Blog - Page 21 of 912

November 6, 2025November 5, 2025

Canadian Ophthalmological Society Urges Early Detection as Diabetes Awareness Month Approaches

As Diabetes Awareness Month nears, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is sounding the alarm on a serious knowledge gap among Canadians about diabetes-related vision loss.

A new national survey commissioned by COS found that only one in four Canadians (25%) are familiar with diabetic retinopathy, one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. Despite widespread recognition of eye health importance, three in four Canadians remain unaware that diabetes can cause vision loss.

“Three in four Canadians are unaware that diabetes can cause vision loss, which puts many individuals at risk,” said Dr. Mona Dagher, President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. “For those living with diabetes, early detection is critical as it allows eye care professionals to identify retinal changes before significant damage occurs and provide timely treatment or referrals. Protecting your vision starts with awareness and action.”

Awareness Lags Behind Other Eye Diseases

The COS survey highlights a troubling contrast between public familiarity with common eye conditions like cataracts (65%) and glaucoma (53%), versus only 25% awareness of diabetic retinopathy. Familiarity is slightly higher among older adults (27% among those aged 55+) and women (27% versus 23% for men), but remains low overall — particularly concerning as diabetes rates continue to climb across all age groups in Canada.

Innovation and AI Could Help Close the Gap

While 92% of Canadians say it’s important to have access to advanced eye exams and treatments, only 75% believe they actually have that access. The COS points to technology and innovation as key tools to bridge the gap, with over half (52%) of Canadians open to using artificial intelligence in diagnostic support.

“We’re seeing rapid advances in diagnostic imaging and AI-supported screening that can help ophthalmologists detect diabetic eye disease earlier than ever before,” added Dr. Dagher. “But awareness and access are equally important; Canadians need to know when to get checked and where to go.”

A Call to Action During Diabetes Awareness Month

The COS urges all Canadians living with or at risk of diabetes to schedule comprehensive eye exams regularly. Early detection can prevent up to 90% of vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy, underscoring the critical role of routine eye care in managing overall health.

Source: Canadian Ophthalmological Society

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

November 5, 2025November 12, 2025

Time Change: What Science Just Discovered About Our Internal Clock

A team of Montreal-based scientists has uncovered how the brain’s biological clock forms the neural circuits that keep our bodies aligned with the day-night cycle, a breakthrough published in Cell Reports.

Led by Dr. Michel Cayouette of the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) and the Université de Montréal, the researchers identified an unexpected player: Müller glial cells in the retina. Once thought to serve a purely structural role, these cells appear essential to the development of neural pathways that synchronize our internal rhythms with the light-dark cycle.

“These results show that the dialogue between nerve cells and their glial partners is crucial for building the system that regulates our circadian rhythms,” said Dr. Cayouette.

How the Retina Helps Keep Time

The study found that Müller glial cells release specific chemical signals that guide light-sensitive neurons in the retina to connect properly with the brain regions that control circadian rhythms. When these signals are missing, neurons become overly reactive, and the biological clock fails to adjust to changes in light exposure.

With most Canadians recently setting their clocks back, the research is timely. Seasonal time shifts are known to disrupt sleep and biological rhythms, often leading to temporary fatigue and mood changes. Understanding how the retina helps the brain adapt to these changes could pave the way for new treatments for circadian rhythm disorders.

Potential for Future Therapies

Disturbances in the circadian system have been linked to conditions such as insomnia, seasonal depression, metabolic imbalance, and even certain cancers. By revealing how these timing circuits form, the study could help researchers develop therapies to prevent or correct such disruptions.

The project, conducted in collaboration with Drs. Nicolas Cermakian and Arjun Krishnaswamy, highlights the intricate cellular communication between the retina and the brain, and how it keeps our internal clock in sync with the world around us.

Source: Université de Montréal – News

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

November 5, 2025October 24, 2025

Cybersecurity Essentials for Optometry Clinics

By Maryam Moharib, BOptom, BHSc, CSPO, CAPM

As optometry practices increasingly adopt Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), the benefits of efficiency and convenience come hand-in-hand with the responsibility to protect sensitive patient data. Cybersecurity may sound like a technical domain—but for optometrists, it’s fundamentally about safeguarding personal health information (PHI) and upholding patient trust.

In Canada, optometrists must comply with federal and provincial privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and, in some provinces, acts like Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). These laws require clinics to obtain consent, limit data use to legitimate healthcare purposes, protect data from unauthorized access, and respond promptly to breaches.

Is Your EMR Compliant?

Not all EMRs are built with Canadian privacy in mind. Clinics should confirm that:

• Data is stored in Canada

• Data is encrypted

• Staff access is limited by role

• The EMR maintains a detailed audit trail

Limit Access with Role-Based Controls

EMRs should be configured to allow staff access only to the information they need. For instance, front desk staff should not see clinical results, and technicians should not access billing data. Restricting access protects patient privacy and simplifies monitoring for suspicious activity.

Review Audit Logs Regularly

Your EMR should track who accessed which records, when, and what changes were made. Watch for red flags like repeated login failures, unusual hours of access, or users viewing records unrelated to their duties. Reviewing logs monthly can help identify threats early.

Back Up—and Test—Your Data

Even the most robust and secure systems can fail. Clinics should back up their EMR data daily, store backups securely in Canada, and test them regularly to ensure fast recovery. An untested backup is almost as risky as having none at all.

Staff Training Is Critical

Most data breaches happen due to human error—not hackers. Every team member should receive annual training on cyber hygiene, including:

• Spotting phishing emails

• Using strong, unique passwords

• Logging out of EMRs when not in use

• Handling PHI securely via email or messages

• Reporting suspicious activity

A Shared Responsibility

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a team effort. By following basic best practices, optometrists can meet legal obligations, protect patient information, and reinforce trust in their care.

Quick Checklist for Clinics

☑ Choose a Canadian, PIPEDA-compliant EMR

☑ Restrict access based on staff roles

☑ Monitor and review EMR activity logs

☑ Back up and test data regularly

☑ Train staff annually on cybersecurity

About the Author:

Maryam Moharib, BOptom, BHSc, CSPO, CAPM

She is an optometrist and certified product owner with expertise in EMR implementation and clinic workflow optimization.

She brings years of clinical and project management experience, bridging technology and patient care.

Want to see more articles like this? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazine and newsletters!

November 5, 2025November 5, 2025

VSP Vision Named to 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women List

VSP Vision™ has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women™, marking its debut appearance on the list in the Large Company category for organizations with over 1,000 employees. The distinction, awarded by Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine, highlights VSP Vision’s commitment to empowering women across all levels of its workforce, from the frontline to executive leadership.

“This recognition is a powerful validation of women across our workforce who’ve shared they feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow,” said Kristi Cappelletti-Matthews, Chief Human Resources Officer at VSP Vision. “We’re proud of the culture we strive to foster every day in support of employees – grounded in our values that promote care, trust, inclusion and teamwork.”

Empowering Women Through Inclusion and Growth

At the core of VSP Vision’s inclusive culture is its Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN), a Business Resource Group (BRG) designed to provide mentorship, professional development, and storytelling opportunities. Through WIN, employees gain access to career growth pathways and a stronger sense of belonging and representation within the organization.

Survey results from Great Place To Work Certified™ employees affirm this culture of inclusion:

95% of women at VSP Vision agreed that “people are treated fairly regardless of gender,” up 3% from 2024.
87% said they can take time off when needed, a 7% increase year over year.

Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work, commended the honourees:

“These companies show that when women thrive in the workplace, everybody else does too. That’s what it means to be a For All company, where every employee can have a great experience and reach their full potential.”

Recognition Beyond Gender Equity

This accolade follows another milestone for VSP Vision, which was recently ranked among the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care, its second consecutive year on that list, rising 13 spots to 16th place. According to Great Place To Work, 84% of VSP Vision employees describe it as a great place to work, compared to 57% at a typical U.S. company.

The Fortune Best Workplaces for Women list is based on survey responses from nearly 605,000 women at Great Place To Work Certified™ companies. To qualify, companies must employ at least 50 women, maintain 20% or more female non-executive managers, and include at least one woman in a C-suite leadership role.

Source: VSP Vision Newsroom

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

November 4, 2025November 4, 2025

OPTICAL DESIGN CONTEST 2026, The Future of Optics: What Vision?

For over fifty years, SILMO Paris has brought together the creative and forward-thinking minds of the optical and eyewear world.

With the Optical Design Contest, the show continues its mission: to inspire, showcase, and support the talents of tomorrow.

This new edition invites design students to explore the possibilities of vision, push the boundaries of creativity, and imagine what “seeing tomorrow” will look like.

Far more than a mere stylistic exercise, the contest is an invitation to think of design as a vector of emotion, meaning, and the future.

A Springboard for Emerging Talent

The 2026 Optical Design Contest offers outstanding visibility to future designers.

Finalist projects will be showcased at SILMO Paris 2026, a true international stage for optical design.

The winner will receive €10,000, split equally between the student and their school, along with official exposure to the media and industry professionals.

Olivier Lapidus, a French designer renowned for his avant-garde vision, will chair the jury of the SILMO 2026 Optical Design Contest.

Trained at Balmain, he first made his mark in fashion before expanding his universe to global design.

A collaborator with the CEA and CNRS, he designs innovative textiles, dresses made from optical fibers, and creations inspired by music. Winner of the Dé d’Or, he also designed Hôtel Félicien in Paris and the Lounge Bar collection, where he combines design, innovation, and sensory experience.

After presiding over the SILMO d’Or 2025, he naturally continues this journey by leading the contest jury. An obvious choice to embody the spirit of openness, creativity, and mentorship that SILMO aims to inspire in young talents.

KEY DATES

16 June 2026: Registration closes
July 2026: Nominees announced
25 September 2026: Award ceremony at SILMO Paris

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Awareness Lags Behind Other Eye Diseases

Innovation and AI Could Help Close the Gap

A Call to Action During Diabetes Awareness Month

How the Retina Helps Keep Time

Potential for Future Therapies

Is Your EMR Compliant?

Limit Access with Role-Based Controls

Review Audit Logs Regularly

Back Up—and Test—Your Data

Staff Training Is Critical

A Shared Responsibility

Quick Checklist for Clinics

About the Author:

Maryam Moharib, BOptom, BHSc, CSPO, CAPM

Empowering Women Through Inclusion and Growth

Recognition Beyond Gender Equity

A Springboard for Emerging Talent

KEY DATES

Featured Posts