Glaucoma Fund
In 1996, the Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island launched the Royal Arch Glaucoma Fund to support glaucoma research and education at Dalhousie University’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) and the QEII Health Sciences Centre. The initiative was led by Most Excellent Companion (MEC), Harald Weiland and former DOVS Head, Dr. Raymond LeBlanc. A tireless advocate for glaucoma awareness and research, MEC Weiland encouraged participation of all Masonic Chapters across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Today, the Fund is additionally supported by The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Newfoundland & Labrador.
In Nova Scotia, research on glaucoma, a group of optic nerve-damaging eye diseases known as the “silent thief of sight” (Canadian Association of Optometrists), is conducted at Dalhousie University’s DOVS, located at the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Bethune Building. On June 12th, 2023, in memory of Mr. Harald Weiland, the DOVS opened The Harald Weiland Centre for Learning & Innovation in Glaucoma, an integral space for mentoring trainees as they work, interact, and conduct research. Several members of Harald Weiland’s family and the Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island attended the opening (DOVS 2022/2023 Annual Report).
Supporting the Glaucoma Fund:
The Royal Arch Glaucoma Fund, aligning Masonic principles of relief, compassion, and service with tangible support for medical research, education, and treatment, has consistently expressed the Grand Chapter’s charitable mission. The RAM Glaucoma Endowment, exceeding $400,000, supports essential glaucoma research, meaningfully impacting those affected by vision loss.
The Glaucoma Fund is sustained through generous contributions, which may be made in the following ways:
Cheque or Money Order payable to RAM Glaucoma Fund – QEII Foundation and submitted through your Chapter to the Grand Secretary. A tax receipt will be issued from the QEII Foundation for gifts of $10.00 or more.
To contribute by credit card, please contact the QEII Foundation directly at 902-473-7932, specifying that your donation is for the RAM Glaucoma Fund – T690.