EyeCan

In this episode, we explore osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP )—the groundbreaking “tooth-in-eye” surgery that offers hope to patients with severe corneal blindness who have exhausted all other options. We break down how the procedure works, who qualifies, and what recovery and outcomes look like. The conversation also examines access to this highly specialized surgery in Canada, including refer...

In this episode of EyeCan , we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of Geographic Atrophy (GA), an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration that significantly impacts vision and quality of life. Long considered an area of unmet need in retinal care, GA management has entered a new era marked by meaningful therapeutic innovation in Canada. This discussion highlights the most significant...

On this episode of EyeCan , we welcome Dr. Devesh Varma , Medical Director of Prism Eye Institute, Executive Vice President at Vision Group, glaucoma and complex anterior segment surgeon at Trillium Health Partners, and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. A fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and founder of the Emerging Leaders Program for Ophthalmologists, Dr. Varma has cared for...

In this episode, learn about Surgical Skills Transfer Courses (STCs) :  hands-on educational programs designed to advance surgical technique, diagnostic proficiency, and clinical management. Led by experienced physicians selected by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, these courses provide participants with practical experience using real-world tools and case-based scenarios. By bridging the ga...

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on February 26, 2026, and any references to events, dates, or time‑sensitive information were accurate at the time of recording but may no longer apply. In this episode of EyeCan , Dr. Vishaal Bhambhwani reflects on his first year as President of the COS Foundation and the momentum driving its mission forward. From launching new resident awards and expanding g...

In this timely episode of EyeCan , we tackle a growing challenge facing ophthalmologists across the country: drug and device shortages in Canada. Dr. David Plemel - COS Board Member and Drug & Device Shortages Liaison - joins us to unpack how and why shortages happen, why ophthalmology is disproportionately affected, and what makes Canada especially vulnerable. From Tier 3 critical shortages t...

In this episode of EyeCan , host Dr. Hady Saheb sits down with Leonard Pinchuk—pioneering biomedical engineer, inventor, and Russ Prize laureate—whose work has shaped modern medical devices and impacted over a billion patients worldwide. Pinchuk shares the clinical frustrations that sparked the development of the SIBS biomaterial, the lessons learned from early failures and breakthroughs, and what...

On this episode of EyeCan , we’re talking about equity-focused mentorship—why it matters, where ophthalmology has fallen short, and how the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is working to close those gaps through its new Equity-Focused Mentorship Program (EFMP). Co-Host Dr. Hady Saheb and guest co-host Dr. Nupura Bakshi (retina and uveitis specialist in Toronto and Chair of the COS Equity, D...

In this episode of EyeCan , we sit down with Victoria Nolan - world champion rower, author, television personality, and a powerful advocate for people living with blindness and disabilities. After losing her sight shortly after the birth of her daughter, Vicky found herself navigating a world transformed. Instead of retreating, she chose to meet uncertainty with resilience, carving out a path defi...

On this episode of EyeCan , we’re delighted to welcome back Dr. Nina Ahuja , COS Advocacy Council Chair and President-Elect of the COS Board of Directors, as our co-host. A familiar and valued voice on the podcast, Dr. Ahuja brings her deep expertise in physician wellness, leadership, and advocacy to help guide today’s conversation. Welcome back, Nina! We are also honoured to feature a remarkable...

On this episode of EyeCan , host Dr. Hady Saheb welcomes a special guest co-host: Dr. Rishi Gupta , a Halifax-based retina specialist and chair of the COS Ergonomics and Injury Prevention Working Group. Together, they explore one of the most under-discussed but critically important aspects of ophthalmic practice: ergonomics —how surgeons and physicians can protect their bodies, prevent career-limi...

This episode on EyeCan , we’re thrilled to welcome Professor Marion Munk , a globally recognized leader in uveitis, retina, and ophthalmic research innovation. With an impressive track record in clinical research, artificial intelligence, and translational medicine, Dr. Munk guides us through the evolving landscape of ophthalmology—from the critical role of standardizing imaging protocols to the t...

On this episode of EyeCan , we dive deep into the world of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) with neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Anastasia Neufeld . From symptom recognition to cutting-edge research, we explore how this complex condition affects both the brain and the eyes—and why early diagnosis and collaborative care are critical. Dr. Neufeld shares insights into the risk factors and epidemi...

In this special EyeCan episode, we shine a spotlight on the next generation of ophthalmology leaders. Our guests, Dr. Dominique Geoffrion and Dr. Kian Madjedi , are two remarkable residents making a real impact—both in the clinic and beyond. From spearheading educational initiatives like the Skills Transfer Courses at the Canadian Ophthalmological Society’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition to contrib...

In this episode of EyeCan , we sit down with two of Canada’s leading voices in ocular regenerative medicine: Dr. Allan Slomovic and Dr. Brian Ballios . From stem cell therapy to gene editing and bioengineered tissues, they share insights into the latest breakthroughs shaping the future of vision care in Canada and around the world. We explore clinical innovations, regulatory hurdles, and the power...

In this episode of EyeCan , we sit down with Dr. Lauren Dalvin , an expert in ocular oncology, to explore the complexities of uveal melanoma and ocular tumors. Dr. Dalvin, an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic, brings her extensive experience in patient-centered research, including groundbreaking work in drug discovery and radiation retinopathy. With over 175 peer-reviewed publica...

Welcome to EyeCan, the podcast where we dive into the fascinating world of ophthalmology and innovation. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ehsan Rahimy , a leading retina specialist practicing in the California Bay Area. As an adjunct faculty member at Stanford and a mentor to surgical retinal fellows, Dr. Rahimy brings a wealth of expertise in both clinical practice and cutting-edge research....

Welcome to this episode of EyeCan! Today we're chatting with Dr. James Farmer about Ophthalmic Pathology . Dr. Farmer is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Queen’s University in Ontario and an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa.   He graduated from the University of Ottawa Medical School, did his Ophthalmology residency there, and then went on to complete a Fellowship in Pediatric...

On today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Matthew Benson , a clinician-scientist and assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Alberta. Dr. Benson specializes in inherited retinal diseases and is dedicated to patient advocacy for those with rare eye conditions. Dr. Benson’s journey spans extensive medical training, including a subspecialty fello...

On this episode of EyeCan, we talk to Dr. Chryssa McAlister about ethics in ophthalmology. Dr. McAlister is Co-Division Head of Ophthalmology at the Waterloo Regional Eye Program, Staff Ophthalmologist at Saint Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital, and Assistant clinical professor adjunct. Waterloo Regional Campus. McMaster University. She runs a diverse comprehensive medical and surgi...

Today on EyeCan we welcome Dr. Mona Dagher, head of the department of ophthalmology at Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) and adjunct Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, McGill University. Dr. Dagher was chair of the annual meeting planning committee of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and has served as Board member of COS since 2012. Dr. Daghe...

Welcome to Season 5 of EyeCan!  Today we speak to Jean-Francois Bordeleau, National Lead, Investments Advice at MD Financial Management. JF (as he is called by his colleagues) is MD’s thought leader on investment related topics and an advisor to MD Advisors. With his team he is responsible for educating them on MD’s investment standards and principles as well as MD’s investment solutions. A gradua...

Our guest on this episode is Dr. Sherif El-Defrawy, a prominent Canadian ophthalmologist with extensive experience and numerous accolades in the field. He served as the Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto from 2012 to 2023. Additionally, he was the Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at the Kensington Eye Institute, an institution affiliated...

On this episode of EyeCan, we enjoy a conversation on Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Delan Jinapriya. Dr. Jinapriya is an Ophthalmologist who specializes in Glaucoma and Cataract Surgery.  He is the Fellowship Director for the Surgical and Medical Glaucoma Fellowship at Queen’s University, an Assistant Professor at Queen’s University, the Medical Director and CEO of the Galen Eye Centre, the Med...

On this episode of EyeCan, we talk to Dr. Louis Racine about dry eye disease. Dr. Racine completed his medical degree and specialization in ophthalmology at the Université de Montréal . Following this, he was awarded a grant to complete his post-doctoral fellowship training in cornea, cataract and laser refractive surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and with the Rothschild Fou...