Scientific Program

• Introduction
• On-Line Program Planner
• Schedule at a glance
• Keynote Speakers
• Exhibition & Poster Sessions
• Concurrent sessions
• R & R Sessions
• Friday plenary & closing
• Pre-Conference Workshop
• Technical Visits
• CNIB Community Learning Forum
• CE Credits
• Proceedings
• Travel Fellowships
• Accessible Formats
• Services to Presenters

Scientific Program

Keynote Speakers

Monday, July 7 at 10:00

Mike May
President & CEO, Sendero Group LLc

Mike May will present his perspective on the integration of Low Vision and the role of adaptive technology and sports in developing “quality of life” based on his unique circumstances, being totally blind from age 3 to 46 when he regained some vision. Best selling author, Robert Kurson wrote Crashing Through about Mike’s life and a movie by Fox is in the works. Mike May will tell you in person what contributed to his success as a world travelling blind businessman, about using alternative tools and techniques, and about the role that Research and Rehabilitation played and continues to play in his personal and career development.

Tuesday, July 8 at 8:00

Dr. Serge Resnikoff
Coordinator of Communicable Disease Control and Management
World Health Organization

Data recently published by the World Health Organization show that the global profile of blindness and visual impairment is undergoing major changes. With the notable exception of sub-Saharan Africa, most tropical eye diseases have been progressively fading out, mainly because of the improving socio-economic situation. Contrasting with this reduction in infectious eye diseases, chronic conditions associated with demographic changes are on the increase everywhere. These global changes in the pattern of eye diseases can be attributed to significant achievements in the prevention and management of some causes of avoidable blindness. On the other hand, issues such as changes in life style, ageing, poverty, inequity in access to care and the lack of affordable quality services represent major challenges in low- and middle-income countries where 85% of the global population lives. Dr. Resnikoff will discuss the worldwide project jointly prepared and launched by WHO and IAPB, entitled VISION 2020 - The Right to Sight, an ambitious global initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020.

Wednesday, July 9 at 8:00

R P Leblanc CM, MD, FRcSc
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University
Vice President Research and Academics, Capital Health District

The evolution of research and rehabilitation services devoted to visually impaired people has been progressing slowly but steadily in Canada. Dr. Ray LeBlanc will discuss the current State of the Art and Science of Low Vision in this country and provide an evaluation of past, present and future rehabilitation research partnerships in that context.

Thursday, July 10 at 8:00

Dr. Jay Enoch, Dean Emeritus
School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley

Dr. Jay Enoch has been, and remains active in the development of optometric and ophthalmological care in India. With a population now estimated at 1.1 billion people and growing(!), India accounts for fully 1/3 of all blind and visually impaired individuals in this world! While improvements have been made, growth and aging of the population generally has outpaced the ability of India to meet demands for available ophthalmic services, and in particular, their ability to meet the visual rehabilitation needs of this populace. Modern optometry is a nascent profession there. The theme of this meeting is “Rehabilitation and Research Relationships”. Dr. Enoch argues that through effective inter-professional cooperation in behalf of those in need, a difference can be made! Further, as a number of ocular conditions can be found in India which are not commonly encountered in more fully Developed Nations, certain rehabilitation and other vision-related research can best be performed there, particularly as it applies to disorders affecting anterior portions of the eye and its adnexa.

Friday, July 11 at 11:30 - Closing ceremony

Dr. Roberta Bondar, Neuro-ophthalmologist and Astronaut

Born in Sault Ste Marie on Lake Superior, Dr. Roberta Bondar embarked on a career of scientific pursuits beginning in high school. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and zoology and a master’s degree in experimental pathology. She completed her doctorate in neurobiology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Bondar earned her medical degree at McMaster University with a special interest in space medicine. After completing her board certification in Neurology, she studied at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston, specializing in neurophthalmology, how we see and record the world around us. Dr. Bondar is an Officer of the Order of Canada, has been recognized with the NASA Space Medal and inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame for her pioneering research in space medicine. In addition, she has received 24 honorary doctorates from Canadian and American universities. Currently, Dr. Bondar is in her second term as Chancellor of Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario.