Tapiwa Musewe remembers her first pair of glasses.
They were bright pink and left her curious about the work of the optometrist who prescribed them: “What did he do to help me see again?”
Musewe, who is now a Hamilton optician, also remembers a dream she had while studying, in which a group of children came to her seeking help to see.
“I remember being in that dream and saying, ‘I’ll help you guys.’ And I helped a few of them and then I said, ‘You guys need to come back tomorrow.'” It helped her to know she was on the right career path.
In January, Musewe became the owner of DragaVisionCare, an optometry practice in Hamilton’s Stoney Creek area, which offers eye exams, prescriptive eyewear and contact lenses.
She sat down with CBC Hamilton to talk about becoming a business owner, and working in a field where she says she hasn’t met many people who look like her.
Musewe is registered with the Ontario College of Opticians, which describes the profession as being similar to pharmacists, since opticians are trained to interpret and supply prescriptions, but don’t perform eye exams.
Lessons from time spent in South Africa
She received a Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University before studying opticianry at Georgian College in Barrie, Ont. After that, Musewe said, she considered studying optometry in Canada, but found it too expensive. Instead, she studied in South Africa at the University of Johannesburg. Musewe said she completed her optometry degree in 2018 but has not yet bridged those credentials to practice in Ontario.
In South Africa, Musewe said, she worked with a diverse range of clients and learned to work with different kinds of bodies. For example, she said, she worked with many racialized people who naturally had larger optic nerves, which in Canada is often considered a sign of glaucoma. Musewe said she learned to test for the condition but not see the enlarged nerve as the same cause for alarm in all patients.
She also learned to work with people who feel uncomfortable going to a specialist, and how to include family members in a person’s care.
When she returned to Canada, Musewe worked at Georgian College and later, she worked to provide glasses care to people at home.
Along the way, she received some support in her path to becoming a business owner from the Southwestern Ontario Black Entrepreneurship Network (SWOBEN) which offers support and networking to Black people who run businesses or nonprofits.
“That was humbling, because it made me realize I don’t know everything,” Musewe said.
She’d never made a business plan before and a mentor she met through the network helped her through that process. She also had access to a lawyer and an accountant. “It was more than just a program for me. It was literally about doors being open.”
Getting more women in leadership
Dr. Surjinder Sahota, an optometrist in Abbotsford, B.C., said mentorship is hugely important and helped her early in her career.
Sahota is the treasurer for the Canadian Association of Optometrists and part of Canadian Women in Eye Care, a new group focused on supporting women in the field.
Currently, she said, that group is accepting applications for mentors and mentees in a new mentorship program they’re setting up.
Sahota said that while in her experience at least 50 per cent of people in her field are women, there are disparities when it comes to pay, and representation in leadership roles.
“More times than I count on my hands, people will walk in and say, ‘Oh, I thought Dr. Sahota was male,'” she said. The goal of Canadian Women in Eye Care is to empower more women to be leaders in the field and in their communities, she added.
‘I would really love to meet her’
Musewe says she doesn’t know any other Black women opticians who own a practice in Hamilton.
“In Canada there’s not a lot of that. And if there is, I would really love to meet her,” she said.
Fazel Khan is the registrar and CEO of the College of Opticians of Ontario, which regulates and opticians. He said the college does not collect demographic data, so he can’t confirm if Musewe is correct.
Khan said about one-fifth of registered opticians are self-employed, but most work for big companies. Anecdotally, he said, opticianry is a diverse profession.”You’ll see a lot of different nationalities running optical stores.”
Khan said the college wants to start collecting demographic data and is working toward that as part of a broader equity strategy to support its 3,200 members and future opticians.
The hope, he said, is also to make eye care more culturally sensitive by creating guidance based on different peoples’ experiences.
He noted the college has had many international students apply in recent years, and adds that his team is working to promote their pathways to certification for internationally certified professionals. “We’re very pro-accessibility.”
Musewe has done some work for the college and Khan says he’s happy to hear about how she’s doing. “A lot of people don’t get to demonstrate their merit,” he said.
Going forward, Musewe said she’s excited to establish herself and is considering projects such as offering free eye tests for young immigrants. “I’m looking forward to just being able to support the community and the best way that I can.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
