This episode on EyeCan, we’re thrilled to welcome Professor Marion Munk, a globally recognized leader in uveitis, retina, and ophthalmic research innovation. With an impressive track record in clinical research, artificial intelligence, and translational medicine, Dr. Munk guides us through the evolving landscape of ophthalmology—from the critical role of standardizing imaging protocols to the transformative power of AI in discovering new disease pathways.

In this episode, we unpack her work in establishing global nomenclature through Delphi methodologies, redefining clinical endpoints for retinal therapies, and exploring therapeutic targets beyond anti-VEGF. We also dive into her groundbreaking research on fibrosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and nonperfusion, along with how AI and bioinformatics are revealing links between ophthalmic disease and systemic infections like SARS-CoV-2 and tuberculosis.

To round out the conversation, we put Dr. Munk in the “lightning round hotseat” to hear about her life beyond the lab—travel, books, and how she unwinds when she's not pushing the boundaries of eye care innovation.

👩‍⚕️ Guest Bio:

Professor Marion Munk
Professor Marion Munk is a physician-scientist and global authority in Uveitis and Medical Retina. She is Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Research at Augenarzt-Praxisgemeinschaft Gutblick AG, Professor at Inselspital (University Hospital Bern), adjunct professor at Northwestern University (Chicago), Director of Eyegnos Consulting, and Chief Medical Officer at Isarna Therapeutics.

Dr. Munk has authored over 260 scientific publications and serves on the editorial boards of leading journals, including IOVS, Acta Ophthalmologica, and Ophthalmologica. Her research spans image processing, artificial intelligence, macular disease, and uveitis. She is Research Chair at the International Retinal Imaging Society (InTRIS) and a peer reviewer for numerous journals in the field.

Through her work in standardizing OCTA nomenclature, advancing retinal imaging analytics, and leading the charge on AI applications in ophthalmology, Professor Munk is helping shape the future of vision science.

With your host Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.

Show Notes:
Exploring the Molecular Intersection of Posterior Ocular Tuberculosis: Mycobacterium tuberculosis Proteins, Ocular Autoimmunity, and Immune Receptor Interactions. 

Standardization of OCT Angiography Nomenclature in Retinal Vascular Diseases: Consensus-Based Recommendations. 

Is it Time to Adopt a New Nomenclature and Classification for White Dot Syndromes Using Multimodal Imaging Techniques? Report 1 from Multimodal Imaging in Uveitis (MUV) Task Force. 

Expression of key SARS-CoV-2 entry molecules in surgically obtained human retinal biopsies. 

How the immune response to the structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 affects the retinal vascular endothelial cells: an immune thrombotic and/or endotheliopathy process with in silico modeling. 

Comments about EyeCan? Contact [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon!
Listening to EyeCan counts for unaccredited MOC credits. You may claim 0.5 credits per hour under Section 2 (Individual Learning) as “Educational content review”, up to 30 credits per year.

On this episode of EyeCan, we dive deep into the world of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) with neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Anastasia Neufeld. From symptom recognition to cutting-edge research, we explore how this complex condition affects both the brain and the eyes—and why early diagnosis and collaborative care are critical.

Dr. Neufeld shares insights into the risk factors and epidemiology of IIH, its effects on the visual system, and the evolving strategies for treatment, including medical, surgical, and lifestyle approaches. We also touch on the importance of interdisciplinary care, communication with patients, and emerging Canadian research exploring socioeconomic factors, anemia, and even links to viral infections like COVID-19.

And of course, we get to know the human behind the scrubs as Dr. Neufeld shares what keeps her grounded outside the clinic.

👩‍⚕️ Guest Bio:

Dr. Anastasia Neufeld
Anastasia Neufeld is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia and a practicing neuro-ophthalmologist with a combined surgical and academic practice. She holds an undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, followed by her MD from UBC. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Dalhousie University and a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of Utah’s Moran Eye Center.

In addition to her clinical and surgical expertise, Dr. Neufeld is a dedicated educator. She lectures to general practitioners and optometrists, and trains medical students, residents, and fellows in both Canada and the U.S., where she also holds an Adjunct Assistant Professorship at the University of Utah. She recently assumed a regional medical leadership role in developing the curriculum for the new Simon Fraser University School of Medicine.

With your host, Dr. Heather O'Donnell.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.

The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.

Show Notes:

Two articles of interest:

Current Understanding of the Pathophysiology of Idiopathic
Intracranial Hypertension https://www.cos-sco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Current-Understanding-of-Pathophysiology-of-IIH-1.pdf

Revised diagnostic criteria for the pseudotumor cerebri syndrome in adults
and children https://www.cos-sco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Revised-diagnostic-criteria-for-the-pseudotumor-cerebri-syndrome-in-adults-and-children.pdf

Comments about EyeCan? Contact [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon!
Listening to EyeCan counts for unaccredited MOC credits. You may claim 0.5 credits per hour under Section 2 (Individual Learning) as “Educational content review”, up to 30 credits per year.

In this special EyeCan episode, we shine a spotlight on the next generation of ophthalmology leaders. Our guests, Dr. Dominique Geoffrion and Dr. Kian Madjedi, are two remarkable residents making a real impact—both in the clinic and beyond.

From spearheading educational initiatives like the Skills Transfer Courses at the Canadian Ophthalmological Society’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition to contributing to global vision health through Orbis and academic excellence, Dominique and Kian offer a fresh and inspiring look at what it means to lead early in one’s career.

We discuss leadership, education, collaboration across career stages, and what the future holds for ophthalmology. Plus, our guests share their personal journeys, biggest lessons, and what motivates them to stay involved and innovative.

👁️ Guest Bios:

Dr. Dominique Geoffrion

Dr. Geoffrion is an ophthalmology resident at Université de Montréal with a PhD in Experimental Surgery and MD from McGill University. Her research spans molecular biology, cancer genetics, and ophthalmology, with a PhD focus on glaucoma management following Boston keratoprosthesis surgery. In 2024, she received the Artemis Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has been a board member of Orbis Canada since 2021. She recently participated in the Flying Eye Hospital mission to Bangladesh and founded the Orbis Future Vision Leaders program to empower students and residents in the fight against avoidable blindness.

Dr. Kian Madjedi

Dr. Madjedi is a PGY5 ophthalmology resident at the University of Calgary and incoming Cornea and External Disease Fellow at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. With master’s degrees in epidemiology and the philosophy of science from Cambridge, and a third in progress in medical education from Edinburgh, he blends deep academic training with a passion for teaching. He plays a key role in developing the COS Annual Meeting’s Skills Transfer Courses and is dedicated to medical education and curriculum innovation.

With your hosts, Dr. Heather O'Donnell and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.

Show Notes:

COS Annual Meeting and Exhibition - http://cos-sco.ca/cos2025

Dominique Geoffrion – Artemis Award Winner 

Comments about EyeCan? Contact [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon!
Listening to EyeCan counts for unaccredited MOC credits. You may claim 0.5 credits per hour under Section 2 (Individual Learning) as “Educational content review”, up to 30 credits per year.

In this episode of EyeCan, we sit down with two of Canada’s leading voices in ocular regenerative medicine: Dr. Allan Slomovic and Dr. Brian Ballios. From stem cell therapy to gene editing and bioengineered tissues, they share insights into the latest breakthroughs shaping the future of vision care in Canada and around the world.

We explore clinical innovations, regulatory hurdles, and the power of collaboration across academia, biotech, and public health. Plus, our guests share what inspires them beyond the lab—from books and travel to wellness routines.

Guest Bios:

Dr. Allan Slomovic
Endowed Chair in Cornea and Stem Cell Research at UHN and Research Director at Toronto Western Hospital. A global educator, mentor, and leading voice in corneal disease, with over two decades of research, training, and surgical outreach work.

Dr. Brian Ballios
Clinician-scientist and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, specializing in inherited retinal disease. He leads research at the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute and focuses on stem cell therapies and gene editing for retinal degeneration.

With your hosts, Dr. Heather O'Donnell and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
 
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.


Show Notes

Costa Rica project – University Health Network
Canadian surgeons transform eye care in Costa Rica

University of Toronto Cornea Surgery
https://corneasurgery.ca/ 

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
https://www.ohri.ca/Programs/Regenerative_Medicine/ 

CRISPR – National Human Genome Research Institute
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/CRISPR 

Ballios Lab
https://ballioslab.com/

Temerty Medicine - University of Toronto
https://temertymedicine.utoronto.ca/news/alumni-profile-brian-ballios-fighting-blindness

Operation Warp Speed
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Warp_Speed

Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute
https://www.uhn.ca/EyeInstitute

Comments about EyeCan? Contact [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon!
Listening to EyeCan counts for unaccredited MOC credits. You may claim 0.5 credits per hour under Section 2 (Individual Learning) as “Educational content review”, up to 30 credits per year.

In this episode of EyeCan, we sit down with Dr. Lauren Dalvin, an expert in ocular oncology, to explore the complexities of uveal melanoma and ocular tumors. Dr. Dalvin, an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic, brings her extensive experience in patient-centered research, including groundbreaking work in drug discovery and radiation retinopathy. With over 175 peer-reviewed publications and leadership roles in major ophthalmic organizations, she is at the forefront of advancing eye cancer care through multidisciplinary collaboration and translational research. Tune in as we discuss the latest developments in the field and what they mean for patients and clinicians alike.

With your hosts, Dr. Heather O'Donnell and Dr. Hady Saheb.
Written and directed by Kim Tytler.
Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
  
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.

Show notes:

Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology – Special issue: Ocular Oncology
https://www.canadianjournalofophthalmology.ca/content/ocularoncology

 Patient-derived organoid models
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39601636/

 Uveal Melanoma
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eye-melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372371

A Cure in Sight - Independent Organization for Ocular Melanoma for Patients and Research
https://acureinsight.org/

Comments about EyeCan? Contact [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon!
Listening to EyeCan counts for unaccredited MOC credits. You may claim 0.5 credits per hour under Section 2 (Individual Learning) as “Educational content review”, up to 30 credits per year.

Welcome to EyeCan, the podcast where we dive into the fascinating world of ophthalmology and innovation.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ehsan Rahimy, a leading retina specialist practicing in the California Bay Area. As an adjunct faculty member at Stanford and a mentor to surgical retinal fellows, Dr. Rahimy brings a wealth of expertise in both clinical practice and cutting-edge research.

With over 100 peer-reviewed publications and contributions to more than 150 national and international ophthalmic meetings, his work spans medical and surgical diseases of the retina, novel imaging technologies, and the transformative role of AI and deep learning in healthcare.

Join us as we explore how technology is reshaping ophthalmology, the future of telemedicine in eye care, and what these advancements mean for both doctors and patients.

With your host, Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
  
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.

Show notes:
Ehsan Rahimy, MD
https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/ehsan-rahimy

Clinical Trials – Byers Eye Institute at Stanford
https://med.stanford.edu/ophthalmology/research/clinical_trials.html

Curcuma-Based Nutritional Supplements and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2824936

Comments about EyeCan? Contact [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon!
Listening to EyeCan counts for unaccredited MOC credits. You may claim 0.5 credits per hour under Section 2 (Individual Learning) as “Educational content review”, up to 30 credits per year.

Welcome to this episode of EyeCan! Today we're chatting with Dr. James Farmer about Ophthalmic Pathology. Dr. Farmer is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Queen’s University in Ontario and an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa.  

He graduated from the University of Ottawa Medical School, did his Ophthalmology residency there, and then went on to complete a Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus, and Pediatric Neuro-Ophthalmology in San Francisco.

Afterwards, he wrapped up an Anatomical Pathology residency at the University of Vermont and the University of Ottawa. Dr. Farmer also wears many hats: he's the Section Chairman of the Canadian Ophthalmic Pathology Society, the Section Editor for Ophthalmic Pathology for the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, and a member of the Eastern Ophthalmic Pathology Society in the US.

Stay tuned as we dive into his fascinating journey and expertise in today’s conversation!

With your host, Dr. Heather O'Donnell.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.

The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.

Show notes:
 
**Be sure to attend the COPS full-day session at the COS Annual Meeting and Exhibition, June 19, 2025. Link here for details.**

What is Ophthalmic Pathology?  

Ophthalmic Pathology is a subspecialty of pathology and ophthalmology that focuses on the microscopic and molecular examination of ocular tissues to diagnose and characterize diseases affecting the eye and adnexa. It plays a critical role in identifying neoplastic, inflammatory, degenerative, infectious, and systemic conditions with ocular manifestations. Through histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and increasingly, molecular diagnostics, ophthalmic pathologists provide crucial insights that guide clinical management, prognostication, and research into disease mechanisms. As imaging and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, ophthalmic pathology remains essential in correlating histological findings with clinical and radiologic data to refine diagnosis and treatment strategies.

AFIP - Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, DC. Served as a training and resource centre for all of Pathology, including Ophthalmic Pathology.  Many ophthalmology leaders spent fellowship years learning and crafting the specialty, headed by Lorenz Zimmerman. AFIP closed in 2011 but still publishes Pathology reference textbooks used by practicing Pathologists.

Resources:

Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) Practice Resource Centre: The COS offers an extensive online repository of educational materials, including resources on ophthalmic pathology. The Practice Resource Centre provides access to webinars, articles, and clinical guidelines pertinent to Canadian practitioners. cosprc.ca

Queen's Ophthalmic Pathology Teaching Interactive Curriculum (QOPTIC): Developed by Queen's University, QOPTIC is a series of case-based modules that integrate clinical and histopathological images. This interactive curriculum is designed to enhance learning for ophthalmology residents, fellows, and practicing clinicians. Oph

Comments about EyeCan? Contact [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon!
Listening to EyeCan counts for unaccredited MOC credits. You may claim 0.5 credits per hour under Section 2 (Individual Learning) as “Educational content review”, up to 30 credits per year.

On today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Matthew Benson, a clinician-scientist and assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Alberta. Dr. Benson specializes in inherited retinal diseases and is dedicated to patient advocacy for those with rare eye conditions.

Dr. Benson’s journey spans extensive medical training, including a subspecialty fellowship in ocular genetics at the National Eye Institute in the U.S., where he worked with world-leading experts. His clinical practice focuses on pediatric and adult patients with inherited eye diseases, as well as adult strabismus surgery.

Beyond patient care, Dr. Benson leads a translational research laboratory investigating disease mechanisms in inherited retinal and macular disorders. His team uses patient-derived stem cells to advance potential treatments and is actively involved in clinical trials and patient registries through organizations like the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Fighting Blindness Canada.

Join us as we explore the cutting-edge research, clinical advancements, and advocacy efforts shaping the future of inherited retinal disease treatment.

With your hosts, Dr. Heather O'Donnell and Dr. Hady Saheb.

Written and directed by Kim Tytler.

Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.

The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.

Show notes

Fighting Blindness Canada Viewpoint
https://www.fightingblindness.ca/viewpoint/ 
In-person, virtual and hybrid events designed to educate on the latest vision research, ask questions, and connect with other people who are living with a blinding eye disease.

Fighting Blindness Canada – clinic trials
https://www.fightingblindness.ca/clinical-trials/

Dr. Ian MacDonald
https://apps.ualberta.ca/directory/person/macdonal

Patient Advocacy for Rare Diseases

https://www.raredisorders.ca/

https://www.fightingblindness.ca/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

https://rarediseases.org/organizations/ 

Government of Canada Genetic Non-Discrimination Act
An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/annualstatutes/2017_3/page-1.html

EyeCan – Genetic Testing with Dr. Sarah Chorfi
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/eyecan-season-4-episode-6-genetic-testing-with-guest/id1541770048?i=1000650372121

Comments about EyeCan? Contact [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon!
Listening to EyeCan counts for unaccredited MOC credits. You may claim 0.5 credits per hour under Section 2 (Individual Learning) as “Educational content review”, up to 30 credits per year.

On this episode of EyeCan, we talk to Dr. Chryssa McAlister about ethics in ophthalmology.

Dr. McAlister is Co-Division Head of Ophthalmology at the Waterloo Regional Eye Program, Staff Ophthalmologist at Saint Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital, and Assistant clinical professor adjunct. Waterloo Regional Campus. McMaster University.

She runs a diverse comprehensive medical and surgical ophthalmology practice and manages a wide range of ocular conditions. She performs cataract and strabismus surgery, intravitreal injections and various laser procedures. She also sees pediatric patients with eye disease in the Waterloo Region.

Dr. McAlister helps to coordinate the WRC medical student teaching in ophthalmology and delivers the ophthalmology review session for graduating medical students at McMaster University.  McAlister is involved in the bioethics teaching for postgraduate ophthalmology training programs at McMaster and the University of Toronto. She helped to organize the Halifax Ethics Symposium and in 2023 founded the Macrae Bioethics and Professionalism Course in Ophthalmology, a biannual national review course in ophthalmology bioethics. She is frequently invited to speak at conferences on topics of bioethics in ophthalmology and medical education. Dr. McAlister is the Director of Community Practice on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society.

Show notes:

The Drug Pushers – article from The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/04/the-drug-pushers/304714/

Comments about EyeCan? Contact [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon!
Listening to EyeCan counts for unaccredited MOC credits. You may claim 0.5 credits per hour under Section 2 (Individual Learning) as “Educational content review”, up to 30 credits per year.

Today on EyeCan we welcome Dr. Mona Dagher, head of the department of ophthalmology at Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) and adjunct Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, McGill University.

Dr. Dagher was chair of the annual meeting planning committee of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and has served as Board member of COS since 2012.

Dr. Dagher enjoys teaching medical students, ophthalmology residents and clinical and research cornea fellows as well as training MSc and PhD students as well. She completed her undergraduate degree at McGill University where she received the Hilda Diana Oakley scholarship for ranking top female student at McGill. She then completed her medical degree and specialization in ophthalmology at Université de Montréal, graduating on the dean’s honor list. Dr. Dagher then pursued post-doctoral fellowship training in cornea, external eye diseases, and refractive surgery at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Dagher has brought her expertise on keratoprosthesis surgery to Canada after conducting considerable research and clinical work at Harvard Medical School under the mentorship of Dr. Claes Dohlman. After restoring sight to several Canadian patients through implantation of the Boston Keratoprosthesis, Dr. Dagher was chosen ‘Personality of the Week’ by La Presse and Radio-Canada.

Dr. Dagher has completed extensive research in the field of ophthalmology and more particularly, on the Boston Keratoprosthesis and on refractive surgery. Dr. Dagher has published over 130 scientific articles and acts as a reviewer for many ophthalmology journals. She has also authored numerous book chapters about cornea and external eye diseases. Dr. Dagher has been a guest lecturer and instructor at ophthalmology conferences internationally.

With your hosts, Dr. Heather O'Donnell and Dr. Hady Saheb.
Written and directed by Kim Tytler.
Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer.

Show Notes:

The following resources were referenced in this episode:

COS Board of Directors https://www.cos-sco.ca/about-us/board-of-directors/

COS Team https://www.cos-sco.ca/who-we-are/contact-us/

Volunteering in Action https://www.cos-sco.ca/cos-membership/volunteer/

Advocacy in Action at COS https://www.cos-sco.ca/advocacy/ 

COS Position Statements on the Practice Resource Centre https://www.cosprc.ca/info-hub/info-content/position-statements-guidelines/

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group https://www.cos-sco.ca/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-edi-working-group/

Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology – Dr. Fares Antaki https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/ai-opinions/ 

COS Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Vancouver, June 2025 https://sites.grenadine.co/sites/cos-sco/en/2025-cos-meeting-and-exhibition-vancouver

COS Cornea Learning Modules (members only) https://www.cosp

Comments about EyeCan? Contact [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon!
Listening to EyeCan counts for unaccredited MOC credits. You may claim 0.5 credits per hour under Section 2 (Individual Learning) as “Educational content review”, up to 30 credits per year.