The
Future
is Now
AI and robotics
elevate eye surgery with
precision and safety.
PANTONE COLOUR
OF THE YEAR
Cloud Dancer brings
serene, soft white tones
to eyewear’s new year.
SOUND OF
THE GAME
Blind Hockey’s
Clever Use
of Sound.
ART YOU WEAR
Sculptural eyewear
designed with
artful intention.
Innovation
in SIGHT
Explore the AI tools transforming patient care and
operations for a smarter, more efficient practice.
JANUARY 2026 • VOL. 44 • NO. 1
Learn more at careers.fyidoctors.com
YOUR FUTURE IN EYE CARE STARTS HERE
Join Canada’s Largest
Doctor-Led & Professionally
Managed Eye Care Network.
Gold Standard
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 3
C O N T E N T S
January 2026
26
22
16
28
features
16 STYLE EYES
Sculpted Style
By Suzanne Lacorte
18 FEATURE
The AI-Ready Clinic:
How Canadian practices
are using AI today
By David Goldberg
26 PANTONE COLOUR
OF THE YEAR
Dancing through White
By Suzanne Lacorte
PANTONE
PANTONE
®
11-4201 TCX
Cloud Dancer
4 O P T I C A L P R I S M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
JANUARY 2026 • VOL. 44 • NO. 1
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Suzanne Lacorte 289.678.1523 x 1
slacorte@opticalprism.ca
Associate Publisher
Nick Samson 289.678.1523 x 2
nsamson@opticalprism.ca
Advertising Sales
Kathleen Irish 289.678.1523 x 5
kirish@opticalprism.ca
Copy Editor/Translator
Lamia Ghezal
lamia.ghezal@opticalprism.ca
Feature Writers
David Goldberg
dgoldberg@opticalprism.ca
Evra Taylor
evra.taylor@opticalprism.ca
Art Director
Cathryn Haynes
cat.haynes@opticalprism.ca
Digital Content Manager
Samantha Budd
sbudd@opticalprism.ca
Contributors
Robert Dalton, Dr. Fallon Patel,
Ashley Pfeifer, Dr. Allison Scott
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columns
22 OPTICAL INSIGHTS
The Future Realized:
AI and robotics are reshaping
today’s eye surgery
By Evra Taylor
24 OUTLOOK
AI Meets Optometry
By Dr. Allison Scott
28 SUCCESS STORY
Specsavers’ 250-store
milestone
By Evra Taylor
32 OPTICIAN VISION
Blind Hockey’s Clever
Use of Sound
By Robert Dalton
34 VIEWPOINTS
Aligning Your Business
with Your Life’s Mission
By Ashley Pfeifer
36 EXPERT EYE
Build Your Dream
Optical Team
By Dr. Fallon Patel
on the cover
The
Future
is Now
AI and robotics
elevate eye surgery with
precision and safety.
PANTONE COLOUR
OF THE YEAR
Cloud Dancer brings
serene, soft white tones
to eyewear’s new year.
SOUND OF
THE GAME
Blind Hockey's
Clever Use
of Sound.
ART YOU WEAR
Sculptural eyewear
designed with
artful intention.
Innovation
in SIGHT
Explore the AI tools transforming patient care and
operations for a smarter, more efficient practice.
JANUARY 2026 • VOL. 44 • NO. 1
COVER: AdobeStock
30
36
C O N T E N T S
departments
6
EDITOR’S LETTER
8
FRESH LOOKS
30 EYEWEAR ASTROLOGY
38 LAST GLANCE
next issue
› Love at First Sight: The Emotional
Science behind Seeing
› Frames that make you blush
OLIVE SS2060
Drawing inspiration from our signature aesthetic with a touch of 70s flair, our sunwear
evokes the luminous hues of the Ionian Sea and the raw allure of crystalline patterns,
designed for the endlessly curious.
This collection embraces bold silhouettes, rich colour palettes, and premium materials,
all crafted with meticulous attention to detail, embodying individuality and confidence.
With Sunday Somewhere Sun, the next golden hour is always ahead.
| www.westgroupe.com | 1-800-361-6220
6 O P T I C A L P R I S M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R
Future,
Meet Now
SUZANNE LACORTE
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
I
don’t know about you, but every January feels like opening your
laptop to a fresh avalanche of possibility. New ideas, new tech,
new ambitions, everything seems to leap forward at once, eager
to redefine what the year ahead could look like. And if there’s one
force coming in especially strong for 2026, it’s AI.
Across Canada, ECPs are discovering that AI isn’t the sci-fi sidekick we
once imagined. It’s more like the ultra-organized colleague we all wish we
had, the one who colour-codes spreadsheets, never forgets a task and some-
how interprets an OCT scan faster than we can finish our morning coffee.
David Goldberg captures this beautifully in our feature story. He spoke
with practitioners who are launching new services in hours instead of
weeks, tightening workflows and giving their teams more time for the part
of the job they actually love: caring for people. It’s inspiring to see how
quickly AI has gone from “interesting idea” to “can’t live without it.”
Meanwhile, in Optical Insights, Evra Taylor explores how AI and robotics
are raising the bar in eye surgery. Think fewer complications, more
predictable outcomes and tools that give ophthalmologists a kind of
superhero-level precision. It’s fascinating and honestly, a little thrilling
to see what’s becoming possible.
And because technology doesn’t get to have all the fun, our Style Eyes
pictorial celebrates sculptural eyewear that refuses to play it safe. These
frames angle, arc and twist in ways that make everyday glasses feel like
small pieces of architecture. If eyewear could strut, these would.
We’re also taking a softer turn with Pantone’s Colour of the Year: Cloud
Dancer. It’s a gentle, luminous white that designers are already exploring
through clean palettes and minimal, modern silhouettes. Consider it the
visual equivalent of a deep breath, something we could all use in January.
This month also marks the debut of Viewpoints, our new column that
brings together Marketing4ECPs and Cleinman Performance Partners.
Each month, they’ll unpack a real practice challenge from four angles.
We’re kicking things off with Practising with Purpose, a reminder that your
business should support the life you want, not compete with it.
And finally, you’ll notice something fresh on our masthead: our new OP
logo. New year, new look, same commitment to clarity, curiosity and a little
spark of fun.
Here’s to a bright, inspired start to 2026.
“I believe we need to build
AI systems that are useful
for the clinician, for the
patient, and for the
health care system.
It’s important for us to
determine what the
bottlenecks are for
providing efficient and
high-quality care for our
patients and using AI to
address those issues.”
– DR. FARES ANTAKI,
Ophthalmologist Centre hospitalier
de l’Université de Montréal, Québec
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA WAUGH
F R E S H L O O K S
MYKITA
MYKITA introduces
the next chapter of
its LITE Acetate
collection, pairing
ultra-thin acetate
fronts with a bolder,
more sculptural design
language. New models
feature refined details,
polished finishes and
a modern, expressive
silhouette, anchored
by the introduction
of a 4 mm connector
for added structure
and visual depth. The
result is a confident
evolution that balances
architectural form with
MYKITA’s signature
lightweight comfort
and commitment to
modern craftsmanship.
For more information,
contact your Mykita
sales representative
or visit: mykita.com
Keep your eyewear options fresh with the latest
models from these leading companies
F R E S H L O O K S
GUESS
GUESS broadens its reach
with the debut of the first
GUESS JEANS Eyewear
collection, guided by Chief
New Business Development
Officer Nicolai Marciano.
Blending modern trends
with a focus on innova-
tion, the line expands the
brand’s appeal to Gen Z,
Gen Alpha and style-driven
consumers. The collection
features quality materials
in practical, easy-to-wear
designs that stay ahead
of trends. A star motif and
italic GUESS JEANS logo
reinforce its fresh, dynamic
identity, while unisex silhou-
ettes reflect the fluid tastes
of young audiences. The
result is eyewear shaped by
pop-culture influences and
the intergenerational memo-
ries that define the brand.
For more information,
contact your Marcolin
sales representative or
visit: marcolin.com
SUNDAY SOMEWHERE
Sunday Somewhere
introduces two nature-
inspired silhouettes,
Wavelite and Agate,
expanding its signature
blend of understated
luxury and 70s-infused
modernity. Wavelite
(SS1056) pairs a bold
square acetate front with
rounded lenses and sleek
titanium temples, offered
in Black, Purple Confetti,
and Blue Gradient. Agate
(SS1069) is a slim geometric
titanium frame with ripple
detailing, available in Rose
Gold, Gold Burgundy, and
Black Rose Gold, each
capturing a refined, earthy
elegance.
SILHOUETTE
Silhouette unveils The
Refined, a titanium collection
that elevates six decades of
innovation into wearable art.
Its architectural design lan-
guage—clean lines, smooth
transitions and a balance
of strength and delicacy—
highlights the brand’s mas-
tery of ultralight titanium.
Each frame offers flexibility,
durability and exceptional
comfort. Echoing Frank
Gehry’s use of titanium in
the Guggenheim Bilbao, the
The Refined
GJ00001
collection captures a similar
interplay of light, form and
movement. “Titanium is the
language through which we
express innovation,” says
Design Director Roland
Keplinger. Handcrafted in
Austria, The Refined blends
precision engineering with
luxury, showcasing titanium
at its most expressive.
For more information,
contact your Canadian
Optical Supply sales
representative or visit:
canadianoptical.com
1 0 O P T I C A L P R I S M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
F R E S H L O O K S
F R E S H L O O K S
Victoria
Alex
Riley
GÖTTI
Götti Dimension introduces KARIM
and KARINA, two refined optical
styles that explore the harmonious
interplay of materials. Each frame
pairs a 3D-printed front with delicate
stainless steel temples, creating a
look that feels light, modern and
elegantly balanced. Silkymatt surfac-
es soften even bold colour choices,
while clean lines and minimalist
detailing keep the focus on form and
function. The result is a subtle yet
confident expression of timeless
design, poised between retro influ-
ence and contemporary restraint.
For more information, contact your
Götti Switzerland sales representa-
tive or visit: gotti.ch/en
FARRAGAMO
Ferragamo Eyewear’s
Holiday 2025 collection
blends timeless elegance
with modern craftsmanship.
The standout SF333SR
sunglasses offer a refined
metal cat-eye silhouette
with gradient lenses and
sleek temples featuring the
reimagined Gancini detail.
Inspired by Ferragamo’s
leather accessories, the
jewel-like decoration rotates
to reveal a double finish of
metal and crystals. Nomi-
nated for the 2025 SILMO
d’Or, this limited-edition
style delivers luxurious
sophistication and a lumi-
nous, festive look
For more information,
contact your Marchon
sales representative or
visit: marchon.com
JONAS PAUL
Confident and kid-focused,
Jonas Paul Eyewear’s
newest collection introduc-
es eight fresh frames that
blend modern design with
all-day comfort. Light-
weight materials, flexible
spring hinges and signa-
ture comfort tips ensure
a secure, slip-free fit that
keeps up with active kids
from classroom to play-
ground. Adjustable temple
arms provide a comforta-
ble, customized fit without
pressure or pinching.
Pictured here are three
new styles from the
collection: Alex in Lemon
Blueberry Tortoise, a round
frame with bold colour;
Riley in Green Crystal Fade,
a classic rectangular shape
in a playful new hue; and
Victoria in Violet Pink Fade,
a soft cat-eye that delivers
style with confidence.
For more information, con-
tact your Jonas Paul sales
representative or visit:
luminousoptical.com
SF333SR
ferragamo.com
1 2 O P T I C A L P R I S M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
F R E S H L O O K S
PERFECT OPTICAL
Introducing model Head HD
42500, a sports sunglass
shield designed for perfor-
mance. Featuring ventilation
holes on the lens, ergo-
nomic rubber accents, and
expertly crafted temples.
Where lightness meets
cutting-edge technology.
The reptile-scale inspired
temples add a bold, unique
touch, setting this model
apart from the rest. Plus, the
innovative joints provide a
customizable fit, ensuring
maximum comfort and a
perfect fit for every wearer.
For more information,
contact your Perfect Opti-
cal sales representative or
visit: perfectoptical.com
HD42500
FLEYE
Independent eyewear is en-
tering a new era, and Eredità
Eyewear is helping shape what
comes next with the addition
of Fleye. Crafted in Denmark,
Fleye blends precision engi-
neering with quiet elegance,
offering minimalist designs
that feel refined and wearable.
United by shared values of
authenticity, innovation and
thoughtful design, Fleye and
Eredità provide ECPs with
distinctive collections that
support differentiation. The
partnership reflects a pur-
poseful approach to inde-
pendent eyewear rooted in
simplicity, individuality and
design integrity.
FACE A FACE
FACE A FACE marks its 30th
anniversary with The F Collection,
a bold evolution that blends
heritage with forward-looking
design. The new lineup amplifies
the brand’s signature freedom and
expression, mixing retro cues with
futuristic energy. “F” nods to festi-
val spirit, French craftsmanship and
the future of eyewear, with each
frame offering a fresh, expressive
horizon. Certified with Guaranteed
French Origin, these pieces deliver
unmistakable attitude—you see it,
you want it, furiously.
For more information, contact
your Design Eyewear Group
sales representative or visit:
designeyeweargroup.com
For more information, contact your
Eredità eyewear sales representative
or visit: ereditaeyewear.com
Ingrid
Bold
1 4 O P T I C A L P R I S M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
F R E S H L O O K S
1 4 O P T I C A L P R I S M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
ANDY WOLF
Andy Wolf Eyewear highlights
understated sophistication with
its Nude Frame Edit, a curated
selection of transparent and
nude-tone frames designed to
feel both subtle and distinc-
tive. Handcrafted in Austria,
each style reflects the brand’s
long-standing commitment to
quality craftsmanship while
maintaining a modern, ef-
fortless aesthetic. Made from
Acetate Renew, the frames bal-
ance sustainability with refined
design, allowing soft, neutral
tones to enhance the face
without overpowering it.
Thoughtful detailing and clean
lines blur the line between
minimal and statement-
making, offering eyewear
that feels quietly confident,
versatile and timeless.
For more information,
contact your Andy Wolf
sales representative or visit:
andy-wolf.com
laminated temple stripes;
Ted Baker TEDLuxe
TLW011 BLK, defined by
custom brow lamination,
floral prints and refined
metal detailing. Together,
the frames reflect Tura’s
commitment to expres-
sive design, thoughtful
materials and eyewear
that elevates the patient
experience.
For more information,
contact your Tura sales
representative or visit:
tura.com
SDOW034T
TLW011
Lucy
Lunette
Noah
LASH
The 2026 Lunette collection
from Lash delivers bold,
architectural styling with
wearable appeal. Crafted
in lightweight acetate, the
palette spans black, light
grey, and brown-with-black.
Key styles include Lucy—a
polished soft-square frame
with titanium detailing—and
Noah, a sleek soft octagon
crafted in titanium/
stainless steel. With a
universal fit and distinctly
modern designs, Lunette
offers opticians a refined,
fashion-forward assortment.
For more information,
visit the McCray Eyewear
Division Instagram page or
visit: mccrayoptical.com
TURA
Tura Inc., founded in 1938,
continues to build on nearly
nine decades of design lead-
ership, craftsmanship and
partnership with independ-
ent eyecare practices. Its
purposeful portfolio
balances artistry, comfort
and innovation across
fashion and specialty
collections. Featured
styles include Superdry
SDOW034T MUL, an over-
sized square frame with
bold green-and-purple
colour blocking and sporty
1 6 O P T I C A L P R I S M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
S T Y L E E Y E S
SCULPTED
STYLE
Sculpted and seriously stylish, these architectural
frames turn everyday eyewear into wearable art.
BY SUZANNE LACORTE
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 1 7
S T Y L E E Y E S
1.
2.
TIP
Style
Sculptural eyewear is your
client’s power suit, bold,
modern, and instantly
confidence-boosting.
When choosing these
frames, I always tell clients
to look for the architec-
ture: layered acetates that
add depth, mixed metals
for contrast, and clean,
intentional angles that
give the frame its sculpted
silhouette. Keep every-
thing else simple—sleek
hair, clean makeup, min-
imalist clothing—so the
artistry shines. When the
shape, fit, and personality
align, sculptural frames
don’t just sit on the face…
they shape it.
— WENDY BUCHANAN,
Eyewear Image Expert
1. Venus by Oscar Mamooi
2. Mamba by Press Eyewear
3. Lifesaver 2.0 Oval by
Morgenthal Frederics
4. The Astra – AS2 by Vysen Eyewear
5. JF2982 by J.F. Rey
6. A04501T by Alain Mikli
7. Boemian by Boem
8. Toldra by Etnia Barcelona
9. Callas by Faniel
3.
5.
4.
6.
7.
8.
9.
1 8 O P T I C A L P R I S M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
F E AT U R E
How Canadian ECPs are using artificial
intelligence to streamline diagnostics,
strengthen teams, and transform the
way modern practices operate.
The
AI-Ready
Clinic
BY DAVID GOLDBERG
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 1 9
F E AT U R E
Only 18 months ago, AI in eye care was
largely experimental, a curiosity discussed at
conferences more than deployed in clinics.
Today, practitioners across the country are
using AI for everything from interpreting
OCT scans to analyzing phone call sentiment,
from generating marketing copy to coaching
employees on performance metrics.
AI TOOLS
TRANSFORMING
Canadian Eye Care
CARE-1: This Canadian-based
tele-ophthalmology platform allows
optometrists to upload OCT scans for
expert review by ophthalmologists.
When uncertain about a scan,
practitioners can get a second opinion
without referring the patient out —
providing reassurance for both doctor
and patient. CARE-1 is also developing
standalone glaucoma AI management
capabilities through an ongoing pilot
program that builds the platform’s
training dataset while supporting
practitioners with expert consultation.
CSI Dry Eye Software: This platform
streamlines dry eye management
through intelligent automation. Patients
complete detailed symptom question-
naires before their appointments, and
the system uses those responses along
with clinical findings to auto-popu-
late personalized treatment plans.
The technology helps clinics prepare
for appointments in advance, ensures
consistent care protocols, and creates
a more personalized patient experience
from the first interaction.
Altri sAI: Designed specifically for OCT
interpretation, Altris AI provides AI-
assisted analysis that helps practition-
ers identify pathology with greater
confidence. The platform flags poten-
tial concerns — from early glaucoma
indicators to subtle retinal changes
— that might be overlooked during
high-volume clinic days. Rather than
replacing clinical judgment, tools like
Altris AI serve as a reliable second set
of eyes, helping busy practitioners
maintain diagnostic accuracy even
when seeing dozens of patients daily.
ix months. That’s how long
it might have taken Dr.
Fallon Patel to plan and
launch a new service at her
optometry practice. Now,
with AI systems woven into
daily operations, she can do it in an hour.
“We just move faster,” says Patel, who
operates five clinics in the Greater
Toronto Area. “All the planning gets
done very quickly, so we just focus on the
implementation and the behaviours.”
Her experience reflects a broader trans-
formation underway in Canadian eye
care. From diagnostic imaging to prac-
tice management, AI tools are reshaping
how optometrists work, how they train
their teams, and how they deliver care
to patients.
The new practice playbook
Across Canada, innovative practitioners
are building AI into their operations
on several fronts. Dr. Trevor Miranda,
who runs five clinics on Vancouver
Island, has gone so far as to create his
own AI assistant. Called “Rovert” — an
anagram of Trevor — the system has
been trained on Miranda’s podcasts,
articles, standard operating procedures,
and employee manuals.
“It’s so good, in fact, some of my
leadership team talk to Rovert before
they talk to me to see what I would say,”
explains Miranda. “And sometimes they
don’t talk to me because Rovert has
nailed it.”
The result is what Miranda calls an
AI agent representing him in meetings
without his direct involvement —
freeing him to focus on acquisitions,
clinical work, and strategic growth
rather than answering the same opera-
tional questions repeatedly.
Patel is using AI to build a stronger,
more self-reliant team. Instead of every
challenge landing on her desk, she’s
trained her employees to go to AI first.
“Rather than coming to me or my office
manager for every problem, I taught the
team to look for solutions,” she explains.
“Ask ChatGPT, come back with three
options, and see if you can resolve it
before bringing it forward.”
Smarter Diagnostics,
Better Referrals
On the clinical side, AI-powered
diagnostic platforms are helping optom-
etrists make more confident decisions
while reducing unnecessary referrals to
ophthalmologists — a growing concern as
Canada’s health care system strains under
the demands of an aging population.
Patel uses CARE-1, a Canadian-based
tele-ophthalmology platform that allows
practitioners to upload OCT scans for
review by ophthalmologists. When a
scan raises questions, practitioners can
get a second opinion without sending
the patient elsewhere.
“It alleviates the burden on the health-
care system because then you’re not
sending a nonsense referral,” Patel says.
2 0 O P T I C A L P R I S M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
F E AT U R E
“A lot of the referrals to retina specialists
could have just been monitored by the
optometrist.”
It’s hard not to feel hopeful about AI’s
potential to transform health care in Can-
ada, with growing concerns over wait times
and access to services like eye care. AI tools
that help optometrists confidently manage
conditions like glaucoma and age-related
macular degeneration (AMD) in-house —
referring only when surgical intervention
is truly needed — could prove essential for
faster wait times and an overall improved
patient experience.
“We know that baby boomers are getting
older, and there’s going to be a health care
crisis at some point,” Patel says. “Optom-
etrists have to do their part to learn how
to manage glaucoma and how to better
monitor AMD and only refer when they
need surgical intervention.”
For dry eye management, Patel has recently
implemented CSI Dry Eye Software.
Automated pre-visit questionnaires gather
detailed symptom information, allowing the
clinic to understand each patient’s needs in
advance. Based on the intake responses and
clinical findings, the AI auto-populates a
personalized treatment plan.
AI-powered administration
Forward-thinking ECPs have found a way
to leverage AI in nearly every touchpoint
of the business. Both Miranda and Patel
have developed frameworks that use AI
to train staff, monitor performance, and
streamline decision-making across their
multi-location practices.
Miranda uses AI to analyze recorded phone
calls, providing colour-coded sentiment
ratings: green for good interactions, yellow
for concerning moments, red for calls requir-
ing follow-up. The system evaluates both the
caller and the staff member, flagging mo-
ments when a front desk employee sounded
defensive or failed to offer a solution.
“We take that and then we escalate it and
ask the staff, what happened here — could
we have done better?” Miranda says. “For
training purposes, for audit purposes, for ser-
vice recovery purposes, AI can be assistive.”
He also runs job resumes through AI —
partly because applicants are now using AI
to write them. “AI can detect itself, if you
will,” he says. “It’s fascinating.”
Patel is developing her own AI-powered prac-
tice management platform. With a planned
launch of early 2026, PulseIQSolutions
combines role-based training modules with
performance tracking and virtual coaching.
The system also analyzes practice data and
tells staff what actions to take next.
“I got tired of repeating myself,” says
Patel. “I built something that covers all the
gaps: three-minute training videos, work-
books, Q&As, all tied into an AI coach.
These resources cover all the minutiae
that matters — like how to effectively
answer a phone call or how to deal with a
patient complaint.”
PulseIQSolutions also includes an employee
recognition system. When a team member
achieves a milestone, “like completing their
first ZEST treatment, they get a shout-out
that the whole team can see,” says Patel.
“It’s those little things that really get your
team to elevate.”
In 2026, Patel plans to push even further.
She’s exploring AI avatars that could answer
common staff questions in her voice and
considering whether AI-powered financial
analysis might eventually replace some
fractional CFO work. For a practice owner
directing five locations, the appeal is obvious:
more time for ensuring quality care and
growing the business.
Regulating AI in eye care
Alberta was among the first Canadian optom-
etry colleges to issue guidance documents on
AI, emphasizing transparency with patients,
informed consent, and the right to opt out
of AI-assisted care. Those guidelines were
developed by the Alberta College of Optome-
trists Standards of Practice Committee.
Dr. Kim Bugera, the college's registrar and
CEO, oversees their implementation.
“The role of the regulator right now is
providing guidance. We don’t want to stifle
innovation, and we don’t want to overregulate
this field. We want there to be an ability for
professionals to provide patients with earlier
intervention, better risk assessment and more
personalized care. But we still need to make
sure there are safeguards in place.”
Bugera adds that while ECPs need to
embrace the benefits of AI, they must also
alleviates the burden on the
health care system because
then you’re not sending a
nonsense referral. A lot of
the referrals to retina specialists could have just
been monitored by the optometrist.”
- DR. FALLON PATEL
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 2 1
F E AT U R E
F E AT U R E
hile tools like CARE-1 and
Altris AI are already de-
ployed in Canadian clinics,
another AI application is
generating significant research inter-
est: oculomics. This emerging field
uses artificial intelligence to analyze
retinal images for signs of systemic
diseases far beyond the eye itself.
The concept builds on established
medical knowledge that the retina
offers a unique window into overall
health. Research teams are training
algorithms to identify early indicators
of cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
Alzheimer’s disease, and other sys-
temic conditions — all from standard
retinal imaging. The implications are
profound: routine eye exams could
become powerful screening oppor-
tunities for diseases that typically
require blood tests, brain scans, or
specialized cardiac imaging.
Oculomics has been featured at the
Canadian Association of Optom-
etrists Leaders Forum, reflecting
growing recognition of its potential.
“AI is really going to change the
world,” says Dr. Kim Bugera.
Oculomics remains largely in the
research phase, requiring extensive
validation and regulatory approval
before clinical deployment.
PREPARING THE NEXT
GENERATION
As AI transforms practice, optom-
etry education is evolving to keep
pace. The University of Waterloo
School of Optometry and Vision
Science is implementing curriculum
changes starting in September 2026.
Among the additions: a new course
called Medical Imaging and Artificial
Intelligence in Optometry, along with
courses on glaucoma and neuro-
degenerative disease, and neuro-
ophthalmic disease management.
“Much of the content is already being
taught, but it is being reorganized
and regularly updated, especially in
an area such as AI, where things are
changing so rapidly,” says university
spokesperson Karen Kawawada.
The curriculum changes will allow
students to start learning clinical
skills sooner and benefit from
more integrated learning in areas
where optometry’s scope has
been expanding. Students will still
complete the four-year doctor of
optometry program in the same
timeframe, but with an additional
study term and more clinical
exposure built throughout.
Why
Oculomics
Matters
protect the patients and maintain trust,
making sure that the human in the room
is providing strong clinical oversight about
what the machine is doing.
“If you do any kind of measurement in
optometry, like an auto-refraction, you still
need to use your clinical judgment to say,
does this make sense,” she says. “It’s just a
different tool — treat it as a tool, not as a
piece of clinical judgment.”
Better at being human
AI’s greatest value is its potential to
empower humans to do great things,
whether that’s accelerating the discovery
of lifesaving drugs or catching a critical
concern on an OCT scan.
“I’m very optimistic about AI in the world
and all the positives that will come out of it,”
reflects Bugera. “Even though it’s changing so
fast, human beings always find a way to do the
right thing and eventually get it right.”
Miranda even envisions AI-powered
optician assistants helping patients navigate
lens choices, but only as a complement to
personal service.
“You still want the optician to go, ‘Oh,
you look amazing in those glasses,’” says
Miranda. “AI can never replace that human
connection. And as AI gets better, we need
to get better at being human.” OP
AI is transforming cataract and other
surgeries — from pre-op diagnostics to
surgical planning and post-op recovery.
According to The Cataract Institute, a net-
work of Canadian cataract surgery centres,
cataracts are the second leading cause of
blindness and vision impairment in the
world. The Institute reports that in Canada,
roughly half a million cataract surgeries are
performed annually.
AI tools have myriad applications in
ophthalmic disease diagnosis, surgery and
disease progression prediction.1
AI and robotics are reshaping today’s
eye surgery with greater precision,
safety and predictability.
The
Future
HOW OPHTHALMOLOGISTS ARE USING AI
FOR SURGICAL PRECISION
The key benefits of AI in eye surgery
include standardization and objectivity of
results, leading to more reliable outcomes
for patients and a high degree of confidence
to ECPs that cases can be approached with
greater consistency.
Fundus Image Analysis: AI algorithms
can analyze fundus images to detect and
diagnose diabetic retinopathy, age-related
macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma,
and retinopathy of prematurity. These
algorithms can help automate the screening
process, prioritize high-risk cases, and assist
ophthalmologists in providing timely and
accurate diagnoses.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): AI
algorithms can analyze OCT images to
identify and quantify structural abnormal-
ities, track disease progression and assist
in diagnosing conditions such as macular
oedema, AMD and glaucoma.
Surgical Planning and Guidance: AI
algorithms can provide analyses of preoper-
ative data and images to assist surgeons in
surgical planning. They can provide insights
into optimal incision placement and lens
selection. During surgery, AI tools can
provide real-time guidance, aiding surgeons
in performing procedures with greater
precision and accuracy.
Disease Progression Prediction: Prediction can
lead to prevention. AI models trained on
BY EVRA TAYLOR
as an aid in surgery isn’t futuristic – it’s here.
And it’s already making a measurable impact in
today’s operating rooms. AI is helping surgeons
deliver more precise outcomes, reduce complications and
improve patient satisfaction.
Realized
AI
O P T I C A L I N S I G H T S
2 2 O P T I C A L P R I S M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 2 3
longitudinal patient data can help predict
the progression of eye diseases such as glau-
coma and AMD. By analyzing various risk
factors, patient characteristics and clinical
data, these models can provide personalized
predictions, allowing for more proactive and
targeted interventions.
REVOLUTIONIZING
CATARACT SURGERY
Cataract surgery is the most frequently
performed operation worldwide, with more
than five million procedures annually in the
U.S. alone.2
AI-driven cataract surgery is being ad-
vanced by companies like Horizon Surgical
Systems, which announced in October
2025 that it had completed the world’s first
cataract surgery using the Polaris platform.
Polaris is the first surgical platform built
specifically for ophthalmology. The Polaris
technology merges AI-driven visualization
with micro-robotic control. The system
aims to reduce interoperative variations to
support more predictable results than those
achieved in standard ophthalmic surgery.
Surgeons control the robot from a console,
manipulating instruments with high
-precision accuracy. The system offers per-
sonalized surgery plans and reduces human
variability. Following successful initial human
trials, Polaris is awaiting FDA approval.
A LANDMARK MILESTONE IN ROBOTICS
AND AI
“This first-in-human procedure represents
the culmination of more than a decade of
innovation and the start of Polaris’ clinical
journey,” said Dr. Jean Pierre Hubschman,
founder and CEO of Horizon. “Polaris was
designed to extend surgeons’ capabilities by
delivering greater precision while enhancing
safety and efficiency in ophthalmic surgery.
Achieving the world’s first successful robot-
ic cataract surgery is a landmark milestone
that underscores how robotics and AI can
help address some of the most pressing
challenges in global eye care.”
Dr. Fares Antaki, an ophthalmologist at
Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Mon-
tréal, stated, “I believe we need to build AI
systems that are useful for the clinician, for
the patient and for the health care system.
It’s important for us to determine what the
bottlenecks are for providing efficient and
high-quality care for our patients and using
AI to address those issues,” said Anta-
ki. In cataract surgery, he noted that AI
algorithms are already being used to help
ophthalmologists select the best power of
intraocular lens for each patient based on
their eye dimensions.
PRE-OPERATIVE PLANNING
AND DIAGNOSIS
AI’s application in personalized surgical
mapping is another road to personalizing
ophthalmic processes and procedures.
AI systems are capable of analyzing over
100,000 data points from a patient’s cornea
to create a “digital twin” or an “eye finger-
print” that guides customized laser treat-
ment plans, resulting in higher precision
and reduced side effects.
INTRAOPERATIVE ASSISTANCE
DURING SURGERY
● Robotic Precision: AI-guided robotic
arms offer stability beyond human
capability (10-micron precision vs.
100-micron tremor), automating tasks
like grasping instruments
● Real-Time Guidance: Systems provide live
feedback, track surgical phases and ana-
lyze data, while voice-activated systems
offer immediate information
● Smart Operating Rooms: AI helps manage
instruments, track resources and inte-
grates multimodal imaging data
POST-OPERATIVE AND
FUTURE APPLICATIONS
● Predicting Complications: Forecasts risks
like IOL dislocation or posterior capsular
opacification
● Automated Follow-up: Organizes patient
care and tracks recovery
● Advanced Treatments: Helps develop
algorithms for diagnosing infections
(corneal ulcers)
Future developments may lead to rejuvena-
tion of aged eye cells to potentially reverse
cataracts.
AI is playing an increasingly pivotal role
in the prevention and management of a
range of ocular diseases. The implemen-
tation of AI in this sector is expected to
increase treatment success while reduc-
ing disease recurrence and minimizing
post-surgical complications. OP
REFERENCES:
1 Honavar SG. Eye of the Storm: Exploring
the Impact of AI Tools in Ophthalmology.
Ind J Ophthalmol. 2023 Jun;71(6):2328-2340.
2 National Library of Medicine – Cataract
Surgery: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/
NBK559253/
Other AI surgery platforms are transform-
ing the sector through adaptive intelligence.
The ALLY Adaptive Cataract Treatment
system (LENSAR) integrates femtosec-
ond laser and phacoemulsification in one
device, using advanced imaging (augmented
reality) to guide surgical steps, customize
lens fragmentation and automate tasks. This
allows seamless transitions from femto to
phaco in a single sterile environment.
ALLY’s Cataract Density Imaging uses big
data to automatically analyze and catego-
rize cataract density. This allows the device
to customize a fragmentation pattern by
leveraging AI to pinpoint the location of
the nucleus and lens layers.
In laser surgery, AI-enhanced tools like to-
pography-guided custom ablation treat-
ment (TCAT) deliver customized vision
correction plans to fit the unique charac-
teristics of each patient’s eyes. According to
Toronto-based LASIK MD, AI isn’t slated
to replace LASIK surgeons. Rather, it’s
making them more effective.
“The key benefits
of AI in eye
surgery include
standardization
and objectivity
of results, leading
to more reliable
outcomes for
patients.”
O P T I C A L I N S I G H T S