Accelerate Vision Health Series
Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) is proud to present the Accelerate Vision Health Series 2025, a timely and dynamic two-part virtual event.
With the valued support of our partners, this national series continues to spotlight the urgent importance of vision health in Canada—highlighting key issues across the vision health landscape, from access to care and emerging research, to lived experience and mental health.
You can also help accelerate vision health by donating today.
This year’s series will focus on two themes:
- The challenges and importance of informed decision-making and patient–provider communication in vision care
- The mental health impacts of vision loss and the need for integrated support
Designed for individuals living with vision loss, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the public, this free and accessible series offers insight, lived experience, and expert advice.
Join us to learn, share, and take action as we work together to build a future where everyone in Canada has access to the vision care they need.
Episode 1: Bridging Gaps in Eyecare—from Knowledge to Decision to Access
Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. EST
In this episode, join us for a compelling two-part discussion exploring the key barriers—and opportunities—to enhancing patient decision making within the vision health system. This event brings together expert insights and lived experiences to foster meaningful dialogue about the importance and challenges of shared decision making and patient-health care provider communication.
Designed for people living with vision loss, families and friends, eyecare professionals, advocates, industry partners, and the general public—this episode is for anyone committed to raising awareness and improving outcomes in vision care.
This session will feature an expert panel discussion with health care providers followed by a lived experience panel. Attendees will get a chance to ask their questions to both panels.
Meet the Speakers
Alberta Retina Consultants
Dr. Dave Ehmann, originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, earned his BSc in physiology and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Saskatchewan. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Alberta followed by a 2-year vitreoretinal fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia before joining Alberta Retina Consultants in Edmonton where he manages medial and surgical diseases of the vitreous and retina. Dr. Ehmann is board certified in Canada and the U.S and serves as Assistant Clinical Professor in Ophthalmology. He is currently president of the Retina Society of Alberta.
University of British Columbia
Dr. Laura Nimmon is a Scientist at the Centre for Health Education Scholarship (CHES) and Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada. Dr. Nimmon is a social scientist and award-winning researcher whose work explores the social dynamics of power in shared decision making, negotiation, and healthcare team dynamics. Her work has been published in the world’s highest impact journals (Science, AAAS and The Lancet Oncology) and mentioned in major news outlets. Dr. Nimmon is an Associate Editor for the journal Perspectives on Medical Education. She is recipient of the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine Award for excellence in mentoring early career faculty and of the Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) Champion Award for advocacy, role modeling and mentorship of early career researchers.
Community Member
Mary-Kate Fraser has been involved with Fighting Blindness Canada since 2018, after attending her first View Point event. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at age 20, she has been an active member of the FBC community through the Young Leaders summit, mentorship program, and many events. A project management professional in the health care industry, she earned her Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University in 2015 and has worked in hospital supply chain management and infrastructure planning. Outside of work, Mary-Kate is passionate about the arts and staying active through yoga, interval training, and indoor cycling.
Community Member
Alexis Nickerson is from Halifax. She’s a mom of two busy athletic teenagers, one of whom also has retinitis pigmentosa. She works as a physiotherapist in the areas of complex pain and prenatal care. She and her son play a paralympic sport for the visually inspired called goalball. She also enjoys rock climbing with her family.
Community Member
Sandra Niedermier obtained a Master’s Degree from the University of Calgary and enjoyed a professional career with the Calgary Board of Education, retiring in 2002 as the principal of CBE’s first school to offer an arts-centered learning program. In retirement, Sandra has been fortunate to be able to travel extensively as well as follow her interests in the performing and visual arts. However, deteriorating eyesight resulting from AMD and GA is providing a challenge that she hopes will be avoided by others as a result of continuing research.
Accelerate Vision Health Series 2024
In 2024, Accelerate Vision Health Series brought together leading researchers and the vision loss community to discuss explore the dynamic landscape of vision science, tips on navigating eye care and the future of vision research. View the entire three-part 2024 series.
Thank you to our sponsors
Discovery Partners
Connectivity Partners
Access Partner
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