EyeCan
EyeCan: A Canadian Lens on Ophthalmology. In this series, we examine all aspects of what it means to be an Ophthalmologist in Canada; we speak with leaders in our field about their contributions and life journey; we explore new and emerging techniques and technologies in eye care. Through it all we hope to connect with our community and have those that listen understand the value of who we are and what we do for our patients. We’ll share our experiences as ophthalmologists today and tackle some of challenges we face as healthcare providers.
Hosted by Dr. Guillermo Rocha and Dr. Setareh Ziai (seasons one and two), Dr. Mona Dagher and Dr. Hady Saheb (seasons 3 and 4), and Dr. Heather O'Donnell and Dr. Hady Saheb (season five).
Brought to you by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Seasons 1 and 2 of the EyeCan podcast were sponsored by MD Financial Affinity Grant. Seasons 3, 4 and 5 are sponsored by Bayer.
Written and directed by Kim Tytler, Manager of Communications at the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, and produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works.
EyeCan
EyeCan Season 5, Episode 8 - Ocular Regenerative Medicine with guests Dr. Allan Slomovic and Dr. Brian Ballios
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 communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!
