October 2021

Canadian ophthalmologists have asked the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) to provide guidance with regard to physician fees for services that are presently uninsured by provincial and territorial health insurance in many jurisdictions.

COS commissioned Health Intelligence Inc, an independent and well-respected health research firm, to conduct a study using recognized methodologies to determine fair market value for these uninsured services. Their report, along with the underpinning formulae, are provided following this summary.

Read the full Article here:

The Canadian Retinoblastoma Research Advisory Board would like to introduce you to the Retinoblastoma Research and You! booklet; a new guide to patient engagement for retinoblastoma families and survivors.

Retinoblastoma is a rare childhood eye cancer. The clinical treatment and follow-up of retinoblastoma patients can take several different and complex paths that can be stressful and confusing for patients and their families. People affected by retinoblastoma have indicated that they want to learn about and help shape the direction of current research.
Patient engagement in research refers to the meaningful involvement of patients throughout any or all aspects of the research process. It involves patients working alongside clinicians and researchers to create research that is relevant to patients and improves care and quality of life. The Canadian Retinoblastoma Research Advisory Board aims to create meaningful, co-directed retinoblastoma research that is relevant to patients and improves outcomes.

This is where the ‘Retinoblastoma Research and You!’ booklet comes into play. This guide was created to raise awareness about and catalyze patient engagement in retinoblastoma research in Canada. It highlights real-world examples of patient-partnered research activities and opportunities — illustrated through testimonials written by Retinoblastoma Champions, patients who actively promote patient engagement in research by drawing from their personal experience and participate in the Canadian Retinoblastoma Research Community.

A digital copy of this booklet may be accessed here. (or copy and paste this link into your browser bit.ly/COSRBResearchAndYou) You can request a hard copy by e-mailing at [email protected]

Updated March, 2021

This document, which is subject to regular updates, provides best practice evidence informed perspectives for ophthalmologists in Canada and can be viewed as a supplement to the June 3, 2020 COS issued document entitled “Immediately Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS) – Key Points”. (Appendix 1).

DISCLAIMER: This document should not be viewed as advocating widespread adoption of ISBCS; however, if individuals or groups are considering this or already engaging in the practice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, then we hope that the perspectives shared will be helpful. It will be important for those doing ISBCS to follow best practice recommendations so as to optimize outcomes and minimize the risk of complications. It is also important to note that standards of ISBCS and restrictions due to COVID are evolving and all surgeons must stay updated and use clinical acumen and judgement when deciding what is best- care for their patients.

Access Details

Read the Full Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS) COVID-19 Considerations here.

The current edition of the tool kit includes information on the following topics:

• About COVID-19
• Overview of Vaccines
• Authorized Vaccines
• Guidance
• Vaccine Safety
• Additional Resources

Access Details

COVID-19 Vaccination Tool Kit for Health Care Providers.

December, 2020

Guidelines for the Cleaning and Sterilization of Intraocular Surgical Instruments

These guidelines are intended to assist ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in their efforts to adopt appropriate practices for the cleaning and sterilization of intraocular surgical instruments. They are provided for scientific, educational, and informational purposes only. They are not intended to establish the only acceptable or appropriate standards, methods, or practices for cleaning and sterilizing such instruments. Adherence to these guidelines does not guarantee compliance with any legal or regulatory standards, including without limitation the criteria for ASC licensure or certification, or Medicare or other third-party payer reimbursement. In addition, any discussion or recommendation in these guidelines regarding the use of drugs or devices that deviate from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved use of such product (ie, an “off-label use”) is made for scientific and educational purposes only and intended to fall within the FDA’s “practice of medicine” exception for off-label uses. Individual physicians must make independent judgments as to whether the off-label use of a particular drug or device is appropriate and in the patient’s best interest based on the facts and circumstances of the particular case.

Access Details

Download the full OICS Guidelines in English.

November, 2020

This guide is designed for policy-makers, public health leaders and senior clinicians involved in planning, designing and implementing diabetic retinopathy screening programmes in the WHO European Region. The purpose of screening is to identify people with diabetes who are at higher risk of developing sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy so that early treatment or intervention can be offered to reduce the incidence of vision impairment or blindness. It demonstrates how the Wilson & Jungner principles apply to diabetic retinopathy screening, describes the pathway to follow and explains how to initiate new programmes or improve the effectiveness of those already existing. The guide forms part of WHO’s efforts to increase the effectiveness of screening programmes within the Region, maximizing benefits and minimizing harm.

Access details

Download the full guide in English (PDF, ‎1.632 MB)

This program was developed under the leadership of a multi-disciplinary steering committee, chaired by Dr. David Wong, ophthalmologist and Dr. Peter Lin, Family Physician. Steering committee members include Dr. Bernard Hurley and Dr. David Maberley (ophthalmologists), Dr. John Axler and Dr. Carl Fournier (family physicians), and Dr. Alice Cheng (endocrinologist).

This Self-Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to 1 Mainpro+ credits. The initiative was supported in part by an educational grant from Bayer.

• English: www.diabetesandtheeyes.com

• French: www.lediabeteetlesyeux.com

This program will reinforce the importance of primary care providers in the care of the eye of patients with diabetes. An overview is provided on the ways in which primary care providers can help close the current screening and care gap for diabetic eye disease here in Canada. Participants will understand the consequences of delays in screening and they will be introduced to a practical tool developed by COS which will help encourage eye screening in people with diabetes. To help to reduce eye complications due to diabetes, the session will also emphasize the importance of good diabetes care in general.

Program Learning Objectives:

• Describe the importance of retinopathy in patients with diabetes
• Define macular edema, and proliferative and non-proliferative retinopathy
• Recognize how to screen for these conditions
• Summarize the current treatment options for our patients

CPD Credits
This Self-Learningprogram has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to 1 Mainpro+ credits

Patient Brochure

Access Details

• English: www.diabetesandtheeyes.com

• French: www.lediabeteetlesyeux.com

4 June, 2020

Preamble

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic all elective surgeries in Canada were stopped. This has resulted in a large backlog of deferred cataract surgeries. As elective surgery slowly resumes, procedures and policies need to be changed to minimize the risk of COVID which will reduce efficiencies. To address the issues of COVID-19 risk and reduced efficiencies while trying to manage the significant backlog of cataract surgeries, immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) may be a consideration. Evidence suggests similar visual outcomes and complications for ISBCS and delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS). The COS has developed this guidance document summarizing the pros, cons and logistical considerations of ISBCS. This document should not be considered a replacement of individual due diligence in reviewing the literature in this area and the importance of following best practice and the needs of the individual patient.

Read the full ISBCS guidance document from the Canadian Ophthalmological Society

Détails du webinaire

Date: Lundi, 11 mai 2020
Heure : 12 h HAE

S’inscrire au webinaire Vous devez au préalable vous inscrire ici.

Conférencière Dre Diane Francoeur Présidente, Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec

Modérateur

• Dr Sam Daniel Directeur, Direction du développement professionnel continu
• Jacques Tétrault, Directeur Affaires publiques et Communications, FMSQ

Objectifs d’apprentissage

À la fin de cette conférence, les participants seront en mesure :

• Décrire la situation actuelle concernant la pandémie de COVID-19;
• Discuter des plus récentes recommandations concernant la prise en charge du COVID-19;
• Ajuster sa pratique afin de répondre à ses responsabilités personnelles et professionnelles.