2026 Leadership in Advocacy Award Winner – Dr. Phil Hooper
The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is proud to announce Dr. Phil Hooper as the recipient of the 2026 Leadership in Advocacy Award Winner.
Dr. Phil Hooper is a Canadian ophthalmologist whose career has combined clinical excellence, academic leadership, and a deep commitment to improving access to eye care across Canada.
A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, where he earned his M.D. with honours, Dr. Hooper completed specialty training in ophthalmology before pursuing advanced fellowships in ocular inflammation and retinal disease at the Estelle Doheny Eye Institute and Washington University in St. Louis. This dual focus on uveitis and retinal disease shaped a career dedicated to caring for patients with complex, vision-threatening conditions.
Since joining the faculty in London, Ontario in 1990, Dr. Hooper has served as a clinician, educator, researcher, and departmental leader. As former Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Chief across multiple teaching hospitals, he helped guide program growth, strengthen surgical services, and mentor the next generation of ophthalmologists. He continues to provide tertiary referral care for patients with retinal and ocular inflammatory diseases across Southwestern and Northwestern Ontario.
Nationally, Dr. Hooper is widely recognized for his advocacy work. As President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (2022–2024) and former Chair of its Council on Advocacy, he strengthened the profession’s voice in health policy. He played a key role in developing the COS Advocacy Toolkit, empowering ophthalmologists to engage effectively with government and media. He also championed the national “See the Possibilities” campaign, raising public awareness about eye health and the essential role of ophthalmologists in preserving vision.
Dr. Hooper has been equally active at the provincial level. As Ophthalmology Lead for Ontario’s Wait Time Program and Co-Chair of the Ontario Vision Care Task Force, he has worked collaboratively with policymakers and clinical leaders to reduce surgical wait times, modernize care delivery, and improve access for patients—particularly seniors facing increasing demand for vision services.
From 2008 to 2018, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, elevating the journal’s reach and impact while supporting evidence-based care across the country.
Colleagues describe Dr. Hooper as thoughtful, solutions-focused, and deeply committed to mentorship. Throughout his career, he has encouraged ophthalmologists to see advocacy not as an obligation, but as an opportunity—to improve care, influence policy, and ensure that Canadians receive the highest standard of vision health services.