Advocacy Statement

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring excellence in eye care across Canada. With its members at the forefront of vision care as eye physicians and surgeons, the COS works to assist them to provide exemplary eye care. Collaborating with allies in eye health care and government, the Society seeks to improve vision health policy and initiatives.

Through strategic alliances and dedicated advocacy efforts, the COS aims to elevate awareness, mobilize resources, to prevent blindness, preserve vision, and improve overall eye health. Our mission underscores the importance of collective action and cooperation in safeguarding the precious gift of sight for all Canadians.

Message from the Chair of the Council on Advocacy, Dr. Nina Ahuja

We are at a pivotal moment in our profession, with broader trends toward privatization presenting both challenges and opportunities for ophthalmology in Canada. In these times, it is crucial that we educate the public and remain united as a cohesive group of ophthalmologists. Our dedication to protecting our patients’ interests and advocating for our profession is more important than ever.

As the Chair of the COS Council on Advocacy, I am honoured to represent Canada’s eye physicians and surgeons. Our Council is committed to working strategically with governments, industry partners, and healthcare allies to address key advocacy issues. We aim to highlight the unique skills and contributions of ophthalmologists in both surgical and medical eye care to the public, physicians, the media, government, and health policymakers, and in alignment with the Canadian Ophthalmological Society’s mission to safeguard the gift of sight for all Canadians.  You can read our Advocacy Statement here.

Thanks to your generous support through the COS Advocacy and Public Awareness Fund, the COS has been able to represent your voice to government, the public, and other stakeholders. Working collaboratively and leveraging our collective expertise, we can enhance our ability to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape and ensure that our profession continues to thrive.

On behalf of our Council, thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our patients and profession.