COS Equity-Focused Mentorship Program

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) Equity-Focused Mentorship Program (COS-EFMP) supports and empowers first- and second-year Canadian medical students from backgrounds that are under-represented in medicine (URiM). Rooted in COS’ commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, the program fosters early interest, guidance and representation in ophthalmology.

COS-EFMP connects participating students with residents, fellows and staff ophthalmologists who can offer guidance, encouragement and insight into the profession. The program welcomes students with lived experiences of marginalization in medicine, whether or not they have decided to pursue ophthalmology through CaRMS.

Through this initiative, COS aims to help shape a more inclusive future for ophthalmology and enhance care and access for patients across Canada.

We are grateful to our Mentorship Committee for its leadership and support in shaping this program.

Click here to learn more about the committee.

Key Dates

Mentor applications: August 13–28, 2026
Mentee applications: September 4–18, 2026
Program dates: October 2026–July 2027

Mentor recruitment is now OPEN!

Residents, fellows and staff ophthalmologists within the Canadian ophthalmology community are invited to support the next generation by providing equity-focused and academic mentorship. Previous formal mentorship experience is not required.

Mentors can:

Potentially earn Section 3 MOC credits by fulfilling the program requirements
Offer career, academic and professional guidance
Help mentees build confidence and explore ophthalmology
Support greater equity, diversity and inclusion within the profession
Participate through flexible one-on-one or group mentorship activities

APPLY TO BECOME A MENTOR

Mentee recruitment is opening soon!

Applications are open to first- and second-year students enrolled at a Canadian medical school who identify as being from a background underrepresented in medicine and are interested in learning more about ophthalmology.

Mentees can:

Learn about ophthalmology and potential career pathways
Receive guidance related to research, clinical exposure, residency applications and professional development
Connect with residents, fellows and staff ophthalmologists
Participate in EFMP events and activities throughout the year

The program team will use the interests and preferences provided in each application to identify a suitable mentor. While every effort will be made to create an appropriate match, a match cannot be guaranteed.

How matching works

Mentor applications are open from August 13 to 28, 2026. Mentee applications will be open from September 4 to 18, 2026. After applications close, the program team will review the information provided—including mentorship topics, areas of interest and matching priorities—to identify compatible matches.

Relevant information from the mentor-matching section of the application may be shared with a potential or assigned mentor or mentee to support the matching process.

Sign up to join our Listserv and receive program updates!

Whether you’re a future mentee dreaming about a career in ophthalmology or a mentor excited to help shape the next generation, we’d love to have you on board. Share your email below to receive updates about the COS Equity-Focused Mentorship Program (COS-EFMP), including news, key dates, and how to get involved.

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Mentor (I confirm that I am a resident, fellow or currently practicing ophthalmologist) | Mentor (je confirme que je suis un(e) résident(e), boursier(ère) ou ophtalmologiste actuellement en exercice)

Sponsorship Recognition

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of MD Financial, whose contribution made this program possible.