Date: Friday September 26, 2025

Time: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

Title: The other EBM:  Evidence-based mentorship

Speaker: Dr. Sharon Straus

Zoom link: Register HERE

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Objectives:

• Define mentorship
• Use a framework for developing mentorship
• Reflect on intersection of mentorship and equity, diversity, and inclusion

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. You will be able to claim 1 credit for this round.

Date:

Time:

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Speaker:

Zoom Link to Register:

Check back next week to view new information about DOVS Cornea Rounds!

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. You will be able to claim 1 credit for this round.

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

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 →

The COS Ergonomics working group is pleased to share an online resource focused on musculoskeletal disorders in ophthalmologists. Developed by Queen’s University in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine, this online module highlights best ergonomic practices and injury prevention.

Why is this important? The physical demands of ophthalmology puts physicians at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to poor ergonomics.

After this module, participants will:

• Review the importance of ergonomics for ophthalmologists;
• Identify areas in the clinic and operating room that may predispose to musculoskeletal disorders;
• Learn proper ergonomic risk factor modification;
• Recognize signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders, understanding the importance of early intervention.

Completion of this online module has been determined by Queen’s University to be eligible for 0.5 hours of Royal College Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Section 2: Self Learning credits.

Ready to learn more? Click below!

Location: Virtual – access the course HERE

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a cicatricial autoimmune disease primarily affecting mucous membranes of the conjunctiva, oral cavity, nasopharynx, oesophagus and genitals. Ocular involvement occurs in approximately 80% of cases, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis to prevent irreversible damage and potential blindness.

Authors: Melissa Lu (MD), Fady Sedarous (MD, FRCSC), Mona Harissi-Dagher (MD, FRCSC)

Learning objectives: Upon completion of this module, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnostic and treatment principles of ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid (OMMP), enabling them to apply this knowledge in clinical practice.

Target audience: Ophthalmology residents and ophthalmologists.

Submitted by: Yosra Er-reguyeg

March is Workplace Eye Awareness Month, dedicated to promoting eye health and safety in professional settings. With over 700 work-related eye injuries occurring daily in Canada, protecting vision is a critical aspect of workplace safety. This PRC issue provides an overview of common workplace hazards and protective strategies; as well as a list of national resources to help providers promote workplace eye safety and awareness among patients.

Common Workplace Eye Hazards

• Flying Particles and Debris: metal shavings, wood splinters, dust, and other airborne materials can cause corneal abrasions or penetrate the eye, leading to severe damage.

• Chemical Exposure: industrial and healthcare professionals risk chemical burns from splashes and airborne vapours.

• Radiation Exposure: welders, laboratory workers, and those using high-intensity light sources face ultraviolet (UV) or infrared radiation risks, which can damage ocular tissues.

• Digital Eye Strain: office workers experience Computer Vision Syndrome due to prolonged screen use, leading to dryness, discomfort, and headaches.

• Infectious Disease Exposure: healthcare workers are at risk of eye infections from bloodborne pathogens or airborne contaminants.

Eye Protection Guidelines in Canadian Workplaces

• Usage of Canadian Standards Association (CSA)-certified protective eyewear: all protective eyewear in Canada must meet CSA Z94.3 standards to ensure impact resistance, UV protection, and durability.

• Prevention of digital eye strain in office settings: follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. Optimize your workstation by adjusting screen brightness, ensuring proper lighting, and positioning the monitor at eye level.

• Anticipation of workplace eye injuries: emergency eyewash stations should be easily accessible in workplaces handling chemicals and patients should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Vision Care and Occupational Health Policies in Canada

• Many Canadian employers provide vision care benefits, but only15% of employees report satisfaction with their coverage.

• Occupational Vision Programs across Canada provide prescription safety eyewear to employees in industries requiring eye protection.

• Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect early signs of workplace-related vision issues and are encouraged by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society.

Workplace eye safety is essential for preventing injuries and long-term vision issues. Recognizing Workplace Eye Awareness Month is an opportunity to reinforce best practices and ensure clear vision for a productive workforce.

Resources on workplace eye safety

1. Workplace Eye Safety Resource Hub

2. CCOHS H&S Report (2014) – Use of CSA-approved eyewear and matching PPE to hazards ( CCOHS: Health and Safety Report – Past Issues ) ( CCOHS: Health and Safety Report – Past Issues ).
3. Canada.ca – Protect Your Eyes! – qualities of good protective eyewear and care tips (Protect Your Eyes! – Canada.ca) (Protect Your Eyes! – Canada.ca).
4. Canadian Association of Optometrists – reports ~75% of Canadians have digital eye strain symptoms (How Long Does Eye Strain Last? | Cochrane, AB).
5. CCOHS – Office Ergonomics: Eye Discomfort – causes of screen-related eyestrain ( CCOHS: Office Ergonomics – Eye Discomfort in the Office ).
6. CCOHS H&S Report (2019) – tips to prevent digital eye strain (20-20-20 rule, breaks, ergonomics) ( CCOHS: Health and Safety Report – Past Issues ) ( CCOHS: Health and Safety Report – Past Issues ).
7. Benefits Canada (2022) – survey of remote workers’ increased eye issues (As employees’ screen exposure increases, is it time to update vision benefits? | Benefits Canada.com).
8. CNIB – “In the Blink of an Eye…Avoiding Eye Injuries” – first aid tips for specks, blows, cuts, chemical splashes (In the blink of an eye … Avoiding eye injuries at work, home and play) (In the blink of an eye … Avoiding eye injuries at work, home and play).
9. CCOHS – First Aid for Chemical Exposures – flush eyes ≥15 minutes for chemicals ( CCOHS: First Aid for Chemical Exposures ). CCOHS H&S Report – importance of eyewash stations ( CCOHS: Health and Safety Report – Past Issues ).
10. Canadian Association of Optometrists – Best Practices Guide to Vision Benefits (2022) – stats on vision benefit satisfaction and missed work due to vision issues (Best Practices Guide to Vision Care Benefits) (Best Practices Guide to Vision Care Benefits).
11. Canadian Ophthalmological Society – press release 2021 – urging regular eye exams (Canadian Ophthalmological Society shares eye-opening stats and tips for healthy vision during Vision Health Month – COS-SCO).
12. Eyesafe BC (Doctors of Optometry) – overcoming barriers to PPE compliance with prescription safety eyewear (Eye Injury Statistics: Why Workers Won’t Use Safety Glasses – Eyesafe BC by British Columbia Doctors of Optometry) (Eye Injury Statistics: Why Workers Won’t Use Safety Glasses – Eyesafe BC by British Columbia Doctors of Optometry).

Date: Thursday, March 27th, 2025

Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Title: No Sutures, No worries:  Mastering Flanged Scleral Fixation

Speaker: Professor Adi Einan Lifshitz

Zoom Link: Register in advance for this webinar

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Objectives:

1. Understand the Principles and Indications for the Flange scleral fixation technique Master the Surgical Steps;

2. Recognize Complications, Postoperative Care and tips for success.

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. You will be able to claim 1 credit for this round.

Join us for our next webinar in our EyeNovation: International Webinar Series for Ophthalmic Expertise! 

“Unveiling the pachychoroid disease spectrum: a deep dive into central serous chorioretinopathy and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy”, presented by Dr. Angie H.C. Fong, University of Hong Kong school of Clinical Medicine. 

This engaging session exploring the evolving understanding of the pachychoroid disease spectrum (PDS) with a focus on central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This webinar will provide an in-depth review of pathogenesis, recent clinical trials, and emerging management strategies. Participants will also gain insights into the incidence and risk factors for PDS progression based on natural observation studies. This webinar will take place on Tuesday, March 25th from 7:00 – 8:00 PM ET.

Dr. Fong joined the Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine in February 2023 as Clinical Associate Professor of Practice. She leads the vitreoretinal service at the Queen Mary Hospital & Grantham Hospital where she is an honorary consultant. She is also an honorary consultant of the United Christian Hospital.  Dr. Fong graduated from the University of Hong Kong with distinction in medicine & was the recipient of the Medic ’67 Gold Medal in Clinical Medicine for being top of her class. She completed her Masters in Public Health degree from the School of Public Health in HKU with distinction & is an HKAM accredited specialist in Ophthalmology. Having been awarded the Ho Hung Chiu Medical Education Foundation Scholarship, she went on to further her training in both surgical & medical retina under Prof. Peter Stalmans in Belgium & the Will’s eye hospital in the US. Her research interests include vitreoretinal surgeries, retinal imaging, macular & choroidal diseases, artificial intelligence & translational care. She was awarded 2 patents for her work on AI in OCT imaging in age related macular degeneration. She has 50+ publications in international peer reviewed journals & has co-authored a textbook in OCT imaging in central serous chorioretinopathy. She participates in major clinical trials with international sites in both the HKU & CUHK clinical trials centres.

Learning objectives
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Assess the evolution and current understanding of the pathogenesis of pachychoroid disease spectrum (PDS) disorders. 
• Integrate the diagnosis and management of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) by analyzing recent clinical trials and management strategies. 
• Describe the incidence and risk factors for PDS progression in a natural observation study.  

If you missed this webinar, not to worry! The recording is available below: