This episode on EyeCan, we’re thrilled to welcome Professor Marion Munk, a globally recognized leader in uveitis, retina, and ophthalmic research innovation. With an impressive track record in clinical research, artificial intelligence, and translational medicine, Dr. Munk guides us through the evolving landscape of ophthalmology—from the critical role of standardizing imaging protocols to the transformative power of AI in discovering new disease pathways.

In this episode, we unpack her work in establishing global nomenclature through Delphi methodologies, redefining clinical endpoints for retinal therapies, and exploring therapeutic targets beyond anti-VEGF. We also dive into her groundbreaking research on fibrosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and nonperfusion, along with how AI and bioinformatics are revealing links between ophthalmic disease and systemic infections like SARS-CoV-2 and tuberculosis.

To round out the conversation, we put Dr. Munk in the “lightning round hotseat” to hear about her life beyond the lab—travel, books, and how she unwinds when she's not pushing the boundaries of eye care innovation.

👩‍⚕️ Guest Bio:

Professor Marion Munk
Professor Marion Munk is a physician-scientist and global authority in Uveitis and Medical Retina. She is Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Research at Augenarzt-Praxisgemeinschaft Gutblick AG, Professor at Inselspital (University Hospital Bern), adjunct professor at Northwestern University (Chicago), Director of Eyegnos Consulting, and Chief Medical Officer at Isarna Therapeutics.

Dr. Munk has authored over 260 scientific publications and serves on the editorial boards of leading journals, including IOVS, Acta Ophthalmologica, and Ophthalmologica. Her research spans image processing, artificial intelligence, macular disease, and uveitis. She is Research Chair at the International Retinal Imaging Society (InTRIS) and a peer reviewer for numerous journals in the field.

Through her work in standardizing OCTA nomenclature, advancing retinal imaging analytics, and leading the charge on AI applications in ophthalmology, Professor Munk is helping shape the future of vision science.

With your host 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:
Exploring the Molecular Intersection of Posterior Ocular Tuberculosis: Mycobacterium tuberculosis Proteins, Ocular Autoimmunity, and Immune Receptor Interactions.

Standardization of OCT Angiography Nomenclature in Retinal Vascular Diseases: Consensus-Based Recommendations.

Is it Time to Adopt a New Nomenclature and Classification for White Dot Syndromes Using Multimodal Imaging Techniques? Report 1 from Multimodal Imaging in Uveitis (MUV) Task Force.

Expression of key SARS-CoV-2 entry molecules in surgically obtained human retinal biopsies.

How the immune response to the structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 affects the retinal vascular endothelial cells: an immune thrombotic and/or endotheliopathy process with in silico modeling.

Recommendations for OCT Angiography Reporting in Retinal Vascular Disease: A Delphi Approach by International Experts.

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

On this episode of EyeCan, we dive deep into the world of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) with neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Anastasia Neufeld. From symptom recognition to cutting-edge research, we explore how this complex condition affects both the brain and the eyes—and why early diagnosis and collaborative care are critical.

Dr. Neufeld shares insights into the risk factors and epidemiology of IIH, its effects on the visual system, and the evolving strategies for treatment, including medical, surgical, and lifestyle approaches. We also touch on the importance of interdisciplinary care, communication with patients, and emerging Canadian research exploring socioeconomic factors, anemia, and even links to viral infections like COVID-19.

And of course, we get to know the human behind the scrubs as Dr. Neufeld shares what keeps her grounded outside the clinic.

👩‍⚕️ Guest Bio:

Dr. Anastasia Neufeld
Anastasia Neufeld is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia and a practicing neuro-ophthalmologist with a combined surgical and academic practice. She holds an undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, followed by her MD from UBC. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Dalhousie University and a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of Utah’s Moran Eye Center.

In addition to her clinical and surgical expertise, Dr. Neufeld is a dedicated educator. She lectures to general practitioners and optometrists, and trains medical students, residents, and fellows in both Canada and the U.S., where she also holds an Adjunct Assistant Professorship at the University of Utah. She recently assumed a regional medical leadership role in developing the curriculum for the new Simon Fraser University School of Medicine.

With your host, Dr. Heather O'Donnell.

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:

Two articles of interest:

Current Understanding of the Pathophysiology of Idiopathic
Intracranial Hypertension https://www.cos-sco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Current-Understanding-of-Pathophysiology-of-IIH-1.pdf

Revised diagnostic criteria for the pseudotumor cerebri syndrome in adults
and children https://www.cos-sco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Revised-diagnostic-criteria-for-the-pseudotumor-cerebri-syndrome-in-adults-and-children.pdf

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!

In this special EyeCan episode, we shine a spotlight on the next generation of ophthalmology leaders. Our guests, Dr. Dominique Geoffrion and Dr. Kian Madjedi, are two remarkable residents making a real impact—both in the clinic and beyond.

From spearheading educational initiatives like the Skills Transfer Courses at the Canadian Ophthalmological Society’s Annual Meeting to contributing to global vision health through Orbis and academic excellence, Dominique and Kian offer a fresh and inspiring look at what it means to lead early in one’s career.

We discuss leadership, education, collaboration across career stages, and what the future holds for ophthalmology. Plus, our guests share their personal journeys, biggest lessons, and what motivates them to stay involved and innovative.

👁️ Guest Bios:

Dr. Dominique Geoffrion
Read by: Dr. O’Donnell
Dr. Geoffrion is an ophthalmology resident at Université de Montréal with a PhD in Experimental Surgery and MD from McGill University. Her research spans molecular biology, cancer genetics, and ophthalmology, with a PhD focus on glaucoma management following Boston keratoprosthesis surgery. In 2024, she received the Artemis Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has been a board member of Orbis Canada since 2021. She recently participated in the Flying Eye Hospital mission to Bangladesh and founded the Orbis Future Vision Leaders program to empower students and residents in the fight against avoidable blindness.

Dr. Kian Madjedi
Read by: Dr. Saheb
Dr. Madjedi is a PGY5 ophthalmology resident at the University of Calgary and incoming Cornea and External Disease Fellow at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. With master’s degrees in epidemiology and the philosophy of science from Cambridge, and a third in progress in medical education from Edinburgh, he blends deep academic training with a passion for teaching. He plays a key role in developing the COS Annual Meeting’s Skills Transfer Courses and is dedicated to medical education and curriculum innovation.

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:

COS Annual Meeting and Exhibition - http://cos-sco.ca/cos2025

Dominique Geoffrion – Artemis Award Winner

Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!