EXPLORE THE PRACTICE RESOURCE CENTRE – we are pleased to share the new PRC promotional video. In just over two minutes, we highlight the benefits of the site for seasoned practitioners and those just starting their career, how to easily submit ideas and resources, how to create a custom reading list, and much more.

Glaucoma OCT Interpretation is an online, Section 3 accredited course available at EyeCarePD.com. A game-based approach is applied to learning OCT interpretation. This course covers commonly encountered OCT presentations of glaucoma as seen on standard optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer scan protocols with the purpose of improving interpretation skills using perceptual learning strategies.

Getting started is easy: 

1. Using the Google Chrome browser, navigate to https://eyecarepd.com/catalog/glaucoma-group/
2. Select Glaucoma OCT Interpretation 101 (COS Accredited) and add the product to the cart
3. At checkout, use the coupon code ECPDCOSGLAUCOMA to set the price to 0.
4. Your course is now available under My Courses at the top of the screen. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify segmentation errors and their role in OCT scan interpretation
2. Utilize varying sections of the OCT report including tabular data, sector analysis and graphical displays
3. Interact with expert interpretation in order to compare their findings in selected cases

Accreditation

This activity is an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This web-based lesson was approved by the COS on October 23rd, 2020 and expires October 2023. Remember to visit MAINPORT to record your learning and outcomes. You may claim a maximum of 1 hour (credits are automatically calculated).

This activity was co-developed with EyeCarePD and the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and was planned to achieve scientific integrity, objectivity and balance.

Access Details
To participate in this course visit https://eyecarepd.com/catalog/glaucoma-group/

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.

Submit Your OCT Case – Win a COS Prize!
Have a compelling AMD or DME case? Share it for a chance to be featured during our live case-based learning segment! Selected cases will be reviewed by our expert panel, and the top submission will receive a COS prize.

Submission Guidelines:

• Max 3 PowerPoint slides
• Include a brief patient history and OCT image(s)
• Pose a clinical question (e.g., “Should I switch this patient to a biosimilar?”)

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your case and gain expert insights! All cases should be submitted to [email protected] by May 10th, 2025.

Whether you’re already considering biosimilars in your practice or simply want to stay ahead of the curve, this webinar offers a timely and comprehensive overview tailored specifically for Canadian ophthalmologists.

The April 2025 CJO is now available online. Here are some of the highlights: 

Resident Perspectives + visual abstract: Our talented team of residents have summarized 3 articles from this issue with a focus on what’s most relevant to ophthalmology learners here in Canada and around the globe. And our April visual abstract provides a visual summary of an article on the Comparison of venturi and peristaltic based phacoemulsification efficiency in routine femtosecond laser cataract surgery.

Reviews and Original Research Articles:

• Anterior uveitis for the comprehensive ophthalmologist
• Ophthalmic rehabilitation in oncology care
• Can high-resolution optical coherence tomography provide an optical biopsy for ocular surface lesions?
• When and which second-line workup to perform for uveitis: a tertiary care center experience
• Diversity gaps among practicing ophthalmologists in Canada: a landscape study
• Reoperation for congenital ptosis: characteristics, success rates, and predicting factors
• Computer-aided diagnosis of eyelid skin tumors using machine learning

Research Letters, Photo Essays, Case Reports, and more:

• Unequal access to routine eye exams in Canada: an analysis of government-funded eye exam coverage policy and associated vision health outcomes
• A national benchmarking survey for quality improvement and safety in ophthalmology 
• Pigmented intratarsal keratinous cyst with polymicrobial colonization  
• Indications and outcomes of intraocular lens exchange in a Canadian population  
• Solar retinopathy following the April 2024 eclipse in Quebec, Canada
• Crafting the ophthalmic surgeon’s mindset
• F. Y. EYE Column

Follow the CJO on social media:

BlueSky: @cjo-jco.bsky.social

Facebook: CanJOphth

Instagram: @cjo_jco

LinkedIn: CJO – JCO

Join Our Exclusive Webinar for COS Members and Residents

COS is pleased to provide this Advocacy and Government Relations webinar for the upcoming Federal Election. This event was offered exclusively to COS members and Residents on April 16th, 2025. 

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.

This 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.

Did you miss this webinar? Not to worry! A recording is available for our members and residents to view below.

Nina Ahuja, MD
COS Chair, Council on Advocacy
COS Board of Directors

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.

Learn more about COS’ advocacy work here.

Brett Hartley, Manager, Public Affairs
Impact Public Affairs

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.

Learning Objectives

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

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

Submitted by: Félix Plamondon

2025 ASOT Eye Trauma Annual Meeting

The American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma (ASOT) invites physicians around the world to participate to their fourth meeting on eye trauma. Many learning opportunities on sports eye injuries, prevention and management of ophthalmic trauma will be offered throughout the meeting.

Date: May 9 – 10, 2025

Location: Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation and Education (MITIE) in Houston, Texas (6670 Bertner Avenue).

Important Information: The Annual Meeting registration closes on May 5^th. There is a maximum of 40 attendees that can register for the damage control and reconstruction skills transfer lab (wet lab course). The early-bird pricing for registration ends on April 21^st. This activity is recognized by the American Medical Association and can be counted for a maximum of 8.25 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.

Learning Objectives:

• Enhance your management and control of ocular trauma by learning or practising sophisticated surgical techniques with the wet lab course offered at the meeting.
• Stay updated on the newest breakthrough in ocular trauma by learning advancements from expert’s conferences and training throughout the two days.
• Connect with people in the field of eye traumatology around the globe to make great contacts for further collaboration.

Get all the details for the registration process and full schedule of the meeting here: https://theasot.com/2025-annual-meeting-information-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 first issue of the Video Journal of Cataract, Refractive, & Glaucoma Surgery is live! They begin their 41st year with the new program entitled: Innovative Devices From Around The World.

To view more, please visit: http://www.vjcrgs.com/ and view the table of contents below!

Join us from Thursday, September 11 – Saturday, September 13, 2025

This year’s topic is Uveitis – Cells, Haze, and Macular Edema: Seeing the Bigger Picture

Over the course of 2.5 days, the program will delve into the realm of ophthalmology with top experts, captivating lectures, interactive learning and cutting-edge insights that will elevate your learning and practice. Seize this opportunity to enrich your knowledge and skills in this vital field, all while earning Section 1 MOC credits! 

Learning Objectives

At the end of the symposium, participants will be able to:

1. Assess and differentiate between common and uncommon presentations of uveitis, and apply appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies to enhance patient care.
2. Analyze recent advancements in uveitis research, including novel therapies, immunosuppressive treatments, and emerging diagnostic techniques, and integrate new findings into clinical decision-making.
3. Describe the complexities of uveitis and its impact on vision and overall health, demonstrate effective patient communication strategies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive, patient-centered care plans.

CanMEDS: Medical Expert, Scholar, Communicator

Target Audience: This symposium is designed for attendance by ophthalmologists, ophthalmology fellows and residents, optometrists, orthoptists, medical students, technologists, nurses, and other allied health professionals.

Get a sneak peek at the preliminary program! Click here for more information.

Location: Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

For more information, please visit the Sally Letson Symposium Website.

QUESTIONS? For inquiries relating to the scientific program and CPD credits, please contact Jill Garner [email protected]

The podcast features guest speakers from across Canada and innovative practitioners from around the world discussing diverse topics and how they impact ophthalmology. Topics range from emerging techniques and technologies to building individual resilience as Canadian physicians. Through it all, this podcast aims to build connections within the ophthalmological community, share our experiences, and to truly promote the value the profession brings to the lives of patients.

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.