Grand Rounds

Date

Speaker

Topic

Learning Objectives

Sept 5

1. Sarosh Dandoti & Kevin Sha (E. Ing)

2. Jordan Krupa          (M. Benson)

3. Weilin Qiu (E. Ing)

1. The Measurement and Rehabilitation of Binocular Diplopia Using Mixed Reality Glasses 
2. Investigating the effects of Peroxisome Dysfunction on Retinal Pigment Epithelium Phagocytosis
3. Improving Mobility and Independence for People With Sight Loss 

1. Interpret basic science advancements in retinal disease.
2. Evaluate new investigations and potential treatments for binocular diplopia, and visual rehabilitation.

Sept 12

Dr. Dave Ehmann

PBM, MacuMira, and SmartGlasses-let’s pop the hood

1.    Review the Pathogenesis of Age-related Macular Degeneration (dAMD)

2.    Review Photobiomodulation (PBM) Biochemical Basis

3.    Review of the evidence for PBM in AMD

4.    Review of the evidence for MacuMira in AMD

5.    Living with AMD - A Patient’s Anecdotal Evidence re: “Smart Glasses”

Sept 19

Optics Day

Sept 26

Dr. Paul Grewal

Retinal Vascular Disease - A Focus on Mechanisms, Imaging and the Uncommon

1. Review vascular anatomy and mechanisms of retinal vascular disease
2. Review congenital/pediatric, acquired, neoplastic and hereditary retinal vascular disease
3. Present retinal imaging and cases highlighting the range of retinal vascular disease

Oct 3

Dr. Kam Kassiri

Enhancing Patient Outcomes: Using Advanced Refractive Technologies to Help Patients with Keratoconus

1.    Discuss the pathophysiology of keratoconus

2.    Discuss current gold standards for stabilization as well improved visual outcomes in patients with Keratoconus

3.    Discuss technique and outcomes of topoguided custom ablation treatment combined with crosslinking

4.    Discuss updates on Implantable Collamer Lenses, as well as their role in visual recovery in patients with Keratoconus

Oct 10

Dr. Samer Abuswider

Aqueous Misdirection: When Things Don’t Go with the Flow 

1. Explore the various hypotheses on the pathogenesis of aqueous misdirection
2. Compare and contrast between aqueous misdirection and its common differential diagnoses
3. Identify medical and surgical treatment strategies for the management of aqueous misdirection

Oct 17

Dr. Dean Mah

Second chances for the failed graft: Modern approaches and Lamellar techniques

1. Understand the evolution of Corneal transplant techniques
2. Identify key factors influencing graft longevity
3. Evaluate strategies for managing Corneal grafts

Oct 24

Dr. Ezekiel Weis

AI in Ocular Oncology

1. Recognize the need for AI in this field 
2. Understand how AI can improve patient outcomes 
3. Have a brief understanding of current levels of research and outcomes of AI in Choroidal Melanoma and Nevi

Oct 31

Western Canada Retina

Nov 7

Dr. Mark Greve

An Overview and Approach to Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma - Expect the Unexpected

1. Discover the variable presentations of PVRL
2. Understand the process and difficulties in making a diagnosis
3. Review the current and changing management of the condition

Nov 14

Dr. Ali Salimi                     

What’s on the Horizon in Glaucoma Care: From Adherence Challenges to Next-Generation Solutions

1. Identify key limitations of current glaucoma therapies, including the impact of medication nonadherence on disease progression.
2. Describe clinical evidence supporting sustained-release intraocular drug delivery systems such as bimatoprost and travoprost implants.
3. Describe the design, mechanism of action, and safety profiles of some emerging surgical glaucoma options.
4. Evaluate how these innovations may influence future treatment algorithms and patient care strategies in glaucoma management.

Nov 21

Dr. Matt Tennant

Medical Morbidity and Mortality Rounds:  Confessions of a Retina Specialist

1. To demonstrate that to error is human
2. To reduce diagnostic and treatment errors by recognizing and overcoming anchoring bias
3. To encourage early referrals for 2^nd opinions for unusual cases

1.      When a disease entity does not respond to treatment in the usual manner

2.      When testing results show features indicative of another disease entity

4.                  To encourage transparency and responsibility of medical errors by physicians

Nov 28

Mock Orals

Dec 5

Dr. Matt Benson

Twists and Turns: What Retinal Vessel Tortuosity is Trying to Tell Us

1. Describe a family with a rare genetic disease presenting as retinal vessel tortuosity 
2. Review common and rare ocular and systemic conditions associated with retinal vessel tortuosity
3. Suggest a general approach for working up a patient with retinal vessel tortuosity

Dec 12

Dr. Rehan Riyaz

Music and Cataract Surgery:  A Review of the Literature

1. Appreciate the importance of patient cooperation and anxiety management in cataract surgery
2. Review published studies on the effects of music on anxiety metrics in cataract surgery patients
3. Consider evidence-based recommendations on integrating music into the cataract surgery experience

Dec 19

WINTER CLOSURE

Dec 26

WINTER CLOSURE

Jan 2

WINTER CLOSURE

Jan 9

Dr. Claire Sheldon

What are these spots in my vision?

1. To gain familiarity with important uncommonly-vision-threatening conditions
2. To update our understanding of Visual Snow Syndrome
3. To review the clinical approach to Migraine Aura 

Jan 16

Dr. Alfonso Lovieno

Herpetic Eye Disease: new and old concepts

1. Epidemiological trends with particular reference to HZO
2. Clinical presentations and diagnostic approach to HSV/VZV Keratitis
3. Old and new scientific evidence on treatment of HSV/VZV Keratitis
4. Role of VZV Vaccines
5. Outcomes of Keratoplasty for HSV/VZV Karatitis

Jan 23

Dr. Tony Chae

Opening your third eye - The mindful Ophthalmologist

1. Describe the core principles of mindfulness
2. Explain the benefits of mindfulness in and ophthalmology practice
3. Identify mindfulness techniques that are feasible in busy clinics and operation rooms
4. Reflect on how cultivation mindfulness can support a sustainable and fulfilling ophthalmology practice

Jan 30

EPSAA

Feb 6

Dr. Brittany Carr

PROM1: The Builder of Photoreceptors

1. Discuss the clinical significance of PROM 1 gene
2. Discuss clinical presentation, examination findings and management of PROM1 related retinal diseases
3. Discuss the genotype-phenotype correlation of PROM1 association retinal diseases

Feb 13

Dr. Natalie Arnold

See one, Do one, Teach one in the CBD era

1. Review the history of surgical teaching
2. Discuss experiential learning as well as key learning theories
3. Describe the roles of the teacher according to the AMEE Guide
4. Review an evidence based approach to microsurgical teaching
5. Discuss the incorporation of experiential learning into the CBD curriculum

Feb 20

Dr. Natalia Binczyk

Ophthalmology in the Canadian North

1. Describe the structure of ophthalmology practice in Yellowknife and across the NWT
2. Explain the unique challenges in providing ophthalmic care in remote northern environments
3. Review clinical cases, highlighting how the remote setting influenced clinical decision-making
4. Identify opportunities for improving patient care and system efficiency

Feb 27

Dr. Sabrina Poonja

PO is the New IV: The Post-Drip Era of Optic Neuritis

1. Understand optic neuritis and distinguish typical from atypical presentations
2. Review the history of optic neuritis, including lessons from the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial
3. Compare management strategies for typical versus atypical optic neuritis
4. Describe bioequivalent dosing of oral versus IV corticosteroids
5. Apply principle of steroid stewardship in optic neuritis management

Mar 6

Dr. Rahul Moorjani

Small Eyes, Big Lessons: Surgical Principles that Unite Pediatric and Adult Cataract Surgery

1. Identify the anatomic and biomechanical features that distinguish pediatric from adult cataract surgery
2. Apply pediatric surgical principles to complex adult cases
3. Demonstrate intraoperative judgement and flexibility through a traumatic cataract case

Mar 13

OKAPS

Mar 20

Dr. Rosanna Martens

Toxoplasmosis Retinitis

1. Review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of ocular toxoplasmosis
2. Recognize classic and atypical clinical presentations
3. Discuss diagnostic strategies and differential diagnosis
4. Review current evidence-based management and controversies
5. Highlight special situations: immunocompromised patients and pregnancy

Mar 27

SPRING BREAK

Apr 3

GOOD FRIDAY

Apr 10

GLAUCOMA DAY

Balancing Practice Efficiently with Patient Communication and Trust. Who is Listening?

1. Understand the ethical principles underlying effective communication and transparency in clinical care.
2. Recognize the importance of clear, compassionate communication when addressing adverse events or medical errors with patients and families.
3. Identify general strategies for discussing errors in a manner that supports patient trust and professional accountability

Apr 17

·         Dr. Geeta Lal

·         Dr. Linda Miller

Ergonomics for Ophthalmologists: Protecting Performance, Precision and Longevity

Apr 24

MOCK ORALS

May 1

Dr. QianQian Wang - glaucoma specialist from UMontreal

FLEX ROUNDS

1. Review the basics of pathogenesis of retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma
2. Understand the differences between neuroenhancement, neuroprotection and neuroregeneration
3. Explore the current literature on neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in glaucoma and review the evidence on the different studied strategies

May 8

Dan Morrow

Vision and Vigilance: Learning from CMPA Cases in Ophthalmic Practice

1. Review common medico-legal themes in ophthalmology cases reported to the CMPA, including diagnostic delays, consent issues, and perioperative complications.
2. Analyze contributing factors (clinical, communication, and system-level) that lead to litigation, using representative case examples to highlight risk patterns.
3. Apply quality improvement principles to identify actionable strategies that reduce medico-legal risk and enhance patient safety within ophthalmology practice.

May 15

RESEARCH DAY

June 5

Dr. Heon

Perspective on the new era of Gene therapy 

1.    What is gene therapy?

2.    What is Voretigene Neparvovec?

3.    What are the benefits of Voretigene Neparvovec?

4.    What are the potential risks of retinal gene replacement therapy?

5.    What are the challenges in implementing a gene therapy program?

Date

Speaker

Topic

Learning Objectives

Sept 11

Dr. Riz Somani

Floaterectomy: A Second Look

1. Review the varying floater related symptoms
2. Update on our cases and stats
3. Indications that lead to floaterectomy success
4. Review potential complications and outcomes

Sept 18

Dr. Tom Stelfox

The Next Marshall Plan: Shaping the Future of Academic Ophthalmology

1. Share a Faculty-wide perspective on emerging forces expected to shape academic health sciences over the coming decade.
2. Explore how these forces may influence the future of academic ophthalmology and visual sciences
3. Engage Department members in a discussion about how academic ophthalmology can shape the future of education, discovery, innovation and patient care

Sept 25

Dr. Samir Nasarali

Oct 2

Dr. Mark Seamone

Oct 9

Dr. Joe Leong-Sit

Oct 16

Dr. Chad Baker

Oct 23

WESTERN CANADA RETINA

WESTERN CANADA RETINA

WESTERN CANADA RETINA

Oct 30

OPTICS DAY

OPTICS DAY

OPTICS DAY

Nov 6

Dr. Nurhan Torun

(Neuro-Ophthalmologist)

Nov 13

Dr. Shelia Rubab

Nov 20

Dr. Stan Chan

Nov 27

MOCK ORALS

MOCK ORALS

MOCK ORALS

Dec 4

Dr. Travis Pollock

Dec 11

Dr. Audrey Chan

Dec 18

TBD

Dec 26

WINTER CLOSURE

WINTER CLOSURE

WINTER CLOSURE

Jan 8, 2027

Dr. Karim Damji

Jan 15

Dr. Marianne Edwards

Jan 22

RETINA RETREAT

RETINA RETREAT

RETINA RETREAT

Jan 29

EPSAA

EPSAA

EPSAA

Feb 5

CARMS

CARMS

CARMS

Feb 12

Dr. Chris Rudnisky

Feb 19

Dr. Matt Palakkamanil

Feb 26

Dr. Ali Salimi

Mar 5

Dr. Carlos Solarte

Mar 12

OKAPS

OKAPS

OKAPS

Mar 19

Dr. Tony Chae

Mar 26

GOOD FRIDAY

GOOD FRIDAY

GOOD FRIDAY

Apr 2

SPRING BREAK

SPRING BREAK

SPRING BREAK

Apr 9

GLAUCOMA DAY

GLAUCOMA DAY

GLAUCOMA DAY

Apr 16

Dr. Sylvia Chen

Apr 23

Dr. Heather Burnett

Apr 30

SPRING BREAK

SPRING BREAK

SPRING BREAK

May 7

RESEARCH DAY

RESEARCH DAY

RESEARCH DAY

May 14 

Dr. Wilcox

(Dr. Lehmann)