Dr. Birt did her master of arts degree, medical school training and residency at the University of Toronto. Her glaucoma fellowship was at the Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit. She was the director of the Undergraduate Program of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto from 1996 - 2006, and more recently has been the President of the Canadian Glaucoma Society. She has received the AAO Achievement Award, and several teaching awards from the University of Toronto, most recently the Dr William Dixon Sunnybrook Surgical Teaching Award.
Her research interests involve examining the treatment of glaucoma and attempting to find better alternatives, in investigating reasons for treatment failure and the opportunities to ameliorate such factors. Recent work has examined the outcome of selective laser trabeculoplasty in several distinct patient populations, and a recent study, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, has reported on the best treatment option for patients who have already had one complete laser treatment. She has received 11 peer-reviewed research grants, and published 54 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Financial disclosure: Dr. Birt has/had an affiliation (financial or otherwise) with a for-profit and/or not-for-profit organization:
- Canadian Glaucoma Society
- Glaucoma Research Society of Canada
Sessions in which Dr. Catherine Birt MA, MD participates
Sunday 18 June, 2023
Sessions in which Dr. Catherine Birt MA, MD attends
Friday 16 June, 2023
Learning Objectives:At the end of this session, participants will be able to:Review how to apply Quality Improvement strategies to improve patient safetyBe familiar with the presentation and histology of hereditary benign intraepithelial dyskeratosis, and be able to distinguish it from other conjunctival lesions including conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia.Des...
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: Explore new IOL technology and biometryDiscuss the use of toric IOLsReview pearls for cataract surgery after phakic IOLsCanMEDS Roles: Medical expert, scholarXX
This course is designed for general ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialists and residents who wish to expand their surgical skills to optimize glaucoma care for their patients. Surgeons will learn intra-operative gonioscopy techniques to better understand the angle and understand the implantation of various MIGS devices. Featured techniques are the implantation of the iStent inject, implantation of Hydrus Microstent and the use of Kahook...
Saturday 17 June, 2023
Learning Objectives:At the end of this session, participants will be able to:Elucidate the cause and mechanism of DVD.Identity indications of Light adjustable lensXX
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: Enhance surgical strategies for routine cataractsDevelop an approach to complex cataract surgery: techniques, strategies, and instrumentationCanMEDS Roles: Medical expert, scholarX
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will be able to:Understand how various systemic medication influence glaucomaUnderstand how to manipulate wound healing may improve success in glaucoma surgeryAssess and Integrate various glaucoma surgeries in our management of glaucoma and be aware of some of the c...
Sunday 18 June, 2023
Learning Objectives:At the end of this session, participants will be able to:Understand current evaluation and intervention approaches in pediatric vision rehabilitation.Understand the role of organisms and the microbiome in corneal infectionsReview management strategies for mild to severe keratoconusXX
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will be able to:Understand the change from medication use to other options in glaucoma treatmentUnderstand the latest in laser treatment for glaucoma including the LiGHT and ZAP trials and how to integrate into clinical practiceAssess AI in glaucoma management
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will be able to:Understand and compare various novel devices for glaucoma surgical management including MIGSUnderstand outcomes and potential pitfalls of glaucoma surgeryUnderstand the best candidates for various glaucoma surgeriesCan...