Welcome to View Point Toronto: Live Stream
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accessing the live stream
Make sure you are registered to receive the Zoom link. One link will provide you access to a stream of both sessions described in this program. Please note that as this conference is being broadcast live, there will be a 10-minute break between sessions. The times below are in Eastern time. Please adjust based on your location.
We will be able to take some questions from the online audience. To ask a question, please type it into the Q&A box on your Zoom toolbar or email us at education@fightingblindness.ca. If we are unable to answer your question live, please reach out to us via our Health Information Line at 1.888.626.2995 or healthinfo@fightingblindness.ca.
Please click the button below to register. If you need any assistance, please reach out to us at education@fightingblindess.ca or call 1.800.461.3331 ext 246
PROGRAM
Saturday, November 8, 2025
9:30-10:00 a.m.: Registration & Refreshments
Join us for refreshments and networking. Seating is first-come, first-served.
10:00-10:10 a.m.: Opening Remarks
Welcome to View Point! Hear from Fighting Blindness Canada’s President & CEO, Jennifer Jones.
10:10-11:00 a.m.: Stem Cells & Regenerative Therapies for Retinal Disease
Discover how stem cell research is opening new possibilities for restoring sight. Ophthalmologist Dr. David Gamm will explain what stem cells are, how they may help repair the retina, and what it takes to turn promising research into real treatments. He’ll also share how his work has advanced into a groundbreaking clinical trial for retinal degeneration —bringing hope to people living with vision loss.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: From Research to Reality: Conversations on Clinical Trials
Join a dynamic panel featuring leading ophthalmologists and a community member sharing their personal experience with clinical research. Together, they’ll discuss the evolving landscape of clinical trials for vision loss: how new therapies move from the lab to patients, how researchers and doctors communicate about emerging treatments, and why patient participation is vital to progress. This engaging discussion will highlight the shared hope, challenges, and collaboration that drive innovation in eye health.
SPEAKER BIOS
Dr. David Gamm
Dr. David Gamm is the Director of the McPherson Eye Research Institute, the Trout Chair in Eye Research, and a Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2016, he founded Opsis Therapeutics, where he serves as Chief Scientific Officer. In his practice, Dr. Gamm diagnoses and treats pediatric eye disorders, while his research focuses on the use of human pluripotent stem cell technology for retinal disease modeling and cell replacement therapies.
Dr. Shaheer Aboubaker
Dr. Shaheer Aboobaker is a fellowship-trained retina specialist and Managing Partner at the Toronto Retina Institute. He is actively involved in clinical research, serving as an investigator in over 20 trials focused on innovative treatments. He also co-founded the Young Professionals Bursary to support disadvantaged students in South Africa.
DR. Robert Koenekoop
Dr. Robert Koenekoop is a Professor of Pediatric Surgery, Human Genetics, and Adult Ophthalmology at McGill University. As Principal Investigator at McGill and the Montreal Children’s Hospital, he leads seven clinical trials testing new gene and drug therapies for inherited retinal diseases. Over 25 years, Dr. Koenekoop has discovered 15+ genes linked to childhood blindness and is advancing promising new treatments.
Bernie Zinck
Bernie Zinck is a graduate of the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, is a private music instructor, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist with over 40 years of guitar experience. Diagnosed with X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa at 16, he has been a strong advocate for accessibility in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Bernie has participated in a clinical trial and continues to share his journey with vision loss.
Get Involved
- Help protect sight. Every Month. Your monthly gift fuels life changing research and educational events. Become a monthly donor. Small gift, big impact. fightingblindness.ca/donate SPOTLIGHT ON SIGHT
- VOLUNTEER WITH US! Interested in joining our dedicated community? Learn about volunteer opportunities at: info@fightingblindness.ca
- Have questions about your eye health? FBC is here to support you. Contact our Health Information Line for information, resources and more. 1.888.626.2995 or healthinfo@fightingblindness.ca
A Message from our Partners
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55, affecting ~2.5 million Canadians
In AMD, your central vision is affected, making it harder to do activities like reading, driving and distinguishing faces.
Adults without eye conditions aged 40 —64 should have routine eye exams every 2 years. Adults aged 65 years or older should have an annual eye exam.
At Roche, we’re guided by the needs of people living with sight-limiting conditions.
That’s why we’re proud to offer an online resource hub dedicated to eye health and preparing people for their visit to their ophthalmologist.
Learn more at www.EyeHealthMatters.ca
Partners
Thank you to all our sponsors! View Point is proudly supported by:
- Platinum Present Partner: Bayer
- Gold Partner: Roche
- Silver Partners: AbbVie, Astellas, Beacon Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson, and Specsavers.
Platinum Presenting Partner
Gold Partner
Silver Partners
Join the Fight!
Learn how your support is helping to bring a future without blindness into focus! Be the first to learn about the latest breakthroughs in vision research and events in your community by subscribing to our e-newsletter that lands in inboxes the beginning of each month.
