A shared vision for better health

Gitxan Elder Marr Dorvault has long been an active and vibrant Indigenous voice in Vancouver, sharing her cultural knowledge and participating in ceremonies and events across the city, including at UBC. Over the past year, she’s experienced a number of health challenges that have impacted her mobility and day-to-day life, including vision loss.

One of the places Elder Marr receives care is the Vancouver Coastal Health Downtown Eastside (DTES) Eye Clinic, where she has access to specialist eye care from ophthalmologists and optometrists who donate their time and expertise as part of the clinic’s mission to address health disparities faced by marginalized communities. The clinic plays an important part in Elder Marr’s care, but for many Indigenous people living with the effects of inter-generational trauma and discrimination, healthcare facilities can feel unsafe and emotionally triggering.

To help address this issue, Dr. Zaid Mammo, co-director of the clinic and a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, is taking part in a unique community-led UBC partnership research project with the clinic.

Learn more