Ho, ho, ho! Gather around, my dear friends, for I have a tale to tell, not of reindeer and elves, but of a magical journey in the land of the North, where the snow glistens and the Northern Lights dance. This story, my jolly companions, is about a group of dedicated helpers, not unlike my elves, but these heroes wear white coats and wield tools not for making toys, but for bringing the gift of sight to those in need.

In a place called Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, a wondrous workshop was established, not for building sleighs, but for pioneering a service as heartwarming as Christmas itself. This service, my friends, was designed for those who had faced a storm, not of snow, but of a different kind—a stroke. More than 60% of these brave souls were left with a shadow over their vision, a condition known as Post-stroke visual impairment (PSVI).

Now, in the United Kingdom, a merry band of specialists called orthoptists had already been spreading cheer by joining stroke care teams to assess and manage PSVI. Inspired by this, the good folks in Saskatoon decided it was time to bring this gift to North America for the very first time.

With the spirit of collaboration that would make any elf proud, departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation came together to create a new path, a path that led directly to an orthoptist specialized in PSVI. This was no ordinary path, but a referral pathway, guiding those affected by stroke directly to the help they needed.

In their first year, they suspected 107 visual deficits, much like how I check my list twice, to ensure no child is forgotten. They discovered that visual field deficits were as common as cookies left out on Christmas Eve, while diplopia and visual neglect played the roles of the Grinch, trying to steal away the joy of sight. Reading issues, too, were a common scrooge, dampening the spirits of many.

But fear not, for the orthoptists, with their keen eyes and gentle hands, identified and addressed 45 additional visual deficits, bringing back the light of vision to those in need. Just as I deliver presents to children around the world, these orthoptists delivered the gift of improved sight to stroke patients.

So, let us take a moment to appreciate these unsung heroes, the orthoptists, who, like elves in their workshop, work tirelessly to ensure that those affected by stroke can once again see the world in all its wonder. And let us remember, my dear friends, that in every corner of the world, there are people making a difference, bringing joy, hope, and light into the lives of others. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good sight!