Ottawa, ON – January 1, 2026 – The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is encouraging Canadians to schedule comprehensive eye exams during January’s Glaucoma Awareness Month, highlighting that early detection remains the most effective way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in Canada. Despite advances in treatment, vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, which makes early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring essential.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically develops without pain or noticeable symptoms. By the time patients become aware of changes in their vision, significant and permanent damage has often occurred. Risk increases with age, family history, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, and among individuals of African, Asian or Hispanic descent. Yet many Canadians remain unaware of their risk or may assume vision loss is an unavoidable part of aging.
“Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, but when we detect it early, we can slow its progression and help patients preserve their vision,” said Dr. Hady Saheb, Glaucoma and Anterior Segment Surgeon at McGill University. “Because glaucoma rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential. They allow us to identify the disease before vision is lost and begin treatment that can make a meaningful difference.”
Glaucoma affects more than 800,000 people in Canada, and many are unaware they have the disease. COS encourages adults, particularly those over age 40 or with known risk factors, to speak with their eye care professional about how often they should receive a comprehensive exam, which includes assessing eye pressure and evaluating the optic nerve.
“Regular eye exams are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your sight,” added Dr. Saheb. “Glaucoma is manageable, and early detection truly matters.”
Throughout January, COS will share evidence-based information and resources to help Canadians understand their risk and take steps to preserve lifelong vision.
Learn more about Glaucoma at https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/eye-health/glaucoma/.
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About Canadian Ophthalmological Society
The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is the national, recognized authority on eye and vision care in Canada. As eye physicians and surgeons, we are committed to assuring the provision of optimal medical and surgical eye care for all Canadians by promoting excellence in ophthalmology and by providing services to support our members in practice. Our membership includes over 900 ophthalmologists and 200 ophthalmology residents. We work collaboratively with government, other national and international specialty societies, our academic communities (ACUPO), our provincial partners and affiliates and other eye care professionals and patient groups to advocate for health policy in Canada in the area of eye and vision health. The COS is an accredited, award-winning provider of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) and is an affiliate of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). For more information, visit cos-sco.ca.
Media contact:
Isabelle Del Rio
(647) 839-0445