Title: COS Ergonomics for the Ophthalmologist Videos
Description: Explore presentations, handouts, and video recordings from the 2017 COS Annual Meeting focused on preventing musculoskeletal injury in ophthalmology. Topics include body mechanics, the prevalence of MSK disorders, and the development of ergonomic education modules. This resource features insights from clinicians and experts including Drs. Brissette, Diaconita, Ratzlaff, and Kherani, and certified athletic therapist George Matos.
Link: https://www.cosprc.ca/ergonomics-for-the-ophthalmologist/

Queen’s University – Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ophthalmologists
Description: A 30-minute online module on musculoskeletal disorders in ophthalmologists, offered by Queen’s University Department of Ophthalmology. Completion is eligible for 0.5 hours of Royal College Section 2: Self-Learning credits. Topics include ergonomic risk factors, injury prevention strategies, and posture optimization for clinical and surgical settings.
Link: https://ophthalmology.queensu.ca/academics/cme/ergonomics

Ergonomics for Ophthalmologists at Home and in Practice
Podcast: Audio Digest
Release Date: September 21, 2024
Duration: 31 min 34 sec
Episode Description: In this episode, Dr. Martin Wand explores practical ergonomic strategies for ophthalmologists, emphasizing proper posture in both clinical and surgical settings, and highlighting the health risks of prolonged sitting.
Link: https://www.audio-digest.org/Courses/Ergonomics-for-Ophthalmologists-at-Home-and-in-Practice/3594

Video: ASCRS 2020 – Ergonomics in the Ophthalmic Practice and the ORTitle: 25. Ergonomics in Ophthalmology (Dr. R. Rishi Gupta)
Podcast: Blind Spot – The Eye Doctor’s Podcast
Release Date: June 3, 2024
Duration: 33 min 59 sec
Episode Description: The incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in ophthalmology is probably higher than you think. Whether it’s an acute injury or a chronic injury from poor posture and positioning, ophthalmologists and optometrists are at high risk for long-term back pain and other musculoskeletal problems, due to the nature of our work. So how can we do better at keeping ourselves healthy, both in the short-term and in the long run? Dr. R. Rishi Gupta joins the podcast.
Link: https://www.blindspot-podcast.com/

Hot Topics in Surgery: Ergonomics
Podcast: Behind the Knife
Release Date: September 30, 2019
Duration: 48 min 15 sec
Episode Description: Dr. Scott Hollenbeck (Duke plastic surgeon) and Marissa Pentico (occupational therapist and ergonomist) discuss practical ergonomic interventions developed through a Duke-led initiative. Learn how to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and extend your surgical career with strategies that can be integrated into everyday practice..
Link: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast/hot-topics-in-surgery-ergonomics

CRS Virtual Education: Ergonomics
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_9wMD062aM

Video: University of California Irvine: Igniting Passion and Safety Through Ergonomics in Ophthalmology
Duration: 58 min 17 sec
Lecturers: Dr. Donny Suh, Ophthalmologist, University of California Irvine’s Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, USA Dr. Susan Ksiazek, Ophthalmologist, Marshfield Clinic, USA Dr. Benjamin Young, Ophthalmologist, Oregon Health Sciences University, USA
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghb05PiZfs4&ab_channel=Cybersight

Video: ASCRS 2020 – Ergonomics in the Ophthalmic Practice and the OR
Duration: 11 min 40 sec
Lecturer: Dr. Michael E. Snyder, Ophthalmologist, University of Cincinnati, USA
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnFf_U2Co1o&ab_channel=Haag-StreitUSA

Podcast/video: Doc2Doc – Ergonomics in Ophthalmology
Duration: 11 min 03 sec
Lecturers: Dr. Alison Early and Dr. Lori Provencher
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzwHv79vNU&ab_channel=EyeCarePartners

Video: ASCRS 2023 Webinar – Ergonomics in Ophthalmology
Duration: 57 min 41 sec
Lecturers: Dr. Allison Jarstad, Dr. Samuel Masket, Dr. Paul Singh and Dr. Ryan Smith
Link: https://www.ascrs.org/clinical-education/webinars/2023-webinar-yes-ergonomics-in-ophthalmology

Video: Surgeon Ergonomics for Cataract Surgery and Other Ocular Surgery
Duration: 5 min 28 sec
Lecturer: Dr. Uday Devgan
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWiwL5fbiRg&ab_channel=UdayDevgan

Title: Ergonomics Simplified
Author: Camille V. Palma, MD
Publisher: EyeNet Magazine
Date: March 2023
Link: https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/ergonomics-simplified

Title: Ergonomics in Ophthalmology a Lifelong Project
Authors: Alex Young, featuring Nicole Bajic, MD
Publisher: Healio – Ocular Surgery News
Date: December 2022
Link: https://www.healio.com/news/ophthalmology/20221220/ergonomics-in-ophthalmology-a-lifelong-project

Title: The Importance of Ergonomics in the Clinic and OR
Authors: Ellen Stodola, Editorial Co-Director
Publisher: EyeWorld
Date: December 2022
Link: https://www.eyeworld.org/2022/ergonomics-in-the-clinic-and-or/

Title: Ergonomics: Care for Yourself to Improve Patient Care
Author: Peggy Denny, Contributing Writer
Publisher: EyeNet Magazine
Date: August 2022
Link: https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/ergonomics-care-for-yourself-improve-patient-care?august-2022

Title: Ergonomics In the Clinic and OR
Authors: Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD, L.AC; Alison D. Early, MD; Steven G. Safran, MD
Publisher: Glaucoma Today
Date: January/February 2022
Link: https://glaucomatoday.com/articles/2022-jan-feb/ergonomics-in-the-clinic-and-or

Title: Good Posture, Ergonomics and Exercise Key to Long Career for Ophthalmologists
Author: Richard L. Lindstrom, MD
Publisher: Healio – Ocular Surgery News
Date: January 2022
Link: https://www.healio.com/news/ophthalmology/20220105/good-posture-ergonomics-and-exercise-key-to-long-career-for-ophthalmologists

Title: Ergonomic Environment Critical to Well-Being of Eye Specialists
Author: Michela Cimberle
Publisher: Healio – Ocular Surgery News
Date: January 2022
Link: https://www.healio.com/news/ophthalmology/20220105/ergonomic-environment-critical-to-wellbeing-of-eye-specialists

Title: Ergonomics: Perfect Your Posture
Author: Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD, L.AC
Publisher: Ophthalmology Management
Date: October 2021
Link: https://digital.ophthalmologymanagement.com/publication/frame.php?i=723043&p=&pn=&ver=html5&view=articleBrowser&article_id=4124260

Title: Making The Retina Workplace More Ergonomically Friendly
Author: Sunir Garg, MD, FACS
Publisher: RETINA SPECIALIST
Date: September/October 2021
Link: https://www.retina-specialist.com/article/making-the-retina-workplace-more-ergonomically-friendly

Title: Ergonomics for the Retinal Physician: Protect Your Musculoskeletal Health with These Tips for Daily Practice
Authors: Megan Nichols, MD; Jeffrey Marx, MD
Publisher: Retinal Physician
Date: May 2019
Link: https://www.retinalphysician.com/issues/2019/may/ergonomics-for-the-retinal-physician/

Title: Ophthalmologists Raise Awareness of Workstyle-Related Ergonomic Problems
Author: Michela Cimberle
Publisher: Healio – Ocular Surgery News
Date: May 2019
Link: https://www.healio.com/news/ophthalmology/20190502/ophthalmologists-raise-awareness-of-workstylerelated-ergonomic-problems

Title: Ergonomics: How Not to Sacrifice Your Body
Author: Liam Jordan, Associate Editor
Publisher: Review of Ophthalmology
Date: October 2018
Link: https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/ergonomics-how-not-to-sacrifice-your-body

Title: Ophthalmic Ergonomics: Continuing Challenges and New Insights
Authors: Linda Roach, Contributing Writer, interviewing Kenneth L. Cohen, MD; Jeffrey L. Marx, MD; Safeer F. Siddicky, MS; Scott E. Olitsky, MD
Publisher: EyeNet Magazine
Date: April 2018
Link: https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/ophthalmic-ergonomics

Title: Watch Your Back (and Neck and Wrists): Work-related musculoskeletal disorders can shorten your career
Authors: Timothy Ratzlaff, MD; Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc
Publisher: CRSToday
Date: February 2018
Link: https://crstoday.com/articles/2018-feb/watch-your-back-and-neck-and-wrists

Title: Ergonomics, Part Two: Seven Risk Factors and Seven Solutions
Author: Linda Roach, Contributing Writer
Publisher: EyeNet Magazine
Date: November 2014
Link: https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/ergonomics-part-two-seven-risk-factors-seven-solut

Title: Ergonomics and Retina
Authors: Michael Dollin, MD; with Sunir J. Garg, MD; Sonia Mehta, MD; and Marc Spirn, MD
Publisher: Retina Today
Date: May/June 2014
Link: https://retinatoday.com/articles/2014-may-june/ergonomics-and-retina

Title: Ergonomics, Part Two: Seven Risk Factors and Seven Solutions
Title: Of Ophthalmologists & Aching Backs: With repetitive stress injuries, the doctor becomes the patient. Here’s how to protect your body — and your practice
Author: René Luthe, Senior Associate Editor
Publisher: Ophthalmology Management
Date: January 2012
Link: https://ophthalmologymanagement.com/issues/2012/january/of-ophthalmologists-aching-backs/

Title: Will Ophthalmology Cripple You?
Author: Christopher Kent, Senior Editor
Publisher: Review of Ophthalmology
Date: October 2011
Link: https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/will-ophthalmology-cripple-you

Title: Fellows’ Focus: Ergonomics for the Retina Specialist
Authors: Allen Chiang, MD; Paul S. Baker, MD; Eugene A. Milder, MD; Sunir J. Garg, MD
Publisher: Retina Today
Date: July/August 2010
Link: https://retinatoday.com/articles/2010-july-aug/ergonomics-for-the-retina-specialist

Title: Ergonomics, Part One: Is the Job You Love a Pain in the Neck?
Author: Linda Roach, Contributing Writer
Publisher: EyeNet Magazine
Date: July 2007
Link: https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/ergonomics-part-one-is-job-you-love-pain-in-neck

Submitted by: Edmond Sandouk

Overview

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder of theocular surface, in which inflammation is a central component of both symptoms and pathogenesis[1].

While vitamin D is recognized for its role in calcium regulation and bone health, it also has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit ocular health[2].

Multiple studies have investigated the impact of systemic vitamin D supplementation on DED. Notably, Bae et al. conducted a randomized controlled trial on patients with DED and vitamin D deficiency. They demonstrated significant improvements in tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores following vitamin D supplementation[3, 4].

Building on this promising evidence, a recent clinical trial led by Hassanpour et al explored a novel approach: topical vitamin D eye drops[5].

Study Title

Safety and Efficacy of Topical Vitamin D in the Management of Dry Eye Disease Associated With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial[5].

Q&A: Insights from the Study

Q: What was the rationale for testing topical vitamin D?
A: Given the positive ocular benefits of systemic vitamin D, this study aimed to assess whether topical administration could provide local therapeutic effects in patients with DED associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Q: What was the study design?
A: The study was a double-blind randomized control trial including 56 patients with both DED and MGD. They were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin D eye drops or placebo eye drops, administered in one eye four times daily for 8 weeks.

Q: What were the results?
A: At 8 weeks, the vitamin D group demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all major outcomes compared to the placebo group:

• Corneal fluorescein staining: improved ocular surface integrity
• Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ 5): reduced subjective symptoms of dry eyes
• Schirmer test: increased tear production
• TBUT: longer tear film breakup time
• Meibomian gland expressibility score: improved gland function
• OSDI score: reduced severity of DED

Q: Were there any adverse effects?
A: The treatment was well tolerated. There were no statistically significant ocular adverse events compared to the placebo group, and no participants discontinued the study due to side effects.

Q: Are topical vitamin D eye drops commercially available?
A: The eye drops were specifically prepared for research purposes and are not currently available on the market.

Conclusion

Topical vitamin D appears to be a safe and promising option for the treatment of DED associated with MGD. This study highlights the need for further research and development of vitamin D-based ocular therapies.

References

1.           Clayton, J.A., Dry Eye. N Engl J Med, 2018. 378(23): p. 2212-2223.

2.           Sassi, F., C. Tamone, and P. D’Amelio, Vitamin D: Nutrient, Hormone, and Immunomodulator. Nutrients, 2018. 10(11).

3.           Bae, S.H., et al., Vitamin D Supplementation for Patients with Dry Eye Syndrome Refractory to Conventional Treatment. Sci Rep, 2016. 6: p. 33083.

4.           Rolando, M. and S. Barabino, Dry Eye Disease: What Is the Role of Vitamin D? Int J Mol Sci, 2023. 24(2).

5.           Hassanpour, K., et al., Safety and Efficacy of Topical Vitamin D in the Management of Dry Eye Disease Associated With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Cornea, 2024. 43(5): p. 552-563.

Submitted by: Felix Plamondon

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons invites professionals around the world to participate to their 43^rd congress. The event will include many learning activities such as the main symposia, instructional courses, wetlabs, video sessions, posters and oral presentations.

Date: September 12th to 16th 2025.

Location: Bella Center Copenhagen, Center Boulevard, 2300 Copenhagen S

Important information: 

COS is now accepting abstracts and video submissions for the 2026 Annual Meeting in Montréal, Québec happening on June 18-21, 2026. The submission deadline is Friday, October 3, 2025 at 3:59 PM (EST).

What We’re Looking For: 

• Latest research findings 
• Clinical innovations 
• Best practices in ophthalmology 
• Videos featuring ophthalmic surgery, procedure, education or innovative techniques, for our inaugural COS Film Festival—an exciting new initiative to feature surgical videos, innovative techniques, and creative storytelling in ophthalmology. Be part of this first-of-its-kind celebration of visual learning and peer-to-peer education.  

Before You Submit
Please review the submission guidelines – they are important changes for 2026.  

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) Ergonomics and Injury Prevention Working Group is committed to promoting physical wellness across all stages of ophthalmology practice. Through educational initiatives, resource development, and collaborative research, we aim to make a focus on ergonomics a standard in Canadian ophthalmic care.

Our Mission: To eliminate work-related injuries for Canadian ophthalmologists.

Our Vision: To educate every Canadian ophthalmologist on ergonomics and how best to mitigate risks.

Our Values: Respect, passion, teamwork, creativity, inclusion, and diversity.

Our Current Projects:

• Canadian Handbook for Ergonomics and Injury Prevention for Ophthalmologists
• Ergonomics Toolbox for Residents
• Resident Ergonomics Curriculum Development
• Social Media Educational Initiatives and Challenges
• Sightlines Ergonomics Educational Initiatives
• SAP: Ergonomics: Doesn’t Hurt To Think About It, But It May Hurt Not To! (Royal College MOC Section 3 Accredited)
• Webinar: We’ve Got Your Back! A COS Working Group in Ergonomics and Injury Prevention Webinar (October 2025)
• Ergonomics Podcast (Fall 2025)
• And many more…!

Ergonomics and Injury Prevention Working Group Members

Journal Articles & Editorials:
Explore the growing body of peer-reviewed research on ergonomics in ophthalmology and microsurgery.
LEARN MORE →

Magazine Articles:
Hear directly from ophthalmologists about real-world experiences, preventive tips, and system-wide challenges related to MSK injury.
                LEARN MORE →

Podcasts & Videos:
Prefer to learn on the go? Explore expert-led podcasts and video content on ergonomics in ophthalmology and surgery.
LEARN MORE →

Ophthalmology Educational Series:
Engage with HIGH-YIELD accredited modules and curated training developed by national experts.
LEARN MORE →

Other Ergonomics Resources for Physicians:
Ergonomic challenges affect all healthcare providers. Learn from a broader body of literature in medicine and surgery.
LEARN MORE →