Patricia Harvey, assistant clinical professor of surgery, was presented with a Meritorious Service Decoration by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on May 31.

The award was given on behalf of all Canadians to recognize exceptional deeds or activities that bring special credit to Canada.

Harvey, one of 47 Canadians recognized, is a retinal specialist with Hamilton Health Sciences. She has been a pioneer in the study of photodynamic therapy and the wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Canada's leading cause of blindness.

Harvey lobbied on behalf of her patients to have Visudyne, a highly effective treatment not approved by the Ontario government, but recommended by Health Canada, funded by the government.

Her efforts resulted in the provincial Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care approving coverage of the therapy in June 2002.

Because of Harvey's efforts, the McMaster University Medical Centre was established as a centre of excellence treatment facility for Visudyne, and was designated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as the regional distribution pharmacy for Visudyne in south-central Ontario.

The Meritorious Service Decorations were created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to recognize individuals whose accomplishments have demonstrated an outstanding level of service, set an exemplary standard of achievement, or brought honour or benefit to Canada.