Orthoptist at Aberdeen Hospital. “Having this equipment closer to home saves patients in Pictou County from travelling out of the county for testing.”

For patients requiring eye testing, travel can be difficult. “A trip to the ophthalmologist often means the patient’s family would need to drive them,” Marilyn says. “The OCT helps reduce the economic impact on the individuals, especially if a family member has to take time off from work to assist, as well as the cost of the extra trip itself. At some sites, there is also a patient fee for OCT testing which adds to that financial burden.”

Marilyn says access to local testing can reduce travel even further in some cases. “The doctor may be able to perform a phone consultation based on the test results and eliminate the need for the in-person visit altogether.”

Marilyn Adams, orthoptist, with the upgraded fundus camera used to document retinal changes and support improved patient follow-up.

The upgraded OCT equipment replaces a long-serving machine that had supported patient care at the site for more than 20 years. As with many technologies of its age, image capture had become less efficient over time, which could make it more challenging to obtain test data quickly and comfortably for some patients.

“Advances in the new system have made a noticeable difference in both image quality and workflow,” Marilyn says. “Testing is now smoother and more efficient, which helps reduce the amount of time patients need to remain still during the procedure, which is difficult for some folks.”

The improved image stability and clarity of the new equipment means orthoptists can obtain more reliable data in a shorter period of time, improving comfort for patients and confidence in the results shared with ophthalmologists.

“We can now obtain data that aids the ophthalmologist in the proper diagnosis and treatment of a variety of eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease,” Marilyn says. “It allows them to follow the patient with a series of images and establish if there has been change in the eyes over time.”

When asked about the overall impact of this investment, Marilyn explains what it means for patients and families. “The support of the Foundation allows people from this area to have their testing closer to home, in more familiar surroundings, and often in a more timely manner. It helps alleviate some of the financial strain of illness, and that makes a real difference.”

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The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2025, the Foundation invested over $3 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.