Low Vision Speaker Series 2026
The Event
The Low Vision Speaker Series (LVSS) is an annual webinar series hosted by BALANCE for Blind Adults and presented by Eye Recommend, bringing together leading voices in vision care, accessibility, and inclusive mental health. Each year, we present free virtual sessions for professionals, community members, and people living with vision loss.
What to Expect:
- Expert-led talks on the latest in vision health and inclusive practices
- Real-world insights on mental health, technology, and patient care
- Interactive sessions and live Q&A
- A chance to build a more inclusive and informed community
2026 Sessions
May 5, 2026, 7-8 PM EST
Inherited Retinal Degenerations – Impact, Treatments, Latest Research, and the Critical Role of Optometrists.
Dr. Kirill Zaslavsky, MD, PhD, FRCSC
Dr. Kirill Zaslavsky is a board-certified ophthalmologist completing dual fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery at the University of British Columbia and inherited retinal degenerations (IRD) at Mass Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School. He completed a combined MD/PhD program and ophthalmology residency at the University of Toronto. His PhD focused on human stem cell biology and gene editing, and to date he has contributed to 47 academic publications, with first authorships in Nature Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Stroke, IOVS, and the American Journal of Human Genetics. His most recent work explores the low population penetrance of inherited retinal degenerations. He is excited to return to Ontario to start work as a vitreoretinal surgeon at the Waterloo Region Health Network in September 2026.
May 19, 2025, 7-8 PM EST
Photovoltaic Restoration of Central Vision in Atrophic AMD
Dr. Daniel Palanker
Daniel Palanker is a Professor of Ophthalmology and, by courtesy, of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University. He received PhD in Applied Physics (biomedical optics) in 1994 from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, and postdoctoral training in Physics (ultrafast lasers) at Stanford University in 1996-1998.
Dr. Palanker studies interactions of electric field with biological cells and tissues, and develops optical and electronic technologies for diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical and prosthetic applications, primarily in ophthalmology. Currently, he is working on photovoltaic retinal prosthesis (PRIMA) for restoration of sight and on label-free interferometric imaging of neural signals in-vivo.
Several of his developments are in clinical practice world-wide, including Electrosurgical system (PlasmaBlade, Medtronic), Pattern Scanning Laser Photocoagulator (PASCAL, Iridex) and Femtosecond Laser for Cataract Surgery (Catalys, J&J). Photovoltaic retinal prosthesis (PRIMA, Science Corp.) is in clinical trials.
Register for the Photovoltaic Restoration of Central Vision in Atrophic AMD.
May 26, 2026, 7-8 PM EST
Promises of AI: Practical Applications for Patients Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Elizabeth Mohler and Windy Ho-Li
Elizabeth Mohler is the Pre-Employment Specialist at BALANCE for Blind Adults, where she supports blind and partially sighted job seekers in developing the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to pursue employment or further training.
In her work, Elizabeth collaborates with community partners and employment service providers to connect participants with resources, training opportunities, and employment pathways. She is committed to creating supportive learning environments that help individuals build independence and meaningful participation in the workforce.
Elizabeth completed her PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Western University in April 2026. Outside of work, she is an active triathlete and tandem cyclist who values community, movement, and inclusive participation in sport.
Windy Ho-Li is a Low Vision Assistive Technology Instructor with over 15 years of lived experience with sight loss, which began at age 17. Her journey from denial to independence, supported by adaptive strategies and technology, led her to pursue formal training at BALANCE and complete the Assistive Technology Apprenticeship Program in 2022.
She now empowers individuals with sight loss by using assistive technology to enhance accessibility, independence, and confidence. Combining professional expertise with personal insight, Windy is passionate about helping others improve their quality of life and embrace new ways of living fully. Outside of work, she enjoys downhill skiing, tandem biking, dancing, and trying new experiences.
