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The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia (Canada) was instituted on October 14, 1869 at a convention held in Halifax for that purpose. It brought together existing Chapters within Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island which had been chartered under Canadian, English, and Scottish constitutions. The Honorable Alexander Keith was 'unanimously and with great enthusiasm' elected as the first Most Excellent Grand High Priest. |
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The Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia with Jurisdiction over Prince Edward Island proudly supports Glaucoma research at the Eye Care Center, Queen Elizabeth II Health Science Center.
According to the CNIB Foundation close to 300,000 Canadians have Glaucoma, and is one of the leading causes of blindness. Currently, there is no cure of the disease, but if detected early surgery and medication can help slow the diseases progression.
Source: CNIB Foundation
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The optic nerve is responsible for sending signals to your brain where they are processed into what you 'see'.
Glaucoma develops slowly, over time and often times does not immediately present with symptoms. It is important to protect yourself with regular eye exams. Source: Glaucoma Research Society of Canada
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Source: Medivizor
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What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that permanently damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a disease which leads to loss of visual field, beginning with side vision. It is one of the most common causes of blindness. It is a disease affecting one (1) of every ten (10) Canadians over forty years of age. Although associated with increased age, glaucoma may develop at any age from infancy on. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. Patients rarely notice any symptoms until the disease is well advanced; it is truly a "silent blinding disease". Those affected can drive read and perform most tasks because the visual loss is not a black cloud or a blurring of the vision. Because this loss is permanent, early detection and treatment are necessary to preserving remaining vision. |
Stopping Glaucoma
The lack of early signs in Glaucoma cases is a concern. Therefore, being aware of Glaucoma, educating yourself, and getting your eyes regularly tested is key. Anyone can develop Glaucoma, however, there are those who are at an increased risk. You are at an increased risk, if you are over 40, your family has a history of Glaucoma, Diabetic, nearsighted, regular or long term user of steroids, or have had a previous eye injury. Tests for glaucoma are painless and take little time. The IOP is measured with a tonometer, and the optic nerve is viewed through the pupil with an ophthalmoscope. Treatment is begun with eye-drops but MUST be monitored to ensure the best treatment. If detected and treated in time glaucoma can be controlled. Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists
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Research
We know that there is currently no cure for Glaucoma. Therefore, through the efforts of Most Excellent Companion Harold Weiland, it was determined that a partnership with Eye Care Centre at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre to aid the research of this disease would be most welcome. Therefore, in 1996, in partnership with the QE II Foundation Authority, the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons with Jurisdiction over Prince Edward Island, established the Royal Arch Mason Glaucoma Fund as a Registered Charity in support of Glaucoma Research at the QE II Health Sciences Centre. |