array(0) { }

Welcome to View Point Calgary

Jump to: Welcome | Get Involved | Program | Meet the Speakers| Community Resource Fair| View Point Partners

Welcome

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning, thank you for being here. Your presence strengthens a powerful network of individuals, families, researchers, clinicians, and advocates working to improve the lives of Canadians affected by vision loss.

We have an inspiring day ahead. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Deepak Lamba, a world-renowned expert in retinal regeneration and stem cell therapies, will share insights from his groundbreaking research. You’ll also hear from Canadian experts during our “Ask the Expert” sessions. Dr. Geoff Williams will discuss age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Dr. Matt Benson will address questions on inherited retinal diseases.

The day includes powerful stories from those with lived experience, and a community resource fair. We’ll close with a social hour to reflect, connect, and build lasting relationships.

This event wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors. Special thanks to our View Point Platinum Presenting Sponsor, Bayer; our Gold Partner, Roche; and our Silver Partners: Abbvie, Astellas, Beacon Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson, and Specsavers. We’re also deeply grateful to our volunteers, staff, and Board of Directors—your contributions make this work possible.

Since 1974, Fighting Blindness Canada has invested over $42 million in vision research, leading the way in funding science that restores sight and transforms lives. We’re committed to early diagnosis, prevention, and innovative treatments like gene and stem cell therapies. In the past year alone, FBC-funded research has propelled new treatments for inherited retinal disease, AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma into clinical trials.

Now, we’re building on this legacy with our new five-year strategic plan, Raising Our Sights: Vision 2030. This plan accelerates research, expands education, and strengthens advocacy—ensuring more Canadians benefit from the progress we’re driving.

Everything we do is for you.

Thank you for being here, for your support, and for being part of our vibrant and resilient community. I look forward to the conversations and connections we’ll share today.

With gratitude,

Jennifer Jones
President and CEO
Fighting Blindness Canada

gET iNVOLVED

• On Sunday, June 22, 2025, let’s move together to support vital research. Move with us – your way. MOVEFOR SIGHT.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 | healthinfo@fightingblindness.ca
• 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
• Volunteer with us! Interested in joining our dedicated community? Email us to learn about volunteer opportunities at info@fightingblindness.ca.

vIEW pOINT cALGARY pROGRAM

Saturday, May 24, 2025
Carriage House hotel & Conference Centre, 9030 Macleod Trail South, Calgary, Alberta
All sessions will take place in the Main Ballroom (ABC) unless otherwise noted.

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Registration, Resource Fair & Brunch
Visit our resource fair and enjoy a brunch buffet. Seating is first come, first served.

2:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Opening Remarks
Welcome to View Point! Hear from Fighting Blindness Canada’s President & CEO, Jennifer Jones.

2:15 – 3:00 p.m. – Adapting to Vision Loss: Support & Self-Discovery
Featuring Dagmar Jamieson, Wayne Kostiuk & Sandra Neidermier
Join us for a candid conversation with people living with vision loss as they share personal stories of diagnosis, adaptation, and resilience. This panel offers real-life insights, hard-earned wisdom, and supportive reflections for those on a similar journey.

3:00 – 3:15 p.m. – Snack Break & Resource Fair

3:15 – 4:00 p.m. Ask the Expert: Concurrent Sessions
Choose one of the following two sessions.

Ask the Expert: Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDS) – Main Ballroom
There are over 20 inherited retinal diseases including retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, and Leber congenital amaurosis. Being diagnosed with one of these conditions can be challenging, and you may have many questions about your care, or what treatments are available or currently being studied. Dr. Matt Benson will give an overview of IRDs and answer your questions.

Ask the Expert: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – Ballroom D
Are you or a loved one living with age-related vision loss? Do you have questions or concerns about your condition? We will sit down with Dr. Geoff Williams to learn more about both wet and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and current treatments and therapies. There will be opportunities to ask your questions.

4:00 – 4:15 p.m. – Break

4:15 – 5:00 p.m. – Understanding Stem Cell Treatments for Retinal Disorders: Achievements and Hurdles
Learn about the current progress and challenges in stem cell treatments for retinal disorders with Dr. Deepak Lamba. This session will explain what’s possible today, what’s still being researched, and what it all means for people living with vision loss.

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Snack Break & Exhibitors
Join us for a relaxed and welcoming social hour. Enjoy great conversation, delicious food and wine in an inclusive setting. It’s a chance to connect, share stories, and build community.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Dr. Deepak Lamba is a distinguished Scientist affiliated with the departments of Immunology, Regenerative Medicine and Neuroscience at Genentech. He is a clinician-scientist with over 20 years’ research experience working on retinal development, stem-cell based repair mechanisms and disease modeling with a focus on translational research. His work aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in ocular health.

---

Dr. Matthew Benson is a clinician-scientist in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Alberta, where he holds the Bayer Professorship in Translational Research in Ophthalmology. He completed his graduate studies and ophthalmology residency at the University of Alberta, followed by a fellowship in ocular genetics at the National Eye Institute, NIH. His clinical focus includes inherited eye diseases and strabismus, and he leads a research lab investigating the underlying mechanisms of inherited retinal disorders.

---

Dr. Geoff Williams is a Clinical Associate professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Calgary. He practices in his office at the Southern Alberta Eye Center, and operates at both the Rocky View Hospital and SAEC Surgical. He is currently the Medical Director of SAEC Surgical, the Co-Director of the Calgary surgical retinal fellowship program and is active in residency training programs. Dr. Williams currently serves as the Vice President for the Canadian Retina Society.

---

Dagmar Jamieson was born in the Czech Republic and moved to Canada with her family at age nine. A few years later, she was diagnosed as legally blind due to Cone-Rod dystrophy, a rare inherited eye condition. Despite the challenges, she lives life with energy and purpose—most recently learning to water ski and wakeboard after being invited to train with the adaptive national team. Her journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and a refusal to let vision loss define her limits.

---

Wayne Kostiuk was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan, in 1954 and moved to Calgary in the mid-1970s to begin a career in commercial construction. In 1985, a routine eye exam led to a diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa, with no family history of the condition. As his vision declined, Wayne faced challenges—including giving up his driver’s license—but found support through family, friends, the CNIB, and Fighting Blindness Canada. After transitioning from the job site to the office, he retired in 2020. Today, Wayne enjoys fishing, gardening, and traveling, and remains involved in RP research through FBC.

---

Sandra Niedermier earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Calgary and enjoyed a fulfilling career with the Calgary Board of Education, retiring in 2002 as principal of its first arts-centered learning school. In retirement, she has traveled extensively and pursued her passion for the performing and visual arts. More recently, Sandra has faced challenges with vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration and geographic atrophy—difficulties she hopes future generations can avoid through ongoing research and advancements in treatment.

COmmunity Resource fair

Visit the following organizations who will be joining us in our Community Resource Fair.

Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind

Canadian Assistive Technology

Canadian Council of the Blind – BC Yukon Division

CNIB Foundation

Leavens Vision Loss Rehabilitation

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada

vIEW POINT sPONSORS

Thank you to our View Point Partners

Platinum Presenting Partner: Bayer

Gold Partner: Roche

Silver Partners: Abbvie, Astellas, Beacon Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson & SpecSavers