While Emma’s parents, Bojana and Sasa, are so grateful for the early intervention that gave her the gift of sight, they have spent – and continue to spend – a lot of time in Calgary for her care.

“Calgary has always been where the support that Emma needed was,” says Bojana. “Although we are always happy to make the trip because we know it means she is getting the best care possible, it’s hard travelling so much and trying to manage our lives in Red Deer at the same time. I’m excited that the expertise and resources are expanding and that one day, Emma’s vision care might be managed right here at home.”

There are approximately 440 babies affected by Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in central and southern Alberta each year. Infants who are at risk of developing the condition need to be screened once a week. However, many smaller or rural hospitals and centres are not able provide these tests. As a result, about 17 percent of ROP screening appointments with ophthalmologists in Calgary are for babies from out of town. Learn more.