Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

A healthcare professional conducts an eye examination using specialized optical equipment.
A healthcare professional conducts an eye examination using specialized optical equipment.

Welcome to the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences!

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences consists of over 40 ophthalmologists who work as physicians and surgeons and have teaching appointments with the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

We have a vibrant teaching and learning environment with a strong commitment to undergraduate medical education, postgraduate medical education (residency and fellowship programs, including support for global health) and graduate student education.

Research takes place within a highly collaborative environment for both fundamental and translational research and builds on inter-departmental strengths in neurobiology, developmental biology, vascular biology, and molecular genetics of vision. Clinical research strengths include clinical trials, ocular genetics, electrophysiology and tele-ophthalmology.

The Eye Institute of Alberta (EIA) is a Center of excellence for all levels of ophthalmic care and serves a population of over 3 million people around Edmonton and in the North. The hub of the EIA is the Royal Alexandra Hospital with additional sites at the Stollery Children's Hospital, Westview Health Center and the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital.

Programs + Education

Residency Program

The Ophthalmology Residency Program is designed to train the next generation of ophthalmologists with an immersive, growth-oriented experience. Apply via CaRMS and explore detailed program information and support.

Medical Student Electives

Our diverse undergraduate electives offer tailored experiences for second, third, and fourth-year medical students, ranging from shadowing opportunities to structured electives.

Fellowship Programs

Clinical and Research Fellowships in Retina and Glaucoma programs provide an immersive experience in advanced patient care, teaching, and research, serving a vast population in Northern Canada. Based in Edmonton, our facilities include state-of-the-art equipment and a robust patient care framework, ensuring a comprehensive training experience.

Graduate Students

Our MSc and PhD programs provide a rich platform for exploring innovative, multi-disciplinary research aimed at enhancing patient-centered eye care. Students have full access to leading-edge research laboratories and a wide spectrum of research areas, supported by dedicated faculty supervision and various scholarship opportunities.

  • Teaching Excellence

    The department is home to over 40 ophthalmologists who are not only practitioners but also serve as educators within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

  • Exceptional Research Environment

    The department is known for its collaborative research atmosphere that spans both fundamental and translational research. Major research areas include electrophysiology of vision, models of retinal degeneration and therapies, ocular anatomy, and ocular genetics.

  • Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

    We champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in patient care, serving as a referral center for a diverse population in Canada. Over a third of our physicians are women or from visible minorities, and we actively support global health missions and EDI initiatives.

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Our motto is “sapientia et lux” and we hope to provide wisdom and shed light on your vision problem through excellent care, research, and education. Our dedicated team of 43 surgeons, 16 residents and fellows, plus clinical and research staff are experts in Cataract Surgery, Retina, Cornea, Glaucoma, Pediatrics, Strabismus, Neuro-ophthalmology, Oculoplastics and Orbital Disease, Ocular Oncology, and Vision Rehabilitation.

Over the past 75 years, we have graduated 105 ophthalmologists that serve patients and communities in diverse regions. As the referral centre for 3 million citizens in Edmonton, northern Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon we care for many heterogeneous patients. We participate in global health missions and equity, diversity, and inclusion projects. We embrace a culture of discovery and our faculty have published more than 800 peer-reviewed articles on Scopus.

Thank you for entrusting your eye care to us. We appreciate the ongoing support of our generous donors who champion our clinical care, education, and research efforts.

Edsel Ing
Chair, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Alberta
Chief, Edmonton Zone Section, Ophthalmology, Alberta Health Services
Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology Research

Featured News

December 1, 2023

Episode 31: Dr. Matthew Benson

Dr. Matthew Benson was recently interviewed on "Seeing Clearly" by Eye Curriculum, which is a podcast developed by medical students passionate about ophthalmology.

LISTEN NOW

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