EyeLearnIVFA is a Canadian collaborative virtual resource for intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA). It is designed to provide students, fellows and ophthalmologists an accessible and self-paced medical education resource.

The website reviews fundamental anatomy and concepts related to fluorescein angiography. As well, through a case based approach, EyeLearnIVFA hopes to increase familiarity with interpretation of this imaging modality and emphasize the clinical utility of this image modality in management of retinal vascular disease.  While cases exist on the website already, we hope to build an atlas of class and rare cases to ensure it becomes a well-rounded and robust resource. As such, we invite case contributions from Canadian medical learners, residents, fellows and ophthalmologist colleagues.

Please note that this webinar has passed. A recording is available below.

October is Ergonomics Month and what better time to learn more about staying safe and healthy in your practice and personal life? Join us on Thursday, October 9, 2025 for an educational and lively discussion on Ergonomics and Injury Prevention.

Learn more from ergonomics experts Dr. Sam Masket, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology (Retired), Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA and founding partner of Advanced Vision Care in Los Angeles, and Dr. Amy Zhang, Associate Clinical Professor of the Glaucoma Service at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Moderated by Dr. R. Rishi Gupta, Chair of the COS Ergonomics and Injury Prevention Working Group, this accredited webinar will feature an interview-style presentation, practical and interactive “micro breaks” videos, and the premiere of our ergonomics video featuring ophthalmologist and COS Past President Dr. Dan O’Brien from Nova Scotia sharing his patient journey.

At the end of this webinar, participants will:

1. Understand the impact that musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders have on physician performance, job satisfaction and workforce limitations.
2. Understand the ergonomic problems associated with workplace equipment, such as operating microscopes, slit lamps, and indirect ophthalmoscopes.
3. Appreciate what modalities exist to reduce the impact of MSK disorders and how this subject should be part or Resident/Fellow education. 

Written by Pauline Calixte, 4th year medical student at University of Sherbrooke.

On October 9th, we recognize the importance of eye care.

Coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and
supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), this global event aims to highlight
the importance of accessible, affordable, and quality eye care for all.

Approximately 2.2 billion people around the world live with some form of vision
impairment. Many of these conditions can be managed with early detection and proper
care, as nearly half of all cases are preventable or treatable.

Objectives:

• Raise awareness about the importance of eye health
• Draw government’s attention to the need for investment in accessible and affordable eye care
• Promote regular eye exams to prevent avoidable diseases

What you can do:

• Get your eyes tested and encourage others to do the same.
• Share your story on social media using hashtags like #WorldSightDay and LoveYourEyes
• Support organizations working in global eye health.

For more information, please visit the World Sight Day

References:

1. IAPB. World Sight Day [Internet]. IAPB; [cité le 3 octobre 2025]. Disponible à hIps://www.iapb.world/world_sight_day

2. Sightsavers. World Sight Day 2025 [Internet]. Sightsavers; 2025 [cité le 3 octobre
   2025]. Disponible à : hIps://www.sightsavers.org/world-sight-day/ Sightsavers

Recommended by Dr. R. Rishi Gupta, this Globe and Mail article offers an important reflection on physician wellness and the physical and mental toll of striving for excellence in medicine. It’s a meaningful read for anyone interested in ergonomics, balance, and sustainable practice.

On behalf of the COS Ergonomics and Injury Prevention Working Group and the Committee on Ophthalmology Residents Ergonomics Education, we are pleased to share with you the 2025–26 CORE Curriculum.

The attached CORE Curriculum Guide outlines six practical and easy-to-implement initiatives designed to promote ergonomic awareness and injury prevention among the residents in your program.

As October marks National Ergonomics Awareness Month, we encourage you to initiate the curriculum during this time. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any member of the CORE team. We appreciate your support in fostering resident wellbeing and a healthier ophthalmology workforce.

Warm regards,
CORE members:

Dr. Harald Gjerde

Dr. R. Rishi Gupta

Dr. Femida Kherani

Dr. Rookaya Mather

Created on July 16, 2021
Revised September 19, 2025

Visudyne is an essential therapeutic agent for the treatment of specific sight-threatening
retinal and choroidal diseases, including choroidal tumours, anti-VEGF resistant neovascular
age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and central serous choroidopathy (CSC). There is
an active global shortage of Visudyne, and the next resupply is not expected to be available in
Canada until the end of June 2026 (see: www.drugshortagescanada.ca).

The Canadian Retina Society (CRS) and Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) are working
with Health Canada’s Drug Shortages Unit on this issue. Further, the CRS and the COS are
suggesting the following mitigation strategies and suggest that the remaining supply of
Visudyne be prioritized as follows:

• Priority 1: For the full course of treatment and management of sight threatening Ocular Tumours
• Priority 2: For the treatment of non-resolving CSC
• Priority 3: For the treatment of anti-VEGF resistant nAMD

The CRS and COS provide this information for guidance and urge all treating Ophthalmologists
to collaborate with their local and regional oncology and retinal specialist groups to ensure
careful triage of this agent to those patients in most dire need.

Date: Friday September 26

Time: 8:45 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: 45 Brunswick Ave., Multipurpose Room B, Toronto

Title: Eyelids

Speakers: Dr. Nancy Tucker

The VPP Grand Rounds Local and Visiting Professor Program is a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Did you miss the webinar? Not to worry, a recording is available below!

Inherited Retinal Disorders: Progress, Promise, and Lessons Beyond Setbacks

Presented by Dr. Ioannis Dimopoulos, MD, MSc, FRCSC

Join us for an in-depth session as Dr. Dimopoulos explores the latest advancements in inherited retinal disease (IRD) research, emerging therapeutic approaches, and key lessons learned from clinical challenges.

Dr. Dimopoulos obtained his medical degree from the University of Athens and subsequently completed graduate studies and a research fellowship in Ocular Genetics at the University of Alberta. He was directly involved and lead the outcome measure assessment for an ocular gene therapy trial for choroideremia – the first in Canada. Following his ophthalmology residency training at the University of Ottawa, he completed a 2 -year fellowship in Medical Retina & Ophthalmic Genetics at the National Eye Institute / National Institutes of Health. He recently joined the University of Ottawa’s Department of Ophthalmology as an Assistant Professor. His clinical and research interests include inherited retinal disorders, gene therapy, AMD, CSCR, and diabetic retinopathy.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 

1. Describe the genetic and clinical landscape of inherited retinal disorders (IRDs) and the associated unmet medical needs
2. Explain the principles, current applications, and clinical progress of gene therapy in retinal diseases, including the case of choroideremia
3. Discuss future directions, challenges, and emerging technologies in the development of gene therapy for IRDs.

2025-2026 CORE Cirriculum
Description: CORE Curriculum Guide outlines six practical and easy-to-implement initiatives designed to promote ergonomic awareness and injury prevention among the residents in your program
Link: https://www.cosprc.ca/2025-2026-core-curriculum/

Dalhousie University – EH&S Ergonomics Program
Description: Dalhousie’s Environmental Health & Safety Office offers ergonomic assessments and training for faculty and staff. Their educational video series, featuring the Dal Tiger, demonstrates proper office chair and workstation setup to reduce strain and prevent injury.
Link: http://www.dal.ca/dept/safety/programs-services/occupational-safety/ergonomics.html

Correct Sitting Posture: Office – Physio Med
Description: This highly visual guide offers practical, illustrated advice on optimal sitting posture for desk-based workers. Developed by Physio Med, it explains how poor posture contributes to back, neck, and metabolic problems, and emphasizes the 20/20 rule (move every 20 minutes for 20 seconds). Key topics include chair and desk setup, pelvic tilt, spine alignment, and use of ergonomic seating (e.g., saddle or kneeling chairs).
Link: https://www.physiomed.co.uk/uploads/guide/file/20/Physiomed_Sitting_Guide_-_Correct_Sitting_Posture_Digital.pdf

Ergonomic Principles with Cabinets in Healthcare Settings – Mid Mark
Description: Midmark explains how the design and layout of medical cabinetry can significantly impact clinician workflow, efficiency, and physical well-being. It emphasizes reducing repetitive reaching, bending, and awkward postures by aligning storage and tools within easy reach and using adjustable components. Thoughtful cabinetry design not only improves ergonomics but also enhances staff productivity and patient care quality.
Link: https://www.midmark.com/docs/default-source/resource-library/medical/whitepapers/007-10422-00-hcd-cabinetry-ergonomics-white-paper-final.pdf?sfvrsn=9067761c_1

Office Ergonomics e-Course – Government of Canada (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
Description: The Office Ergonomics course from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is designed to help office workers create safer, more comfortable, and more efficient workspaces. It covers topics like proper workstation setup, posture, equipment use, and strategies to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. The course is ideal for employees, supervisors, and health and safety professionals looking to improve ergonomics in an office setting. It costs $48.00 CAD.
Link: https://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/office_ergonomics

Office Ergonomics Fact Sheets – Government of Canada (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
Description: The CCOHS presents multiple digestible fact sheets summarizing key concepts in ergonomics at work including keyboard selection, computer monitor modifications, positioning, etc. An excellent resource for the individual working with electronic systems to consider prior to purchase or for maintenance.
Link: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/office

ErgoConsulting
Description: A Canadian company that performs ergonomic assessments and consulting at work-place settings. They are composed of a team of occupational therapists, engineers, kinesiologists and Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomists.
Link: https://ergoconsulting.ca/about-ergo-consulting/ergo-consultants/

Ergonomics Related Hazards at the Computer Workstation – Government of Canada
Description: This Canadian government guide on computer ergonomics outlines how to set up a safe and efficient computer workstation to reduce the risk of strain and injury. It covers best practices for posture, monitor and keyboard placement, lighting, and regular movement. The guide is intended for both employers and employees to help create healthier, more comfortable computer-based work environments.
Link: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/canada/employment-social-development/migration/documents/assets/portfolio/docs/en/reports/health_safety/computer_ergonomics.pdf

Keep An Eye On Ergonomics – COS
Description: Download and print this handy poster to keep good posture top of mind. Featuring clear visuals, it covers optimal instrument gripping, chair height, and posture tips to help reduce strain and improve comfort during procedures. Perfect for displaying in your clinic or workspace!

Surgical Ergonomics Recommendations – American College of Surgeons
Description: The Surgical Ergonomics Recommendations by the American College of Surgeons outlines key strategies to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders among surgeons. It emphasizes optimizing operating room setup, including table height, monitor positioning, and instrument design to support neutral posture and reduce fatigue. The document also encourages incorporating ergonomic training, microbreaks, and physical conditioning into surgical practice. These recommendations aim to improve surgeon health, performance, and career longevity. Fun fact – they have an awesome title page photo.
Link: https://www.facs.org/media/tdeemrnw/23_ed_surgicalergonomicsrecommendations_pdf_v4.pdf

Sightlines – Using the indirect – protect your neck!
Description: As part of October’s Ergonomics Month, we are launching a series of Sightlines articles highlighting some key ergonomics principles to help avoid ergonomics injury in the clinic and OR, thereby ensuring musculoskeletal health and longevity as we care for our patients. This month’s article: Using the indirect – protect your neck!
Link: https://www.cosprc.ca/using-the-indirect-protect-your-neck/