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VIEW POINT

Explore Fighting Blindness Canada’s View Point education series—events where you can discover the latest in vision research, ask questions, and connect with others affected by blinding eye diseases.

Explore our 2026 lineup below! For questions about our programming, or help registering, contact us at education@fightingblindness.ca or 1-800-461-3331 ext. 270.

Jump to: Upcoming Webinars|Upcoming Coffee Connections| Past Recordings |Coffee Connections Transcripts

 

Upcoming Webinars

View Point webinars connect you with leading experts to learn about eye diseases, research advances, treatments, and clinical trials. These interactive online sessions also give you the chance to ask questions directly to experts, with some sessions including peer connection opportunities.  Past Recordings

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AMD: In Conversation

Webinar | Expert Q&A & Community Connect
Wednesday, October 14 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET | Zoom

Living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can raise many questions about treatment, lifestyle, and maintaining independence. Join a clinician and researcher for an engaging conversation about current approaches to AMD care, the latest research, and the role of nutrition and other lifestyle factors in supporting eye health.

Following the discussion and audience Q&A, participants are invited to stay for facilitated small-group conversations to connect with others living with AMD and continue the discussion in a supportive environment.

A female patient wearing a face mask sits at a slit lamp while a male doctor in a white coat and face mask conducts an eye examination in a clinical setting

IRDs: In Research & Practice

Webinar | Research Updates & Expert Q&A
Wednesday, November 11 | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET | Zoom

Inherited retinal disease (IRD) research is advancing rapidly, with new therapies and clinical trials bringing hope to people living with vision loss.

Join two leading researchers for a panel discussion exploring where the field stands today, the most promising developments on the horizon, and what these advances could mean for patients and families.

Hear directly from experts, ask your questions, and gain a better understanding of the future of IRD research.

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Upcoming Coffee Connections

Coffee Connections are welcoming in-person events for people living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or inherited retinal diseases (IRD). Connect with experts and others in the community through accessible conversations about research, treatments, and real-life experiences — all in a relaxed, supportive setting.

Find your city below to register!

Winnipeg

AMD Coffee Connections

Featuring: Dr. Joshua Manusow
Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m. -12 p.m. CDT
Sandman Hotel & Suites Winnipeg Airport

1750 Sargent Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0C7

AMD Winnipeg – Register Now!

IRD Coffee Connections

Featuring: Dr. Joshua Manusow
Saturday, October 24 | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. CDT
Sandman Hotel & Suites Winnipeg Airport
1750 Sargent Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0C7

IRD Winnipeg – Register Now!

Ontario

AMD Coffee Connections Oakville

Featuring: Dr. Niro Sivachandran
Tuesday, November 3 | 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. EST
Oakville Public Library – Central Branch

120 Navy St, Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4

AMD Oakville – Register Now!

IRD Coffee Connections Toronto

Featuring: Dr. Gareth Mercer
Saturday, October 17 | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. EST
North York Central Library
5120 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5N9

IRD Toronto – Register Now!

Past Recordings

You can access a list of past View Point recordings at this link.

If you would like to receive updates about new View Point events, share discussion topic ideas, or require assistance registering, please email education@fightingblindness.ca or call us at 1.800.461.3331 ext. 270.

2026 View Point Recordings

  • Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): In Research & Practice – February 24, 2026, Dr. Shaheer Aboobaker, Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Managing Partner at the Toronto Retina Institute, shares insights from his clinical care, research, and global trials, highlighting advances in AMD technology and treatments. VIDEO | SUMMARY | TRANSCRIPT
  • Glaucoma & Optic Nerve: In Conversation – March 13, 2026, Dr. Qianqian Wang, ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist and Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Montreal, and Dr. Jason Meyer, Professor of Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University and Director of the Stark Neurosciences Stem Cell Research Group, share insights from clinical care and research, highlighting current developments in glaucoma and optic nerve disease. VIDEO | SUMMARY | TRANSCRIPT
  • Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs): In Conversation – May 20, 2026, Dr. Brian Ballios, clinician-scientist and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto specializing in inherited retinal diseases, shares insights from clinical care and research, highlighting current developments in gene therapy, genetic testing, and emerging treatments for IRDs. VIDEO | TRANSCRIPT
  • Accessibility in Action: Exploring Technologies for People Living with Vision Loss – September 22, 2026, Ed Summers, Head of Accessibility at GitHub, Dr. Sal Jivraj, low vision optometrist based in Calgary, and Dr. Gordon Legge, Distinguished McKnight University Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota, share insights on AI, mainstream accessibility features, and emerging low-vision technology for people living with vision loss. VIDEO | TRANSCRIPT | RESOURCES

2026 Coffee Connections Transcripts

  • Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Coffee Connections (Victoria, BC) – April 7, 2026, Dr. Daniel Warder, ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon at Island Health in Victoria, alongside lived experience panelists Donna McLachlan and Jessica Thomson, discuss current treatments for dry and wet AMD, emerging research, and what it means to live with macular degeneration day to day. SUMMARY | TRANSCRIPT
  • Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) Coffee Connections (Victoria, BC) – April 7, 2026, Dr. Matthew Benson, clinician scientist and Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Alberta, and Dr. Robert Chow, faculty member in the Biology Department at the University of Victoria, discuss inherited retinal diseases, genetic testing, current research, and more. SUMMARY | TRANSCRIPT
  • Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Coffee Connections (Vancouver, BC) – April 9, 2026, Dr. Michael Ballas, ophthalmology resident at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Joanne Matsubara, neuroscientist and Professor at the University of British Columbia, discuss age‑related macular degeneration (AMD). The conversation covers the differences between dry and wet AMD, current treatment options, and emerging research aimed at slowing disease progression and preserving vision. SUMMARY | TRANSCRIPT
  • Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) Coffee Connections (Vancouver, BC) – April 9, 2026, Dr. Kirill Zaslavsky, vitreoretinal surgery fellow at the University of British Columbia, discuss inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). Topics include the genetic basis of IRDs, the importance of genetic testing, current and emerging research approaches, and what patients and families should know about clinical trials. SUMMARY | TRANSCRIPT
  • Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Coffee Connections (Edmonton, AB) – April 11, 2026, Dr. Dave Ehmann, retinal specialist, and Dr. Larissa Moniz discuss age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), including how dry and wet AMD are managed, current treatment approaches, and promising developments on the horizon. The session also features lived‑experience speakers sharing practical insights on adapting to vision loss and accessing support. SUMMARY | TRANSCRIPT
  • Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) Coffee Connections (Calgary, AB) – April 12, 2026, Dr. Gareth Mercer, retina surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, discusses inherited retinal diseases, current research, and clinical trial participation, alongside community members Dagmar and Wayne, who share their experience living with vision loss. SUMMARY | TRANSCRIPT
  • Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Coffee Connections (Calgary, AB) – April 13, 2026, Dr. Michael Balas, ophthalmology resident at the University of Toronto, discusses age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The conversation covers the differences between dry and wet AMD, current treatments including anti-VEGF injections, emerging therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and gene therapy, and practical tools and strategies for living with AMD shared by community members Sandra and Charles. SUMMARY | TRANSCRIPT
  • Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Coffee Connections (Halifax, NS) – September 12, 2026, Dr. Anuradha Mishra, ophthalmologist specializing in vision rehabilitation and Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, alongside lived experience panelists Judy Carpenter and Pamela Grant, discuss current treatments for dry and wet AMD, emerging research, and vision rehabilitation for everyday living. TRANSCRIPT
  • Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRD) Coffee Connections (Halifax, NS) – September 12, 2026, Dr. Johane Robitaille, pediatric ophthalmologist and geneticist with the Maritime Medical Genetics Service, alongside lived experience panelists Andrew Burke, Julie Mann, and Harry Nickerson, discuss genetic testing, emerging gene and cell therapy research, and what it means to live with an IRD. TRANSCRIPT
  • Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) Coffee Connections (St. John’s, NL) – September 13, 2026, Dr. James Whelan, Assistant Professor at Memorial University and Chief of the Division of Ophthalmology at Eastern Health, alongside lived experience panelists Ashan Kaleem and Susan Winter, discuss genetic testing, gene therapy research, and living with an inherited retinal disease. TRANSCRIPT
  • Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Coffee Connections (St. John’s, NL) – September 14, 2026, Dr. Marko Popovic, medical retina specialist at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Kensington Vision and Research Centre and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, discuss current treatments for dry and wet AMD, emerging research, and vision rehabilitation for everyday living. TRANSCRIPT

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