COS 2023 Lion’s Lair Video is Now Available for Viewing
The Lions of Canadian Ophthalmology gathered on Friday, June 16 from 6:30 – 8:00 am ET at the 2023 COS Annual Meeting & Exhibition to judge three research presentations related to retinal disease.
Dr. Diana Do delivered a keynote lecture on Clinical Innovations: From Bench to Bedside ̶ The Future is Now.
Lions of Canadian Ophthalmology:
- Eric Tourville, MD (Chair)
- David Maberley, MD
- Cynthia Qian, MD
- Geoff Williams, MD
International Speaker:
- Diano Do, MD
- Stanford, CA
Canadian Researchers:
- Gareth Mercer, MD, PhD
- Marko Popovic, MD, MPH
- Matthew Quinn, MD, PhD
The Innovation in Retina Research Award is being offered by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) with the support of Bayer Inc. for clinical trainees (residents or fellows) for a research project proposal related to retinal disease, with preference being given to research that has the potential to advance knowledge about or improve the care of patients. To determine final standing, the top three selected submissions will present their research proposal during this virtual symposium and respond to questioning by our judging Lions. The symposium audience will also be able to vote for its choice of the top pitch.
CANMEDS Roles: Medical expert, Scholar
This symposium was co-developed by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society and Bayer Inc. and was planned to achieve scientific integrity, objectivity and balance.
First Prize $35,000
- Dr Gareth Mercer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto
- Microinvasive Suprachoroidal Buckling: Research and Development of a Novel Device and Technique for Retinal Detachment Repair

Second Prize $22,500
- Dr Matthew Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa
- Dysbiotic Events and the Risk of Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Population-based Study
- Audience Choice Award Winner: Additional $5,000

Third Prize $12,500
- Dr Marko Popovic
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto
- A Prospective Matched Cohort Study of Intravitreal Topotecan in the Repair of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all of our applicants! The future of retinal research certainly looks bright.

Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology Update 2024

February 23 – 25, 2024 – JW Marriot Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa – Orlando, Florida
Course Directors: Sophie Bakri, M.D., Richard TenHulzen, M.D. and Joanne Shen, M.D.
This three-day live and livestream conference offers comprehensive updates in ophthalmology and optometry that can be immediately applied to clinical practice. Topics will include neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, retina, cornea and external disease, oculoplastic and orbital surgery, and more.
Target Audience
Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Physicians, Residents, Fellows, Scientist Researcher PhD, Health Professionals
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the evaluation and management of patients with macular degeneration
- Describe common eyelid, lacrimal and orbital disorders
- Identify appropriate management of patients with glaucoma
Attendance at any Mayo Clinic course does not indicate or guarantee competence or proficiency in the skills, knowledge or performance of any care or procedure(s) which may be discussed or taught in this course.
CJO: August 2023 Issue Highlights

The August 2023 CJO is now available online. Here are some of the highlights:
Resident Perspectives + visual abstract: Our talented team of residents have summarized 5 articles with a focus on what’s most relevant to ophthalmology learners here in Canada and around the globe, including the article featured in our August visual abstract, Ten-year analysis of traumatic open-globe injuries in Edmonton, Canada, from 2009–2018.
Original research articles:
• Prevalence and predictors for being unscreened for diabetic retinopathy: a population-based study over a decade
• Efficacy of patient-sided breath shields for slit-lamp examination
• Ontario Cataract Quality Outcome Initiative: appropriateness and prioritization of cataract surgery
• Comparison of netarsudil and latanoprostene bunod as adjuncts to maximum medical therapy in primary open-angle glaucoma
• Quality of life associated with no light perception vision
• Bidirectional tightening of the anterior lamella for involutional lower eyelid entropion
Research letters, photo essays, and case reports:
• Evaluating the effect of assessment form design on the quality of feedback in one Canadian ophthalmology residency program as an early adopter of CBME [research letter]
• Optic nerve drusen causing hemorrhages in three retinal layers [photo essay]
• Extensive concomitant optic nerve sheath and sclerochoroidal calcifications [photo essay]
• Serous retinal detachment following non-small cell lung cancer immunotherapy [photo essay]
• Hydroxychloroquine toxicity unmasking an occult retinitis pigmentosa carrier [case report]
• Demarcation laser photocoagulation extinguished PET/CT avidity for choroidal melanoma [case report]
• Two cases of ocular needle injury presenting with endophthalmitis in a Canadian inner-city population [case report]
Follow the CJO on social media:
Facebook: CanJOphth
Instagram: @cjo_jco
LinkedIn: CJO – JCO
Twitter: @CanJOphth
AstigMATIC: An Automated Vector Analysis Software
AstigMATIC is a free standalone application for automated standardized astigmatism vector analyses in corneal and intraocular refractive surgeries. AstigMATIC allows the simultaneous display and analysis of astigmatism magnitude and axis.
The software produces the four following graphs according to current journal standards: 1-Target-Induced Astigmatism Vector, 2-Surgically-Induced Astigmatism Vector, 3-Difference Vector and 4-Correction Index. Vector means with standard deviations are automatically calculated and displayed on the corresponding single-angle vector plots (0 to 180°). The standard graphs can be easily exported as high-resolution TIFF images for figures to use in production and presentations.

The software can be downloaded at:
https://www.lasikmd.com/media/astigmatic/index.php.
The software was thoroughly tested, peer-reviewed and published in BMC Ophthalmology, the paper about the software is available at: https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-018-0920-1
For more information about the authors please visit their Research Unit website:
https://www.refractivesurgery.ca/
CJO: June 2023 Issue Highlights

CJO: June 2023 Issue Highlights
The June 2023 CJO is now available online. Here are some of the highlights:
Resident Perspectives + visual abstract: Our talented team of residents have summarized 5 articles with a focus on what’s most relevant to ophthalmology learners here in Canada and around the globe, including the article featured in our June visual abstract, Comparative evaluation of four Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty graft preparation techniques.
Original research articles:
• Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) adapted protocol during COVID-19
• Eye protection following cataract surgery: a systematic review
• Optic disc cupping after circumpapillary Pd-103 slotted plaque radiation therapy
• Assessment of peripapillary choroidal thicknesses and optic disc diameters in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
• Yield of investigations in patients with questionable nonglaucomatous optic neuropathy
• Trends in horizontal periocular asymmetry
Research letters, photo essays, and case reports:
• Hockey as an advance organizer for oculoplastics teaching [research letter]
• Regional trends in ophthalmic surgical wait times in Ontario, Canada [research letter]
• Wellness perspectives in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto [research letter]
• Iatrogenic retinal damage and vitreous hemorrhage secondary to YAG laser [photo essay]
• T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia with bilateral optic nerve head infiltrates [photo essay]
• Culture positivity among donor corneas: a single eye bank series [case report]
• Vitrectorhexis for anterior capsulotomy in an intumescent cataract [case report]
Follow the CJO on social media:
Facebook: CanJOphth
Instagram: @cjo_jco
LinkedIn: CJO – JCO
Twitter: @CanJOphth
mEYEstro Automated Standard Outcomes Software
mEYEstro is a user-friendly software that automatically generates standardized graphs for refractive surgery outcomes – as prescribed by JRS, JCRS, and Cornea Journals.
The software produces the following 11 standard graphs; Efficacy: 1. Cumulative uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected visual acuity (CDVA), 2. Difference between UDVA and CDVA, Safety: 3. Change in line of CDVA, Accuracy: 4. Spherical equivalent (SEQ) to intended target, 5. Attempted vs. achieved SEQ, 6. Defocus equivalent (DEQ) accuracy, 7. Refractive astigmatism accuracy, 8. Target-induced astigmatism vs. Surgically-induced astigmatism, 9. Correction index histogram, 10. Angle of error histogram, Stability: 11. SEQ stability over time. Percent proportions, means, standard deviations, Cohen’s d effect sizes, and p-values are calculated and displayed on each graph. All graphs can be easily exported as high-resolution TIFF images for figures to use in scientific manuscripts and presentations.
The software can be downloaded at https://www.lasikmd.com/media/meyestro/index.php, and a tutorial is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFlRRHx6ZaI.
Please note that our software was recently thoroughly tested, peer-reviewed and published in BMC Ophthalmology, the paper about the software is available at: https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-023-02904-6

Issue II – 2023 Video Journal of Cataract, Refractive, & Glaucoma Surgery

The second issue of the 2023 Video Journal of Cataract, Refractive, & Glaucoma Surgery is out! This 90 minute issue is entitled: A Smorgasbord of Delicious Cases and represents 27 of the video highlights of the ESCRS meeting in Milan.
The VJCRGS is completing its 39th year of providing the highest quality of education to anterior segment surgeons around the world. With a new issue every quarter, the Journal is a free benefit for being a member of COS, allowing access to all 39 years of content. Please consider making it available to your membership by publishing the table of contents and the website www.vjcrgs.com.
Thank you,
Robert H. Osher, MD
Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Medical Director Emeritus, Cincinnati Eye Institute
Founder & Editor, Video Journal of Cataract, Refractive, & Glaucoma Surgery
Table of Contents Volume 39, Issue 2, 2023
Highlights of the ESCRS
A Smorgasbord of Delicious Cases
PREOPERATIVE CHALLENGES
Persistent Fetal Vasculature………………………………………………………………. Dr. Priya Narang, India
Proximal Zonules…………………………………………………………………………. Dr. Hatem Ammar, Egypt
Microspherophakia…………………………………………………………………… Dr. Hazem El Nashar, Eqypt
Ectopia Lentis……………………………………………………………………….. Dr. Meriem Ouederni, Tunisia
Extreme Hyperopia…………………………………………………………………. Dr. Evripidis Sykakis, Greece
Cloudy Cornea…………………………………………………………………………. Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary, India
Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome………………………………………. Dr. Maria Jesus Quiroz-Quiroga, Spain
Morgagnian Cataract……………………………………………………………. Dr. Yehia Salah Mostafa, Egypt
PK with Small Pupil…………………………………………………………. Dr. Diane Silveira-Silva, Portugal
IOFB with Iris Reconstruction…………………………………………………………… Dr. Alvaro Silva, Spain
ICL with Traumatic Aniridia………………………………………….. Dr. Belen Alfonso-Bartolozzi, Spain
INTRAOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS
Epithelial Bulla……………………………………………………………………………… Dr. Ashraf Armia, Egypt
Blue Vitreous…………………………………………………………………………………. Dr. Pritam Rajput, India
Iris Prolapse……………………………………………………………………………… Dr. Alokesh Ganguly, India
Argentinian Flag……………………………………………………………….. Dr. Hassan Khaled, Saudi Arabia
Capsular Puncture……………………………………………………………………. Dr. Nishant Gupta, Australia
Capsular Snag………………………………………………………………………………… Dr. Vaishal Kenia, India
Double Tear……………………………………………………………………………………… Dr. Sheetal Brar, India
Fixing Mistakes…………………………………………………………………… Dr. Luciano Perrone, Argentina
Amazing Case!………………………………………………………………………………. Dr. Ahmed Assaf, Egypt
Decisions Decisions…………………………………………………………………………. Dr. Robert Osher, USA
POSTOPERATIVE PROBLEMS
Vaccine Inflammation…………………………………………………… Dr. Lional Raj Daniel Ponniah, India
Refractive Surprise……………………………………………………………….. Dr. Igor Sivec Trampuz, Nepal
IOL Dislocation………………………………………………………………………… Dr. Julio Almeida, Portugal
Flanged Repositioning………………………………………………………………… Dr. Robert Guinand, Aruba
White Cornea…………………………………………………………………………. Dr. Nancy Al Raggad, Jordan
Locked Chamber Mystery………………………………………………….. Dr. Jiri Cendelin, Czech Republic
Click here to watch the latest issue:

54th Sally Letson Symposium – Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery: Sculpting The Path Forward

Registration for the 2023 Sally Letson Symposium Now Open!
Join us for the 54th Sally Letson Symposium chaired by Dr. Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Dr. Saama Sabeti (Co-chair), University of Ottawa Eye Institute
This year’s topic is “Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery: Sculpting The Path Forward”.
Join us on this 2.5-day program focused on Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery. Discover the cutting edge advancements cornea, including managing endothelial dysfunction, learn key concepts in cataract surgery, with IOL selection and intraoperative technology, and explore innovative refractive surgery techniques with a focus on presbyopia management.
Our esteemed guest speakers will provide engaging lectures and video presentations, guiding you through the material. Plus, special sessions on wellness will equip you with tools to care for yourself and your patients. Don’t miss this opportunity for interactive learning and critical thinking.
Preliminary Schedule, Accommodation and Travel Discount Information
Take advantage of our Early Bird rates and register today! We look forward to seeing you September 21-23 at The Westin Hotel in Ottawa.
Early Bird Deadline ends August 15, 2023
QUESTIONS?
Registration
Rita Afeltra
[email protected]
Scientific Program and CPD Credits
Danika Nieuwkoop
[email protected]
Sponsorship
Christine Bruce
[email protected]
Blind Spot – The Eye Doctor’s Podcast
Blind Spot – The Eye Doctor’s Podcast is a podcast directed towards all eye care professionals, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, fellows and residents. The goal of the show is to challenge eye care specialists to examine their own blind spots in the clinical and surgical management of eye disease. Each episode features a different guest expert and focuses on a particular clinical diagnosis or surgical challenge in ophthalmology. It is hosted by Toronto-based ophthalmologist, Zale Mednick.
NEW Episodes:
Episode 10 – Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (Dr. Eric Donnenfeld)
Episode 11 – LipiFlow and IPL (Dr. Ashley Brissette)
Episode 12 – How safe is LASIK? (Dr. Guy Kezirian)
Episode 13 – Viral Conjunctivitis (Dr. Francis Mah)
Episode 14 – Flashes and Floaters (Dr. Efrem Mandelcorn)
Episode 15 – Blepharitis (Dr. Ashley Brissette)
Episode 16 – Botox and Fillers (Dr. Harmeet Gill)
Episode 17 – Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (Dr. R. Rishi Gupta)
Episode 18 – Acetazolamide (Dr. Deborah Friedman)
Episode 19 – Keratoconus – ‘No Rub, No Cone’ (Dr. Damien Gatinel)
Episode 20 – Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma (Dr. Ike Ahmed)

About your host
Zale Mednick, MD, FRCSC, DABO
Dr. Zale Mednick is an ophthalmologist in Toronto, Canada. He completed his residency training at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and successfully graduated from a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery at the University of Toronto. He is currently a staff ophthalmologist at North York General Hospital. Zale has been a lead or co-author of multiple peer-reviewed papers in ophthalmology journals including Cornea, JCRS, and AJO.
He has also produced the award-winning Preconceived podcast since 2019.