Keeping You in the Loupe: A Closer Look at Ergonomics in the Operating Room

A Webinar Brought to You by the COS Working Group in Ergonomics and Injury Prevention 

This accredited webinar explores the evolving science and practice of ergonomics in surgery, with a focus on how clinicians can build healthier, more sustainable careers through optimized body positioning, equipment selection, and workplace culture shifts.

Dr. Donny Suh, an internationally recognized expert and advocate for better ergonomics in surgical settings, will review the history and evolution of surgical loupes and provide a framework for selecting loupes based on individual needs, including working distance, posture, visual demands, and career stage. Dr. Suh will also explore the ergonomic paradox of microsurgery: how operating within an extremely small surgical field often requires significant lateral bending and sustained non-neutral postures, and what practical modifications can reduce strain without compromising performance.

Beyond equipment and posture, the webinar will highlight the critical roles of mentorship, hospital leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing ergonomic awareness.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the relationship between their surgical posture, equipment use, and musculoskeletal strain using current evidence from ergonomics research.
2. Evaluate key criteria for selecting and optimizing surgical loupes and other equipment to enhance posture, visual performance, and career longevity.
3. Implement ergonomic strategies to reduce physical strain associated with microsurgical practice, including sustained non-neutral postures and lateral bending.
4. Advocate for ergonomic awareness and culture change through mentorship, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration across medical and surgical specialties.

Key Details:

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 – 8:15 pm ET

This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and approved by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). You may claim a maximum of 1.25 hours. 

CanMEDs: 

• Medical Expert
• Leader
• Health Advocate