I have age-related macular degeneration that is treated by a local ophthalmologist ie eye injections that cost me $120 per shot. Most people have access to a retinal specialist and, as such, they do not have to pay for the injections. There are no retinal specialists in the Central and North Island. There was one in Nanaimo but she is leaving to go back to Alta. Even if there was a retinal specialist in Nanaimo, it is a situation that is not helpful to this community or further North eg Tahsis, Gold River, etc. The response that I have received from the office of the Minister of Health is that many people have to drive to see medical specialists. The fact is, one cannot drive after an injection. Many of us are older with limited means and other health problems that care not conducive to long drives. It’s odd. Even Fort St John has a retinal specialist, so does Terrace etc. We do not.