Canadian Ophthalmological Society

11/24/2025

On November 17, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society met with several MPs on Parliament Hill to advocate for the future of eye care. Thank you to the Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, MP Judy Sgro, MP Ernie Klassen, and MP Peter Fragiskatos for their time and their support of vision health.

Our focus: better access, more equitable care, and stronger outcomes for all patients.

Representing COS were Drs. Mona Dagher (COS President), Cody Lo, Phil Hooper, Nina Ahuja, David Maberley, Neil Neary and CEO Lis Fowler.

11/24/2025

Félicitations à la Dre Mona Dagher pour cette contribution exceptionnelle au développement professionnel continu !

11/19/2025

Canadians are struggling with eye strain and environmental risks that affect vision… but many don’t realize how to protect their eyes.

Dr. Nina Ahuja, COS Chair of the Council on Advocacy, highlights UV exposure, air pollution, and prolonged screen use as growing threats, and stresses that workplace education and simple preventive measures can help preserve long-term eye health.

Read the full article:

Survey finds environmental conditions are affecting eye health, but what can plan sponsors do to mitigate the risks?

11/17/2025

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society is urging the federal and provincial governments to put patient safety ahead of scope expansion as proposals emerge across Canada that would allow optometrists to perform surgical procedures without a medical degree and surgical training in accredited programs with regulatory standards and oversight.

“When it comes to surgery on the eye, Canadians deserve one simple assurance,” said Dr. Mona Harissi-Dagher, COS President. “That those performing it are the best trained to do so.”

Watch the full Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lzRYvF-qw
Read the full statement: https://www.cos-sco.ca/canadian-ophthalmological-society-patient-safety-must-come-before-scope-expansion/



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La Société canadienne d’ophtalmologie exhorte les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux à faire passer la sécurité des patients avant l’élargissement du champ de pratique, alors que des propositions émergent à travers le pays pour permettre aux optométristes d’effectuer des interventions chirurgicales sans diplôme en médecine ni formation chirurgicale reconnue des programmes accrédités répondant à des normes réglementaires strictes et assortis d’une supervision adéquate.

« En matière de chirurgie oculaire, les Canadiens méritent une seule certitude, » a conclu la Dre Mona Harissi-Dagher, présidente de la SCO. « Que ceux qui la pratiquent soient les mieux formés pour le faire. »

Regardez la conférence de presse complète : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lzRYvF-qw
Lisez la déclaration complète : https://www.cos-sco.ca/fr/la-societe-canadienne-dophtalmologie-la-securite-des-patients-doit-passer-avant-lelargissement-du-champ-de-pratique/

11/14/2025

Support your patients’ understanding of diabetic retinopathy with accessible resources at See The Possibilities. This World Diabetes Day, share essential info on causes, risks, diagnosis, and treatment.

Find patient-friendly materials here: seethepossibilities.ca.

11/13/2025

Most Canadians still don’t know diabetes can lead to vision loss.

Help spread the word and encourage early detection: share this article to raise awareness:

As awareness lags, ophthalmologists push for early eye exams and AI-assisted screening

11/11/2025

Lest we forget🍁

Remembering and honouring the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of all the brave heroes on this Remembrance Day.

11/06/2025

What to Know About Thyroid Eye Disease!

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition that can cause changes in eye appearance, discomfort, and even vision problems. Early diagnosis and treatment by an ophthalmologist are key to preventing complications.

Dr. Erika Massicotte, an oculoplastic surgeon at CHUM, shares how ophthalmologists care for people living with TED and why timely care makes a difference.

Learn more: https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/thyroid-eye-disease/

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Ce qu’il faut savoir sur l’orbitopathie thyroïdienne!

L’orbitopathie thyroïdienne est une maladie auto-immune qui peut provoquer des changements dans l’apparence des yeux, de l’inconfort et même des problèmes de vision. Un diagnostic précoce et un traitement prodigué par un ophtalmologiste sont essentiels pour prévenir les complications.

La Dre Erika Massicotte, ophtalmologiste spécialisée en chirurgie oculoplastique au CHUM, explique comment les ophtalmologistes traitent les personnes atteintes de cette maladie et pourquoi des soins prodigués en temps opportun changent la donne.

En savoir plus : https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/orbitopathie-thyroidienne/?lang=fr

Dr. Erika MassicotteOphthalmologist specializing in Oculoplastic SurgeryCentre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) As an ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastic surgery, Dr. Massicotte manages diseases of the structures around the eyes and performs many types of surgeries on the ...

11/05/2025

Most Canadians don’t know that diabetes can cause vision loss.

Our latest survey shows only one in four are familiar with diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness in adults. Early detection can prevent up to 90% of vision loss... getting regular eye exams matters.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, take a moment for your eyes. Protect your vision, and encourage those with diabetes to do the same.

https://www.cos-sco.ca/diabetes-awareness-month/

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La plupart des Canadiennes et Canadiens ignorent que le diabète peut causer une perte de vision.

En effet, notre plus récent sondage indique que seul un Canadien sur quatre connaît la rétinopathie diabétique, une importante cause de cécité chez les adultes. La détection précoce peut prévenir jusqu’à 90 % des cas de perte de vision. Il est donc important de passer régulièrement des examens de la vue.

En ce Mois de la sensibilisation au diabète, consacrez du temps à vos yeux. Protégez votre vision, et encouragez les personnes diabétiques à faire de même.

https://www.cos-sco.ca/fr/selon-un-nouveau-sondage-trois-canadiens-sur-quatre-ignorent-que-le-diabete-peut-provoquer-une-perte-de-vision/

During Diabetes Awareness Month, COS encourages all Canadians living with or at risk of developing diabetes to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

11/04/2025

We’re proud to announce the launch of the COS Foundation page! 👁️

Our mission: to enhance ophthalmological care and advance education and research in Canada while helping communities around the world access crucial resources for vision health.

What we’re doing:
• Exploring ways to improve vision health in rural, remote, and underserved communities
• Supporting medical and graduate students in ophthalmology
• Providing global outreach in the field of ophthalmology

How you can support: Donate through CanadaHelps!
🔗 https://www.cos-sco.ca/cos-foundation/

(Tax receipts issued for donations of $20+)

10/31/2025

The first video in the 'My Story' series features Dr. Dan O’Brien, ophthalmologist in Nova Scotia and past president of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society.

Watch “A Colleague’s Ergonomic Journey,” and share with your networks: https://www.cosprc.ca/my-story-series-a-colleagues-ergonomic-journey-featuring-dr-dan-obrien/

10/28/2025

“The COS Film Festival celebrates innovation, creativity, and excellence, providing a platform to showcase game-changing techniques, engaging educational content, and the remarkable talent within our ophthalmology community.

Whether highlighting a cutting-edge procedure, presenting a brilliant teaching tool, or offering a unique perspective on clinical practice, your contribution deserves to be seen.

Together, we can inspire colleagues across the country and elevate clinical practice in ophthalmology."

~ Dr. Adam Muzychuk, MD, BSc, FRCSC
Chair, COS Annual Meeting Planning Committee
Submit here: https://sites.grenadine.co/sites/cos-sco/en/2026-cos-meeting-and-exhibition-montreal/pages/26340