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Accelerate Vision Health Series

Join us for Accelerate Vision Health, a dynamic three-part web series that will spotlight the future of vision health and how, together, we can accelerate progress toward cures. We will examine the importance of vision health and our investments in scientific peer-reviewed research.

Stay informed as we explore some of the newest scientific insights driving progress in vision health.

You can also help accelerate vision health by donating today.

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Episode 1: Celebrating the Past & Building the Future of Vision Research

Thursday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. ET

Join us as we reflect on the key breakthroughs in vision research and discuss exciting new directions and innovations for the future.

Leading retinal clinician-scientists, Dr. Ian MacDonald (University of Montreal) and Dr. Matthew Benson (University of Alberta), will share the real-world impact of past research and discuss the future of the field and emerging technologies that will shape the next decade of discovery.

This first episode of the series will also offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look at what research and mentorship means and how it influences success.

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Matthew Benson
Dr. Matthew Benson
University of Alberta

Dr. Matthew Benson is a clinician-scientist in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Alberta. He currently holds a Bayer Professorship in Translational Research in Ophthalmology appointment. Dr. Benson completed his graduate studies and ophthalmology residency training at the University of Alberta. He then completed fellowship training in ocular genetics at the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. His clinical interests include inherited eye diseases and strabismus. He also runs a fundamental research lab that investigates disease mechanisms of inherited retinal disorders.

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Episode 2: The State of Vision Health—Navigating Eye Care

Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. ET

Today more than 1.2 million Canadians are living with vision loss, and it’s estimated that eight million have an eye disease that could cause vision loss. Over the past 50 years, Fighting Blindness Canada has played a pivotal role by investing in vision research and bringing information to Canadians. Join us as we have a discussion on the state of vision health and explore navigating an eye disease diagnosis and the health care system. From negotiating the tests and appointments to get a diagnosis, to accessing trusted support and resources once you’ve been diagnosed to taking the steps to ensure you get the best available care, we will explore various aspects of the patient journey.

Living with a blinding eye disease can impact all areas of your life, including your mental health. Learn how to advocate yourself, and take care of your mental health, while ensuring family members around you also receive the support they need. Episode 2 will feature retired clinical psychologist, Dr. Ed Glassman, who has a rare eye disease, low vision optometrist Dr. Ana Juricic, and retinal specialist Dr. Nirojini Sivachandran.

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Ed Glassman
Dr. Ed Glassman
Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Ed Glassman is a retired clinical psychologist living in Toronto since 1979. He worked for 25 years at North York General Hospital in the Adult Mental Health Program as well as seeing clients privately, and then wound down his career teaching in the York University Graduate Clinical Psychology Program. It was approximately 25 years ago that Ed first noticed changes in his vision and was eventually diagnosed with a Cone Dystrophy, a type of inherited retinal disease characterized by a slow deterioration in central vision. Ed’s connection to FBC began when his spouse heard an interview on CBC radio about Cycle for Sight. For both Ed and his spouse, the opportunity to support vision research and ride a bicycle was an irresistible combination. On an ongoing basis, keeping physically active and educated about vision research has helped him to cope with his vision loss and remain positive about the future.

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Episode 3: Vision Health—Innovation & Discovery

Stay tuned for information on Episode 3.

  • Thursday, Feb. 20 (TBC), 7:30 p.m. ET

 

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