Registration is now open for the Beyond the Diagnosis webinar series.
Receiving a diagnosis of an eye disease can be overwhelming. Questions about treatment options, daily living, employment, technology, advocacy, and the future often follow. The Canadian Council of the Blind’s Beyond the Diagnosis Virtual Series was created to help answer one important question:
“You’ve been diagnosed with an eye disease—now what?”
This free virtual series brings together individuals with lived experience, professionals, advocates, researchers, and community leaders who will share practical information, personal stories, and valuable resources to help participants navigate life beyond the diagnosis.
Whether you have recently received a diagnosis, have been living with vision loss for years, or are supporting a family member or friend, these sessions are designed to inform, inspire, and connect.
Featured Sessions:
Alison Motluk
Date & Time: July 7th @ 6pm ET
About Alison: Alison Motluk is an accomplished freelance journalist whose work has appeared in CBC, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and many other publications. Her investigative reporting on cataract surgery and privatized healthcare has shed light on how patients can be misled into paying for services that may already be publicly covered.
Session Focus: Understanding your eye-care rights, navigating provincial healthcare systems, and avoiding unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
Anne Mok
Date & Time: July 13th @ 12pm ET
About Anne: Anne Mok spent years advocating for answers before being diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy, a rare inherited retinal condition. Following additional health challenges, Anne transformed her experiences into a platform for storytelling, advocacy, and empowerment. As the founder of Purpose in View, published author, and professionally trained voice actor, Anne inspires others to embrace new possibilities after diagnosis.
Session Focus: Finding purpose, resilience, and confidence after vision loss
Ingrid Palmer
Date & Time: July 21st @ 3pm ET
About Ingrid: Ingrid Palmer is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, social justice consultant, and founder of Focus On Ability. Diagnosed as a teenager with Retinitis Pigmentosa and PCOS, Ingrid has dedicated her life to advancing inclusion, challenging stereotypes, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
Session Focus: Overcoming barriers, embracing identity, and advocating for inclusion and belonging.
Ben Fulton
Date & Time: July 28th @ 12pm ET
About Ben: Ben Fulton is a lawyer, accessibility advocate, and champion for restorative justice. Called to the bar in 2019, he brings a human-centered approach to law, conflict resolution, and community empowerment. Throughout his career, Ben has worked to improve accessibility and create opportunities for people with disabilities.
Session Focus: Self-advocacy, accessibility rights, and building confidence through community engagement.
Dr. Parnian Arjmand
Date & Time: August 7th. Time TBD
About Dr. Arjmand: Dr. Parnian Arjmand is a retina specialist practicing in the Greater Toronto Area with expertise in retinal diseases, patient education, and knowledge translation. Her clinical and research work focuses on helping patients better understand their eye health and treatment options.
Session Focus: Understanding your diagnosis, communicating effectively with your healthcare team, and asking the right questions during medical appointments.
Technology and Community: The CCB’s Get Together with Teachnology Program
Presenters: David Greene, Nolan Jenikov, and Shelley Ann Morris
Date & Time: August 11th @ 11:30am ET
About GTT: Technology can open doors to greater independence, employment opportunities, social connection, and everyday accessibility. Members of the CCB team will explore the role assistive technology plays in daily life while highlighting the support and learning opportunities available through the CCB’s Get Together with Technology (GTT) program.
Session Focus: Building confidence with technology, learning new skills, and connecting with a supportive community.
Why Attend?
Participants will:
- Learn from experts and individuals with lived experience.
- Gain practical strategies for adapting to vision loss.
- Better understand treatments, healthcare systems, and available supports.
- Discover assistive technologies and community resources.
- Connect with others who understand the journey of vision loss.
- Leave feeling informed, empowered, and supported.
Register Today
Attendance is free, but registration is required.
Reserve your spot today and join us for an engaging series designed to help you move beyond the diagnosis and toward a future filled with knowledge, confidence, and connection.