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.

Join us for this year’s Vision Health Month Conference: Pan-Canadian Voices, a national conversation on the future of eye care in Canada.

As Canada progresses on the National Strategy for Eye Care Act, it’s important to recognize that access to eye care is not the same across the country. Geography, language, funding models, workforce shortages, and community needs all shape how, and if, people receive vision health services.

This conference brings together optometrists, ophthalmologists, policy leaders, vision rehabilitation professionals, and individuals with lived experience of sight loss from across Canada. By centering regional perspectives, we aim to challenge one-size-fits-all approaches and explore more equitable solutions for vision health.

There’s still time to register. We’d love for you to be part of this vital conversation.

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)

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