A Canadian first in ophtalmology

The CIUSSS-EMTL (CIUSSS-de-l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal) is proud to announce that the Université de Montréal’s Centre universitaire d'ophtalmologie (CUO) at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (HMR) has acquired the very first microscope in Canada equipped with an optical coherence tomography system for eye operations. Thanks to this state-of-the-art device (the Opmi Lumera 700 with Rescan, manufactured by Zeiss Inc.), patients now have access to intraoperative optical tomography assisted surgery. This technology is particularly useful for modern, complex corneal transplants such as DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty) or DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty). These procedures require extremely precise dissection at various levels of corneal thickness in order to replace only the diseased tissue.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) used during the procedure allows the surgeons to accurately determine the depth at which to make incisions in the cornea and then where to precisely place grafts, thereby increasing the quality and success rate of certain types of transplants. This technology will improve the quality of care offered to patients with visual disorders caused by corneal scars, keratoconus or corneal dystrophy. Patients with retinal diseases or glaucoma can also benefit from procedures performed with this sophisticated device.

“With this invaluable addition, the CUO is pursuing its mission to develop and apply state-of-the-art technologies in ophthalmology for the well-being of patients throughout Quebec,” said Yvan Gendron, president and CEO of CIUSSS-EMTL.

The expertise of CUO and HMR

The CUO at HMR is a centre of excellence and source of pride for the CIUSSS-EMTL. Designated by Université de Montréal and the Quebec Health Department in 2016, the CUO has the mandate to offer tertiary and quaternary health care to the Quebec population; to develop and evaluate new technologies; to offer a teaching environment for students and residents in ophthalmology; and to contribute to the success of primary and clinical research in vision health in Quebec. For decades now, thanks to its partners, doctors, health professionals and researchers, the CUO has earned an enviable reputation both nationally and internationally. With the aging of the population and significant increase in life expectancy, blindness and visual impairment is increasing significantly in Quebec and around the world.

“Providing advanced vision care is a public health priority," said Dr. Isabelle Hardy, CUO’s chief medical officer since 2012. "Healthy vision allows citizens to remain independent, avoid falls, and stave off isolation and depression. The ophthalmologists at the CUO are pleased to be at the forefront of this care and to participate in advancing their area of specialization, innovating with researchers and providing  excellence to the general population.” The proximity of the CUO and the Centre de recherche en thérapie cellulaire (Cellular Therapy Research Centre) bodes well for the future, she added; the CUO is also one of only two centres in Canada to implant artificial vision prostheses (Argus II) for patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

Dr. Hélène Boisjoly, dean of UdeM's faculty of medicine, added: “The CIUSS de l’Est is a high-calibre university centre that has achieved multiple successes and innovations in ophthalmology. An eloquent example of this is the acquisition of this microscope, unique in Canada. The addition of this high-precision device is a stroke of genius and represents a tremendous contribution to both the training of the next generation and to the type of health care that the people of Montreal and Quebec can expect.”