The AES committee has developed another powerful program this year for the Symposium taking place September 27 & 28, 2024 in Halifax. Our goal is to provide a world-class educational experience reviewing current clinical management of eye disease. This year the main focuses of the symposium are glaucoma, oculoplastics, retina, and neuro-ophthalmology which includes the Dr. Aditya Mishra Memorial Lecture; all presented over 2 days for ophthalmologists, optometrists, students, and ophthalmic personnel and includes a vibrant trade show.

Featured speakers include:

• Dr. Sunir J. Garg, Thomas Jefferson University, Retina
• Dr. Bernard Robert Hurley, University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Retina
• Dr. Jennifer Lim, University of Illinois, Retina
• Dr. Daniel Gold, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Neuro- Ophthalmology
• Dr. Imran Jivarj, Eye Institute of Alberta and Edmonton, Oculoplastic Surgery and Neuro-Ophthalmology
• Dr. Rachel Sobel, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Oculoplastics
• Dr. Malik Kahook, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Glaucoma
• Dr. Jody Piltz- Seymour, Glaucoma Care Center at Valley Eye Professionals, Glaucoma
• Dr. Matt Schlenker, University of Toronto, Glaucoma
• Dr. Clara C. Chan, University of Toronto, Cornea
• Dr. Mahshad Darvish, McGill University, Cornea
• Dr. Adam Muzychuk, University of Calgary, Cataract
• Dr. Amandeep S. Rai, University of Toronto, Cataract 

For more information and to register: www.atlanticeye.ca

Date: Thursday July 18, 2024

Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Title: Yamane Complications and UGH Syndrome

Speaker: Dr. Steven Safran

Zoom Link: Register in advance for this webinar

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Objectives:

1. To discuss complications of secondary IOL fixation;

2. Case based discussion involving uveitis-glaucoma-hyphens syndrome, pupillary block and reverse pupillary block.

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 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.

Episode Guide Season 4

Episode Guide Season 3

Episode Guide Season 2

Episode Guide Season 1

Background

A needs assessment was conducted to better understand the needs of Canadian ophthalmologists in the context of biosimilars. Biosimilars are biotherapeutic agents that aim to replicate the efficacy and safety profile of their reference biologic counterparts. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure comparable safety, efficacy, and quality. Biosimilars hold the potential to enhance patient access to essential medications and foster competition within the healthcare market.

The purpose of the needs assessment was to determine the necessity of educational programs and other assets to support ophthalmologists in effectively navigating biosimilars.

Ophthalmologists’ Knowledge and Practices

Ophthalmologists are becoming more aware of biosimilars but there is still some hesitancy in adopting their widespread usage. In order to better understand their perspectives, COS conducted 2 surveys – one in English and one in French.

Online surveys were distributed to ophthalmologists across Canada. There was an overall completion rate of 76% (95 complete, 30 partial responses out of 125 total). The English survey had representation from multiple provinces, with the highest being Ontario. The French survey respondents were 100% from Quebec. Despite some provincial skewing, participation was geographically diverse offering a comprehensive view.

The findings revealed that while awareness of biosimilars for anti-VEGF treatments stood at 61.1%, actual usage was notably lower, with only 26.1% of respondents having utilized biosimilars. Preparedness to incorporate biosimilars into practice varied among ophthalmologists, with larger studies, longer-term analyses, and real-world evidence identified as factors that could increase comfort levels with biosimilar adoption.

Interest in educational initiatives was pronounced, with respondents expressing a desire for webinars, online seminars, clinical practice guidelines, and increased educational meetings or journal clubs. However, concerns persisted regarding limited understanding of safety and efficacy, restricted access to information, and uncertainty surrounding regulatory standards and approval processes.

Perceptions and Concerns about Biosimilars

Ophthalmologists voiced nuanced opinions regarding the approval process and the likelihood of biosimilar adoption. Notably, 80% of respondents advocated for implementation of larger clinical trials to ensure the safety and efficacy of biosimilar drugs. However, views on the likelihood of adopting biosimilars in the near future were mixed.

Open-ended responses underscored the diversity of opinions among ophthalmologists, with concerns ranging from safety and efficacy to the potential for cost savings and the necessity for additional evidence-based data. The influence of medication cost and the presence of patient support programs moderately affected decision-making processes. Uncertainty surrounding regulatory standards and approval processes emerged as a common concern.

Conclusions and Next Steps

The needs assessment’s key findings emphasize the imperative for further education, larger clinical trials, and real-world evidence to assuage concerns and enhance ophthalmologists’ comfort levels with biosimilars. These perspectives have tangible implications for decision making processes and the potential adoption of biosimilar drugs in ophthalmology.

Recommendations include the development of comprehensive educational initiatives, collaboration for larger studies, and the generation of real-world evidence to address ophthalmologists’ concerns effectively. Additionally, the establishment of an educational toolkit tailored to biosimilar usage in ophthalmic practice is recommended for guiding informed decision-making and ensuring patient safety.

This needs assessment was completed with an unrestricted educational grant with COS and Apotex, Biocon & Biogen and was planned to achieve scientific integrity, objectivity and balance.

Summary of Data

Awareness and Usage of Biosimilars

• 61.1% of ophthalmologists surveyed are aware of biosimilars for retinal conditions
• However, only 26.1% are currently using them in their practice

Likelihood of Using Biosimilars

• 51% said they are likely to start using biosimilars in their practice in the near future
• 49% said they are not likely to start using them

Factors to Increase Comfort Level with Biosimilars

• More educational meetings/journal clubs (56%)
• Real-world studies (46.2%)
• Longer-term studies (38.5%)
• Larger studies (29.7%)

Educational Interests

Ophthalmologists expressed interest in various educational modalities to increase their knowledge of biosimilars

• Webinars/online seminars (57.1%)
• Clinical practice guidelines (50.5%)
• Peer-reviewed journal and articles (39.6%)
• Case-based discussions/grand rounds (37.4%)
• Mentorship programs (26.4%)

To view the sources for this needs assessment, you can download them here:

We would like to take the opportunity to thank the scientific planning committee for conducting this needs assessment. To view their profiles, you can download the document here:

The second issue of the Video Journal of Cataract, Refractive, & Glaucoma Surgery is live!  The program is entitled: The Essential Partnership with Industry. 

Dick Lindstrom and David Chang give a great introduction detailing the synergy between ophthalmologists and industry that results in innovative products which address unmet needs.  For the first time in our 40 year history, we are publishing videos submitted from industry showcasing new products and company philosophies. To view more, please visit: http://www.vjcrgs.com/ and view the table of contents below!

The 2024 COS Annual Meeting & Exhibition took place Toronto, Ontario from May 30 – June 2, 2024. Through the links below you can access legacy materials from the conference, content that remains relevant to your practice.

ePosters and Surgical Videos 

Claim Section 2 credits. Review ePosters and document your key learnings through the bulk online reading/scanning with transcript, which you can submit to claim credits

Paper Abstracts

Claim Section 2 credits. Review paper abstracts and document your key learnings. With this, you can submit to claim credits!

Recorded lectures (COMING SOON)

The June 2024 CJO is now available online. Here are some of the highlights: 

Resident Perspectives + visual abstract: Our talented team of residents have summarized 4 articles with a focus on what’s most relevant to ophthalmology learners here in Canada and around the globe. In addition, our April visual abstract provides a visual summary of an article on Comparison of pain perception in patients undergoing manual cataract surgery versus refractive laser-assisted cataract surgery

Original research articles:

• Retinal vein occlusion in patients with primary angle closure: a prospective case-control study
• Effectiveness of the Eyesi Surgical Simulator for ophthalmology trainees: systematic review and meta-analysis
• Incidence of ophthalmologic pathology and associated risk factors in orbital fractures at a level 1 trauma centre
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus: frequency and risk factors for developing uncommon ocular manifestations
• Burnishing of exposed porous polyethylene orbital implant: is it useful?
• Diabetic retinopathy screening integrated in multidisciplinary diabetes eye care clinic: a pilot project

Photo essays and case reports:

• Scleromalacia after extrusion of a senile calcific plaque [photo essay]
• Bacillary layer detachment due to retinal arterial macroaneurysm [photo essay]
• Early ophthalmic findings in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 9 [photo essay]
• Corneal ulcer as the presenting sign of prolonged contact lens retention over 25 years [case report]
• Monocular Charles Bonnet syndrome secondary optic neuritis and the utilization of artificial intelligence to illustrate visual hallucinations [case report]
• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with an epibulbar tumour [case report]
• Beyond the norm: unusual orbital manifestation of hairy cell leukemia [case report]

Follow the CJO on social media:

Facebook: CanJOphth

Instagram: @cjo_jco

LinkedIn: CJO – JCO

Twitter: @CanJOphth

Join the International Council of Ophthalmology for their 39th World Ophthalmology Congress® (WOC2024®), taking place in the exciting city of Vancouver, Canada from August 16th to 19th 2024. The Vancouver Convention Center is a stunning waterfront landmark that offers convenient access to all the major visitor amenities in downtown Vancouver.

WOC2024® will once again bring together the world ophthalmology community and those who work with them for a uniquely immersive learning experience designed to shape the future of sight. Benefit from the WOC2024® scientific program comprising all eye care subspecialties to stay up to date with the latest research and trends in ophthalmology.

Enjoy interactive sessions with society symposia, surgical wetlabs, subspecialty days, industry symposia, and poster presentations, as well as invaluable networking opportunities

For more information, CLICK HERE.

Join us for the 55th Sally Letson Symposium chaired by Dr. Ian Clark, University of Manitoba, and Dr. Solin Saleh (Co-Chair), University of Ottawa.

This year’s topic is “Pediatric Ophthalmology – Making a difference that lasts a lifetime.” Over the course of 2.5 days, the program will delve into the realm of paediatric ophthalmology. Esteemed guest speakers will deliver captivating lectures and presentations, fostering interactive learning and encouraging critical thinking. Seize the opportunity to enrich your knowledge and skills in this vital field.

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

Date: September 19 – 21, 2024

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]