The Association of Canadian University Professors of Ophthalmology gathered in a room with a red circle.

Who are we

The Association of Canadian University Professors of Ophthalmology (ACUPO) advocates for educators, researchers, clinicians and students, setting the highest standards and innovative frameworks for ophthalmic education.

OUR PURPOSE

We promote, assist and facilitate the advancement of learning and research in the domain of ophthalmology in Canada in all its forms.

THE ACUPO

Serves as a forum for the exchange of information and discussion of all and any matters of interest to Departments of Ophthalmology in Canada relating to medical education, research and patient care.

Presents lectures and other public events in relation to ophthalmology.

Encourages and provides assistance, monetary and otherwise to activities and organizations interested in academic ophthalmology.

Fosters the exchange of ideas, information and experience in the realm of ophthalmology.

Establishes relationships and maintains communications with other organizations interested in academic ophthalmology, in particular, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Canadian Ophthalmological Society and any similar organizations.

Mentor, recognize and encourage the next generation of leaders in academic ophthalmology in Canada

Insights & foresight

A long-standing history

The ACUPO was founded in the 1980’s. The Department heads in Ophthalmology were also meeting as part of the Royal College Committee on Ophthalmology at COS gatherings. Becoming aware that the university professors in medicine had joined forces to further the education of their respective fields, Dr. Ray Leblanc, Department head at Dalhousie University at that time, initiated a discussion among several ophthalmology professors. Early adopters of the idea that an association could be created for ophthalmology In Canada included Dr. Stephen Drance, Department head at the University of British Columbia at the time, Alain Rousseau, Department head at Laval University at the time, among others. The first ACUPO meeting was held to develop the association’s “raison d’être” and explore how ophthalmology professors could fulfill a valuable role in academics and research in Canada.

The Association of Canadian University Professors of Ophthalmology endorsed a woman using a device to examine her eyes.

The ACUPO’s current members

Eventually, all department heads of ophthalmology from academic institutions in Canada joined to form ACUPO, with regular meetings and frequent communications among its members. The current department members from ACUPO are :