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.

As biosimilars begin to enter the Canadian retina space, many ophthalmologists are asking: how do these agents compare to reference biologics—and what should we consider before making the switch?

Join renowned retina specialists Dr. Mike Klufas and Dr. Sophie Bakri for a 90-minute webinar that dives into the practical realities of biosimilar use—from clinical trial data to real-world adoption strategies.

📅 Date: May 29, 2025
🕒 Time: 7:00 PM ET
⏳ Duration: 90 minutes

Dr. Michael Klufas is a vitreoretinal surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University. He has authored over 90 publications and is a principal investigator in clinical trials on AMD, diabetic eye disease, biosimilars, and gene therapy. A graduate of Brown University and Weill Cornell, Dr. Klufas is a frequent speaker at national and international meetings.

Dr. Sophie J. Bakri is Chair of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic and holds the Whitney and Betty MacMillan Professorship. A vitreoretinal surgeon and Wharton MBA graduate, she has authored over 230 peer-reviewed papers and leads multiple clinical trials on retinal disease. She has received numerous accolades, including the AAO Senior Achievement Award and Retina Hall of Fame induction.

This webinar is ideal for retina specialists, general/comprehensive ophthalmologists, fellows, residents, and medical students seeking a deeper understanding of biosimilars and their role in retinal disease management.

In addition to these experts, the Biosimilars Planning Committee will be joining them in a panel discussion at the end of the webinar. We are excited to have Dr. Parnian Arjmand, Dr. Vlad Diaconita, Dr. Bryon McKay and Dr. Miral Mehta-Shounak.

Learning Objectives:
After this session, participants will be able to:

• Interpret and evaluate clinical trial data on biosimilars by analyzing key findings from pivotal ophthalmology studies and comparing their efficacy, safety, and real-world outcomes to reference biologics;
• Apply real-world evidence to clinical practice by examining case studies and identifying strategies to overcome challenges in biosimilar adoption across various ophthalmic settings;
• Navigate regulatory and practical considerations by understanding Health Canada’s biosimilar guidelines and examining reimbursement models and access barriers within Canada;
• Engage in expert-led discussions to gain insights on the evolving role of biosimilars and address common questions and concerns through interactive Q&A.

Missed the webinar?
The recording is available on demand!

This webinar would not be made possible without our sponsors. Please click here for our list of sponsors and our disclosure page.

We’re excited to announce that our webinar, “EyeNovation: International Webinar Series for Ophthalmic Expertise” series, ‘The SIRE Sign and Functional Vision in Geographic Atrophy Treatments‘, was presented by Dr. Robyn Guymer on April 10, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET.

Professor Robyn Guymer is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Melbourne University, deputy director of the Centre for Eye Research Australia, and a senior retinal specialist at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

A leading clinician scientist, she researches Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and has co-authored over 400 peer-reviewed papers. Her work focuses on early AMD treatments, novel imaging biomarkers, and surrogate endpoints for early intervention trials.

She has led industry-sponsored trials, serves on pharmaceutical advisory boards, and is part of international macular disease groups. An inaugural fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, she was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2018 and inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2021.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

1. Understand the relevance and importance of the SIRE sign
2. Understand how functional vision has been tested in current GA trials
3. Understand the issues around showing a functional change in vision in geographic atrophy

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

The Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto would like to extend an invitation to you, your colleagues, fellows, residents and students to join them in the Low Vision Rehabilitation Journal Club.

Date: Wednesday, March 26th, 2025
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Topic: Neuroplasticity in vision rehabilitation
Speaker: Drs. Ghaliah Nsour and Sangeetha Santhakumaran

Learning Objectives:

• To discuss the new scientific evidence of brain plasticity through increase of cortical activity provoked by biofeedback training on the microperimeter;
• Home-training of direction discrimination in cortically blinded fields as a benefit against the transsynaptic retrograde regeneration post-stroke. 

To register in advance for this webinar, click HERE.

The VPP Grand Rounds Local and Visiting Professor Program is a self-approved group learning activity (Section1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This activity is accredited for Section 1 MOC credits. You may claim a maximum of 1 hour.

COS is pleased to provide this Advocacy and Government Relations webinar for the upcoming Federal Election. This event is being offered exclusively to COS members and Residents. 

We are living in unprecedented times—facing evolving healthcare challenges, an aging population, and a rapidly changing political landscape. With the upcoming federal election serving as a pivotal moment for Canadians, this is a unique opportunity to unite in shaping the future of vision health and ophthalmology.

Join us on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET for an accredited webinar designed to equip you with the skills and key messages needed to advocate effectively with local and provincial policymakers. Your voice is critical in ensuring that ophthalmology and vision health remain a priority on the national agenda.

Dr. Ahuja leads the COS Advocacy Council and advises the Board of Directors on COS’ advocacy and government relations initiatives. She recently developed a framework for implementing Canada’s National Eye Care Strategy, along with other key submissions to the federal government.

Brett Hartley is a seasoned government relations professional with a deep passion for Canadian politics, public policy, and relationship-building. With over a decade of political experience, including significant time on Parliament Hill, he has worked closely with municipal, provincial, and federal officials to drive impactful initiatives and deliver meaningful results for both policymakers and clients.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand how to effectively communicate key issues to government officials and policymakers
• Learn best practices for securing and conducting successful meetings with elected officials
• Gain insights into the current political landscape and how it affects our ophthalmology profession

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.

The Council of Canadian Ophthalmology Residents hosted a financial literacy session in partnership with MD Financial. This talk features Caitlyn Purich (Early Career Education Specialist) and Melissa Allan (Senior Financial Consultant, CFP) from MD Financial and they go over a variety of topics such as:

• Buying a medical practice
• Managing expenses in a medical practice
• Partnership structures in a medical practice
• Tax planning for a medical practice

If you missed this helpful session, don’t worry! A recording is available for you to view below:

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:

We’re excited to announce the next webinar in our “EyeNovation: International Webinar Series for Ophthalmic Expertise” series, ‘The value and importance of the double layer sign’, was presented by Dr. Usha Chakravarthy on February 18, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET.

Dr. Chakravarthy will provide a background on the double layer sign, its definition, and how it’s detected. She’ll discuss data from the EDNA trial, which captured longitudinal imaging data in over 500 high-risk eyes and obtained solid rates of progression to neovascularization. You’ll learn about the relationship between the DLS and the SIRE sign, as well as the clinical significance of these findings.

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

• Know what the double layer sign is and become aware of its clinical relevance
• Consider how the DLS influences progression to from intermediate to late neovascular AMD
• Understand the relationship between the DLS and the SIRE sign

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