EyeCan – Details, episodes & analysis

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 of collaboration across academia, biotech, and public health. Plus, our guests share what inspires them beyond the lab—from books and travel to wellness routines.

Guest Bios:

Dr. Allan Slomovic
Endowed Chair in Cornea and Stem Cell Research at UHN and Research Director at Toronto Western Hospital. A global educator, mentor, and leading voice in corneal disease, with over two decades of research, training, and surgical outreach work.

Dr. Brian Ballios
Clinician-scientist and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, specializing in inherited retinal disease. He leads research at the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute and focuses on stem cell therapies and gene editing for retinal degeneration.

With your hosts, Dr. Heather O'Donnell and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.


Show Notes

Costa Rica project – University Health Network
Canadian surgeons transform eye care in Costa Rica

University of Toronto Cornea Surgery
https://corneasurgery.ca/ 

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
https://www.ohri.ca/Programs/Regenerative_Medicine/ 

CRISPR – National Human Genome Research Institute
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/CRISPR 

Ballios Lab
https://ballioslab.com/

Temerty Medicine - University of Toronto
https://temertymedicine.utoronto.ca/news/alumni-profile-brian-ballios-fighting-blindness

Operation Warp Speed
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Warp_Speed

Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute
https://www.uhn.ca/EyeInstitute

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

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 publications and leadership roles in major ophthalmic organizations, she is at the forefront of advancing eye cancer care through multidisciplinary collaboration and translational research. Tune in as we discuss the latest developments in the field and what they mean for patients and clinicians alike.

With your hosts, Dr. Heather O'Donnell and Dr. Hady Saheb.
Written and directed by Kim Tytler.
Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
  
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.

Show notes:

Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology – Special issue: Ocular Oncology
https://www.canadianjournalofophthalmology.ca/content/ocularoncology

 Patient-derived organoid models
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39601636/

 Uveal Melanoma
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eye-melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372371

A Cure in Sight - Independent Organization for Ocular Melanoma for Patients and Research
https://acureinsight.org/

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

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 Foundation in Paris, France.

Since 2003, Dr. Racine has performed more than 25,000 laser refractive surgeries. In 2004, he became one of the first surgeons in Montreal to be certified for use of the IntraLase femtosecond laser. That same year, he also underwent PRK surgery on both eyes. In Canada, he is also one of the cornea specialists with the most experience treating patients with keratoconus through use of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL).

Dr. Racine is an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Université de Montreal and practices at Hôpital Notre-Dame of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM). He teaches cataract surgery to ophthalmology residents and specializes in corneal transplant and complex cataract surgeries. As a recognized expert on dry eye syndrome, Dr. Racine is part of a Canadian group working to evaluate all therapeutic modalities for this condition.

Dr. Racine was awarded grants by the E.A. Baker Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness, and by the Université de Montréal Research in Ophthalmology Fund.

In 2003, Dr. Racine took part in United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) trials for the AcrySof® Toric intraocular lens. Dr. Racine has given many lectures in the United States and Europe on refractive surgery, dry eyes and intraocular lenses. He has participated in the publication of many book chapters and scientific papers, including the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

With your hosts, Dr. Mona Daghar and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer. 

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

On this episode of EyeCan, we are pleased to bring you an extended conversation with Dr. Nina Ahuja, on the topic of Physician Leadership. Dr. Ahuja has over 20 years of experience as a surgeon, private practice owner, local and national academic leader, and is the founder of Docs in Leadership, a program that delivers emotionally intelligent leadership education that support positive culture in healthcare environments and supports well-being.

With your hosts, Dr. Mona Daghar and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer. 

Show Notes:

EyeCan Season 1, Episode 6: Physician Wellness with Dr. Nina Ahuja https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/eyecan-season-1-episode-6-physician-wellness-w-guest/id1541770048?i=1000506576306

Docs in Leadership https://www.docsinleadership.com/

Stress in Medicine: Lessons Learned Through My Years as a Surgeon, from Med School to Residency, and Beyond https://geni.us/StressInMedicine

Live to Lead – Leaders committed to making a difference in the world share their inspiring stories. Available on Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81406763

Hillary – in this four part documentary series, former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reflects candidly on her life and career. Available on Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81266238#:~:text=In%20this%20four%2Dpart%20documentary,on%20her%20life%20and%20career.&text=Watch%20all%20you%20want.

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

On this episode of EyeCan, we discuss an important topic related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Ophthalmology - Barriers to Corneal Donation, with Dr. Samir Jabbour, a corneal disease speciality in Montreal. Dr. Jabbour practices at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal and the Jewish General Hospital and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Montreal and an Adjunct Clinical Professor at McGill University. His specialties include corneal disorders, external eye diseases, and refractive surgery, with a particular expertise in corneal grafts, limbal stem cell transplants, keratoconus and complex cataracts.
 
 A graduate from the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University, Dr. Jabbour completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Montreal. Subsequently, he undertook two years of subspecialty training in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery at the renowned Wilmer Eye Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, and the prestigious Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, United Kingdom. He is currently pursuing a Master in Public Health at Harvard University.
 
 Dr. Jabbour's research primarily focuses on ocular surface disease, keratoconus, and surgical techniques in keratoplasty, cataract and refractive surgery. His contributions to the field can be found in top-tier medical journals. He frequently presents his work at national and international conferences. As the director of the Cornea fellowship at CHUM, he mentors upcoming Cornea specialists. Additionally, he teaches medical students and ophthalmology residents from the University of Montreal and McGill University.

With your hosts, Dr. Mona Daghar and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer. 

Show Notes:

1. Canadians' attitudes toward corneal donation: informational-motivational videos increase willingness toward corneal donation 
2. Nucleic Acid Test (NATs) 
3. Dr. Murdoch Leeies - Director of a Research Program focuses on promoting health equity in organ and tissue donation and transplantation across Canada, within the Department of Emergency Medicine at University of Manitoba. His objective is to enhance access and outcomes through targeted interventions. Notably, he is in the process of establishing a 2SLGBTQIA+ patient advisory team for the Transplant Manitoba Gift of Life organ donation program, collaborating with the University of Manitoba's Centre for Healthcare Innovation and the Manitoba Society for Patient-Oriented Research.
4. Challenging Outdated FDA Policy - Michael A. Puente works to end ban on cornea donations Challenging Outdated FDA Policy (cuanschutz.edu)
5. Eye Bank – COS’ Eye Bank Committee 
6. COS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

On this episode of EyeCan, we discuss the compelling topic of Genetic Testing, with our special guest Dr. Sarah Chorfi.

Dr. Sarah Chorfi was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. She graduated from Medical School at McGill University on the Dean’s honour list in 2016 and completed her Ophthalmology Residency at University of Montreal in 2021. She next completed a fellowship in inherited retinal degenerations at the Mass Eye and Ear at Harvard University and attended a summer school program in Computational Genomics Summer Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Dr. Chorfi received numerous awards during her training, including:

• Initiation to Vision Student Research Award
• McGill Faculty of Medicine Research Bursary
• Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Medal
• Bourse de perfectionnement dans le domaine de la bio-informatique et génomique computationnelle en maladies génétiques oculaires (Département d’ophtalmologie de l’Université de Montréal)

Dr. Chorfi now has a faculty position at the CHUM (University of Montreal) where she undertakes weekly ophthalmic genetics clinics. 

With your hosts, Dr. Mona Daghar and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer. 

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

On this episode of EyeCan, we discuss the Upcoming Challenges in Retina, specifically Concerns about Capacity, with Dr. Shaheer Aboobaker, a retina specialist in Toronto.

With the recent approval of the first FDA approved treatment for geographic atrophy in the United States, we have invited Dr. Aboobaker to discuss the upcoming potentials of this new treatment as well as the challenges this may create in the Canadian context. Dr. Aboobaker is involved in multiple Phase 3 clinical trials and has presented at local and national meetings. 

He is a fellowship trained retina surgeon, having completed a two-year Vitreoretinal fellowship at the University of Toronto. He obtained his medical degree at the University of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa and completed his residency at the prestigious University of Cape Town. While at the University of Cape Town, Dr. Aboobaker was awarded the Ophthalmological Society Medal for academic achievement by the Fellowship of Ophthalmologists of South Africa. He joined the world renowned team at the Toronto Retina Institute in 2018.

Dr. Aboobaker's academic and research interests include advancements in technology and innovative treatment options. He is also a sub-investigator in numerous ongoing industry trials. He has published several peer reviewed journal articles and has presented at both local and national meetings. He also established the TRI Journal Club.

Dr. Aboobaker's passion for education and philanthropy led him to co-found the Young Professionals Bursary, a scholarship aimed at assisting disadvantaged students in South Africa.

With your hosts, Dr. Mona Daghar and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer. 

Show notes:

Toronto Retina Institute (TRI) https://www.torontoretinainstitute.com/#/

Updated inventory and projections for Canada’s ophthalmology workforce; Dr. Yvonne Buys, Dr. Lorne Bellan  https://www.canadianjournalofophthalmology.ca/article/S0008-4182(22)00184-3/abstract

Age-related Macular Degeneration – various resources:

• Dr. David Maberley, AMD Ask the Expert (patient resource)
• AMD Patient Resources on See the Possibilities – video, brochure and more
• COS Press Release for AMD Awareness Month

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

On this episode of EyeCan, we introduce our listeners to the topic of Myopia, with returning guest Dr. Vivian Hill.

Dr. Hill completed a fellowship in Ocular Pathology at the University of Ottawa, then completed an ophthalmology residency and a Pediatric Ophthalmology fellowship in Calgary.

Dr. Hill is an assistant professor at the University of Calgary and her clinical practice focuses on Pediatric Ophthalmology and adult strabismus. She led undergraduate ophthalmology for over a decade and led a revision of the medical school ophthalmology curriculum at the Cumming School of Medicine. She is a member of the examination board of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as an optics and pediatric ophthalmology examiner. 

Dr. Hill sits on the executive of the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta as past Fees Chair and current advocacy lead and is the COS Advocacy Council Chair (term ending June 2024). Her interests include pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, retinopathy of prematurity, medical education, and vision safety in the setting of expanding injectable medical esthetic. She is a former director on the Board of West Island College in Calgary which excels in academic rigour and experiential learning. She has received Calgary’s Top 40 under 40 Award as well as teaching awards at the Cumming School of Medicine.

With your hosts, Dr. Mona Daghar and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer. 

Show Notes
This episode of EyeCan was researched and written by Lauren Khoury, a medical and MSc student (considering ophthalmology) at McGill University (2026).

Dr. William Stell
Carr & Stell 2017 – Link to Webvision chapter:
http://webvision.med.utah.edu/book/part-xvii-refractive-errors/the-science-behind-myopia-by-brittany-j-carr-and-william-k-stell/

Dr. Vivian Hill
Ask the Expert on Pediatric Vision Health
See the Possibilities
https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/children-ama/

American Academy of Ophthalmology
Nearsightedness: What is Myopia? Resource
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-nearsightedness

ICEE Clear Vision for the Future – Press release
https://www.cos-sco.ca/clear-vision-for-the-future-canadian-ophthalmological-society-celebrates-indigenous-children-eye-examination-project-impacting-6000-lives-to-date/

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

Our guest on today’s episode of EyeCan we welcome back to the show Phil Hooper, President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). Dr. Hooper will present some of the Advocacy work the COS has currently been working on, future planning, and new projects underway.

A bit about Phil… he trained in Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology at Western University in London, Ontario. Following this, he did fellowships in Retina and Uveitis at the University of Southern California, and Washington University.

Phil was Chair and Chief of Ophthalmology at Western from 1996 to 2008 and co-chairs the Ontario Vision Care Task Force.

In June 2022, Dr. Hooper became the 70th President of the COS, serving until June 2024. He has been involved in many COS projects, was Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology from 2008-2018 and chaired the Council on Advocacy from 2019-2021.

With your hosts, Dr. Mona Daghar and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer. 

Show notes:

COS Members are invited to log in to their member portal ( https://cos.imiscloud.com/ ), click the Members Only section and learn more about our Advocacy efforts.

The COS Drug Shortages page can be found here ( https://www.cos-sco.ca/drug-shortages/ ).

The January 2024 Forum registration page can be found here (https://www.cos-sco.ca/advocacy/annual-forum/ ).

Information about the COS Annual Meeting and Exhibition can be found here 9https://cos-sco.secure-platform.com/site ). 

Ophthalmologists interested in becoming a member can learn more here https://www.cos-sco.ca/cos-membership/member-benefits/ ).

COS Practice Resource Centre – learn more here ( https://www.cosprc.ca/ ). The Cornea Modules referenced in this episode of EyeCan can be found here (https://www.cosprc.ca/cornea-learning-modules/ ). 

See the Possibilities is a web resource for the Canadian public on the topics of vision health, serious eye diseases and what the COS is doing to promote eye health for everyone. Learn more here: https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/. Ask the Experts articles can be found here ( https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/ama/ ).

The COS Newsroom contains all press releases and can be found here ( https://www.cos-sco.ca/newsroom/ ). Media are welcome to contact Kim Tytler, COS Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, kim@cos-sco.ca, for more information.

More information about the work of the Association of Canadian University Professors of Ophthalmology (ACUPO) can be found here ( https://www.acupo.ca/ ).

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

Welcome to Season 4, Episode 2 of The EyeCan Podcast! Our topic on today’s episode of EyeCan is Age-related Macular Degeneration, with guest Ravi Dookeran of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Dr. Dookeran has worked in Winnipeg since 2006 in the University of Manitoba department of Ophthalmology.  He is the medical director of the Waterfront Eye Institute and runs a surgical and medical Retinal practice serving all of Manitoba, Nunavut and western Ontario. After completing his ophthalmology residency at the University of Alberta, Dr. Dookeran went on to complete a 2-year surgical and medical Retina fellowship at McGill University. He is affiliated with the University of Manitoba's Department of Ophthalmology as an Assistant Professor, teaching residents and retina fellows and is actively involved in clinical research having authored numerous publications.
  
Dr. Dookeran has been actively involved in developing a tele-ophthalmology program and serves as the medical director of the Manitoba Retinal Screening and Vision Program (MRSVP) providing access to care for diabetic patients in northern and remote communities across Manitoba.  

In addition to being vice president of the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba for many years, he sat on the COS board of directors as Treasurer from 2019 to 2022 and continues to be involved in the COS Foundation.

With your hosts, Dr. Mona Daghar and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.

Show notes:
Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study– ( https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2062510/ ) the landmark study that still guides how we treat diabetics today. 

See the Possibilities Eye Health page on AMD  ( https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/eye-health/age-related-macular-degeneration/ )

Learn more about the COS Council in Advocacy ( https://www.cos-sco.ca/council-on-advocacy/ )

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!