From the time of a serious motor vehicle accident in 2008 to an unexpected eye diagnosis in 2023, Chris Leavens has depended on the leading expertise of the medical team at St. Joseph's Health Care London through the years.

“As a lifelong resident and businessperson in London, Ontario, I believe we sometimes take for granted the excellent medical infrastructure we are blessed with,” says Chris, CEO of Leavens Automotive Group.

After a car accident left him hospitalized for over a month, Chris received rehabilitation at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute. Fortunately, he made a full recovery. It was Chris’s patient experience that inspired him to make his first gift to St. Joseph's in 2015.

Fast forward to a few years ago, Chris’s optometrist noted some retinal discoloration in his left eye during a routine exam. “I didn't think much of it at the time and didn't understand the significance of the diagnosis,” he admits.

By spring 2023, after experiencing vision changes, Chris was diagnosed with dry macular degeneration and began taking vitamins to help alleviate his symptoms. That summer, his visual distortion worsened.

“I couldn't recognize faces or read anything on my computer screen with my left eye alone,” Chris recalls. His original diagnosis had progressed to wet macular degeneration, which would lead to vision loss if left untreated.

“I went through the typical stages of dealing with an unexpected diagnosis: denial, anger, and finally, acceptance,” says Chris. “But knowing there was a treatment available gave me hope.”

Chris was referred to Dr. Tom Sheidow at St. Joseph’s Ivey Eye Institute. He notes the entire process, from booking the appointment to attending his first visit, was efficient and well-organized. “Dr. Sheidow's demeanour and bedside manner were very comforting ... which is quite important before someone injects a needle into your eye,” Chris adds wryly.

Within a month of the first injection, Chris noticed an improvement in his vision, which had deteriorated significantly since the initial diagnosis. Today, Chris has received several injections and now rates his vision “a nine out of 10.”

“I feel very fortunate to have access to world-class eye care in our city, and I want to thank everyone at the Ivey Eye Institute for giving me a second chance at great vision. I give to St. Joseph's because their community has given so much to me.”

When considering a donation to the Ivey Eye Institute, Chris asked Dr. Sheidow where his gift was most needed. His most recent donation supports the Foundation’s Patient Assistance Fund.

for the Ivey Eye Institute. The Patient Assistance Fund provides immediate support to vulnerable patients by purchasing essential items like personal care kits, grocery gift cards, transportation vouchers, and clothing.

“Helping people is such a rewarding act,” says Chris. “Sometimes you have to give to understand that reward. I encourage anybody who’s never tried giving before to give and see how it makes you feel.”