Dr. Catherine Birt MA, MD
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 22 June, 2025
Sessions in which Dr. Catherine Birt MA, MD attends
Friday 20 June, 2025
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will be able to:To challenge traditional attitudes and educate delegates regarding the ophthalmic simulation options available to ensure a safer surgical experience for the trainer, trainee and the patient (most importantly).
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will be able to:To understand how different patient populations experience vision impairment and eye disease due to structural and identity-based factors.
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will be able to:Discuss "tips and tricks" in cataract surgery.Explore recent research in cataract surgery.CanMEDS: Medical Expert; Scholar
Saturday 21 June, 2025
Learning Objectives At the end of this session, participants will be able to:To improve surgical techniques during eye surgery in the digital age.To know the most common types of retinal pathologies that can result from myopia.Identify and articulate the current disparities in eye health outcomes across different populations, recognizing ...
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will be able to:Develop the ability to critically interpret and integrate findings from optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field testing to accurately diagnose and monitor glaucomaRecognize common pitfalls and artifacts in OCT and visual field analyses and...
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will be able to:Discuss perioperative issues and care in glaucoma surgical management Describe the various gl...
Sunday 22 June, 2025
Learning Objectives At the end of this session, participants will be able to:Be able to discuss at least 4 specific SDGs where high-quality evidence points to a causative association between vision interventions and improved outcomes.Describe recruitment challenges and strategies for enrolling underserved populations in clinical trials.<...
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will be able to:Discuss the history of Glaucoma and the evolution of the management strategies.Discuss risk stratification and controversial issues in primary, secondar...
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will be able to:Discuss EDI issues for clinical care and research in glaucoma. Discuss cutting edge research topics i...