Vision Health Month Conference 2026

Vision Health Month Conference 2026
Pan-Canadian Voices

Ottawa Conference Centre
200 Coventry Rd,
Ottawa ON K1K 4S3

Tuesday, May 26, 2026
10:00 am – 2:30 pm (EDT)
Eastern Daylight Time.

The Canadian Council of the Blind presents the 2026 Vision Health Month Conference: Pan-Canadian Voices, bringing together leaders, professionals, advocates, researchers, and community voices from across Canada to discuss the future of vision health and eye care.

This full conference recording explores key issues affecting people who are blind, Deafblind, partially sighted, or living with vision loss, including equitable access to eye care, socioeconomic barriers, rehabilitation services, accessibility, public awareness, and national advocacy.

The conference also includes the official launch of the Right to Sight Campaign, a national movement led by the Canadian Council of the Blind to help transform vision health in Canada by turning legislation into real action, measurable outcomes, and stronger access to care, treatment, and supports. The campaign also introduces the Right to Sight Vision Care Experience Survey, designed to gather lived experiences and help identify what Canadians need from their eye and vision health systems.

Learn more:
www.RightToSight.ca

Thank you to our speakers, panelists, sponsors, partners, staff, volunteers, and attendees for supporting this important national conversation on vision health in Canada.

Speakers:

Angelica Hanna, MSc, MD (C) & Researcher

Researcher exploring the socioeconomic factors influencing access to eye care across Canada.

Dr. Allison Scott, OD, President, Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO)

Providing both national and East Coast perspectives on eye care delivery.

Vision Health Partners’ Coalition (VHPC) – Jennifer Urosevic President & CEO, Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC)

As the lead of the VHPC, Jennifer will share updates on the National Strategy for Eye Care Act and ongoing advocacy efforts.

Catherine Langlois, Senior Universal Accessibility Advisor, VIA Rail Canada

Providing an overview of VIA Rail Canada’s current accessibility plan, outlining ongoing initiatives to improve inclusive travel accross Canada.

Dr. Sabri Koroush, MB.ChB., FRCOphth, FRCSC & Founder of the Indigenous Children Eye Examination (ICEE) Project

Discussing his work delivering pediatric eye care to Northern and Indigenous communities, reflecting on the challenges faced, what has worked well, and the impact of the program.

Jim Tokos, National President (CCB); Leslie Yee, 1st Vice-President (CCB); Jessa Ross (CCB)

Announcing the launch of CCB’s Right to Sight Campaign including the development of provincial report cards on the awareness of eye care.

Panel

Rehabilitation and Services Across the Country

Featuring Kamilia Zaman (VLRC), Leo Bissonnette (BLC), and Richard Marsoleis, former VLRC Specialist and President, Achilles Ottawa. This 60-minute panel will explore how equity challenges are experienced across rehabilitation disciplines and regions in Canada.

Panelists:
Kamilia Zaman

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC)

Leo Bissonnette

Braille Literacy Canada (BLC)

Richard Marsolais

Former Vision Loss Rehabilitation Specialist, Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC)
Board President, Achilles Ottawa Run Club
Former National Tandem Cycling Champion

Panel description:
This 60-minute panel will explore how equity challenges are experienced across rehabilitation disciplines and regions in Canada.

THIS CCB CONFERENCE WAS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY