Seeing clearly again: Jim McKnight regains his vision thanks to Nova Scotia Health eye surgery partnership

For artist and musician Jim McKnight, clear vision isn’t just a convenience — it’s essential. Painting fine details, reading fiddle music, and even driving at night had all become increasingly difficult as cataracts blurred his sight.

"My colours were being affected by the yellow haze cataracts give you, and the glare from headlights at night made it difficult to drive,” said Jim. “My wife and I had to change our lifestyle, making sure we got home before dark.”

Jim’s optometrist referred him to ophthalmologist (eye specialist) Dr. Brennan Eadie at Eadie Eye Centre. He has since had cataract surgery on both eyes, just a month apart.

Like many others, Jim had his surgeries at Halifax Vision Surgical Centre (next to Dr. Eadie’s office). Through a partnership that began in 2020, Nova Scotia Health provides some publicly funded cataract surgeries there, which also frees hospital operating rooms for more complex eye surgeries.

Last year, more than 17,700 cataract surgeries were completed across the province, with 83 per cent of patients receiving treatment within the national 112-day benchmark. The Halifax Vision Surgical Centre partnership alone added nearly 1,000 more cases helping to reduce the overall waitlist by 28 per cent.

This and other initiatives and investments led to Nova Scotia’s recent strong performance in the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) report on wait times for priority procedures.

“These results highlight the progress we’re making — more patients are receiving cataract surgery within the 112-day target and hip and knee replacements within the 26-week benchmark. To achieve and maintain the results Nova Scotians need, we’re finding ways to better manage and coordinate these services,” said Cindy Connolly, senior director of Nova Scotia Health’s Perioperative (Surgical) Services Network.

“Cataracts are one of the most common and treatable causes of vision loss. It’s extremely rewarding to see the difference cataract surgery makes in people’s lives,” said Dr. Eadie. “Through this partnership with the Halifax Vision Surgical Centre, ophthalmologists have improved access to the operating room time that is needed to provide patients with timely, high-quality cataract surgery to restore their sight and independence.” 

Although Jim had faced major surgeries in the past, including heart surgery, hernia repairs, and cancer treatment, he felt particularly anxious about having surgery on his eyes. The staff at Eadie Eye Centre and the Halifax Vision Surgical Centre reassured him the procedure would be quick and painless. He was further comforted by the post-surgery care at Eadie Eye Centre, which included follow-up appointments and a step-by-step checklist to track medication and eye drops — helping ensure a smooth recovery.

Grateful for the care he received, Jim shared some of his artwork with Dr. Eadie as a personal thank you.

With both surgeries and smooth recoveries behind him, Jim has resumed his favourite activities. “I’m back to painting, back to my music and I can drive at night without worry,” he said. “It really gave me my life back.”

Photo of Jim McKnight.