Virtual Introductory Summer Course in Ophthalmology

A Free Course on the Crucial Elements of Ophthalmology

This two-day course merges sessions from ophthalmology practitioners and a well structured guide book to deliver extremely valuable knowledge for students.

How it Works

This course is important for people at any stage in medical school. It is broken down into two parts:

1. Sessions from leading experts.

2. A curated set of supplemental readings to enhance the value of each session.
Register Now - CLOSED

More About This Course

Opportunities To Win Prizes

You'll have opportunities to win prizes while learning from recognized experts in the field.

Learn From Experts

The content and objectives of this course are based on a curated list of learning objectives endorsed by Canadian Undergraduate Medical Education Leads in  Ophthalmology and reference resources from the Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology (AUPO) and the Medical Council of  Canada (MCC)

Claim Credits

By participating in these workshops, participants can claim Section 2 credits in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program of the Royal  College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Each video reviewed can be claimed for 0.5 credits.

Our Objectives

Interactive Learning
This workshop-based course is designed to supplement existing ophthalmology curricula in medical schools.​

Access to Resources
Registrants will receive access to resource materials to enhance learning done in workshops.​

Community Development
VISCO aims to cultivate a learning community among medical students interested in ophthalmology, as well as primary care residents and physicians.

Course Schedule

Saturday, September 20th, 2025

Time
Title
Presenter
View Lecture
10:45-12:15 PM
All About the Retina
Dr. Parnian Arjmand
Lecture 1
12:30-2:00 PM
Pediatrics & Optics
Dr. Michael Nguyen
Lecture 2
2:15-3:45 PM
A Crash Course for Medical Students on Call in Ophthalmology
Dr. Mariam Issa
Lecture 3

Sunday, September 21st, 2025

Time
Title
Presenter
View Lecture
9:00-10:30 AM
Developing an Approach to OCT Analysis
Dr. Austin Pereira
Lecture 4
10:45-12:15 PM
Basics of Glaucoma
Dr. Irfan Kherani
Lecture 5
12:30-2:00 PM
Basics of Neuro-Ophthalmology
Dr. Rahul Sharma
Lecture 6
2:15-3:45 PM
Basics of the Cornea
Dr. Matilde Buzzi
Lecture 7

Meet Our Speakers

Dr. Parnian Arjmand

MD, FRCSC, Vitreoretinal Surgeon

Dr. Parnian Arjmand is a vitreoretinal surgeon specializing in the medical and surgical management of vitreous and retinal conditions. Dr. Arjmand practices at the Mississauga Retina Institute, Burlington Laser Eye Centre, and Baycrest Health Sciences Centre. She completed her undergraduate and master's degree in Immunology at the University of Toronto, medical school at McMaster University, and ophthalmology residency at the University of Ottawa. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys long-distance running, cycling, hot yoga, and exploring Toronto’s beautiful ravines.

Dr. Michael Nguyen

MD, FRCSC, Pediatric and Adult Strabismus Ophthalmologist

Dr. Michael Nguyen is a staff ophthalmologist at SickKids specializing in strabismus, binocular vision, and amblyopia. Dr. Nguyen obtained his medical degree from McMaster University. He completed ophthalmology residency training at the University of Toronto where he served as Chief Resident and President of the CCOR. He then went on to complete a fellowship in paediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. His primary research interest is in innovative techniques in strabismus surgery including botulinum toxin and adjustable sutures.

Dr. Mariam Issa

MD, PGY-3, University of Toronto

Dr. Mariam Issa is a resident physician in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at University of Toronto. She completed her medical school training and undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. Dr. Issa served as the Director of Education and External Affairs this past year on the CCOR. She is the co-lead for the University of Toronto's chapter of the Orbis Future Vision Leaders and very passionate about global ophthalmology. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys horseback riding, reading and writing.

Dr. Austin Pereira

MD, FRCSC, Medical Retina & Uveitis Fellow, University of Toronto

Dr. Austin Pereira is a Medical Retina and Uveitis Fellow  at the University of Toronto. He completed his residency, medical school training and Master’s program at the University of Toronto. This past year, he won the  PARO Resident Teaching Award. Austin has a clinical research focus in implementing deep learning models into clinical practice, innovation in retinal imaging, and optimizing cataract surgery outcomes.
View MoreView Less

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I participate?

Ocular complaints are prevalent and can greatly impact patient quality of life. It is important for all physicians to have a certain comfort level in managing basic eye issues, regardless of your future career path in medicine. Therefore, VISCO aims to demystify ophthalmology and to provide students access to high quality live teaching and high yield resource content to reinforce important ophthalmology concepts.


Who is eligible to participate in this course?

All medical students and residents, regardless of year of training and interest level in ophthalmology, are invited to participate in this course! We believe that the high-yield content presented during the workshops and through the reading material are pertinent to all future medical practitioners.


Can international students or pre-medical students participate in the course?

As the aim of this course is to provide a Canadian perspective to ophthalmology to medical students, some of the content may be less relevant for students studying outside of Canada. Additionally, some of the course content may be challenging for students without a background in medicine. However, interested international or pre-medical students are welcome to participate in the course.


Should I still register if I can’t make it to all the sessions? Will the sessions be recorded?

Yes - please register even if you can’t make all the sessions. This will provide you access links and information for the times that you can make it. We will do our best to record some sessions, however, this is at the discretion of the workshop host. Additionally, as the nature of the sessions is very interactive, you will get more out of it by attending in person.

Meet the Organizers

Dana Toameh, MD

Incoming PGY-1, McMaster University

Course Co-Director
COSIG Executive Director

Xiaole Li

MD Candidate, University of Toronto

Course Co-Director
COMP Director