Dr. Étienne Bénard-Séguin

Acuity Doctors

Dr. Étienne Bénard-Séguin, MD, FRCSC

 

Comprehensive and Neuro-Ophthalmologist

Clinical Lecturer, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary

 

Dr. Étienne Bénard-Séguin is an ophthalmologist and Clinical Lecturer at the University of Calgary. A Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, he provides advanced ophthalmic care with subspecialty training in neuro-ophthalmology.

Dr. Bénard-Séguin practices comprehensive ophthalmology at Acuity Ophthalmology, where he specializes in cataract surgery and offers premium intraocular lens (IOL) options tailored to each patient’s visual goals. He also maintains a dedicated neuro-ophthalmology practice at the Rockyview Eye Clinic, where he manages patients with complex optic nerve, visual pathway, and ocular motor disorders.

 

In addition to his clinic-based roles, Dr. Bénard-Séguin provides on-call ophthalmic coverage at the Rockyview General Hospital, Calgary’s centre for excellence in ophthalmology. There, he delivers emergency ophthalmic care, including urgent vision-saving procedures such as repair of open globe injuries, management of acute angle closure glaucoma, and other ocular emergencies. His work ensures rapid access to specialized eye care for patients presenting through the emergency department or hospital system.

 

Dr. Bénard-Séguin completed his Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude from the University of Ottawa, receiving the University Gold Medal for the highest graduating GPA. He earned his medical doctorate at the prestigious Queen’s University, where he was awarded the Edgar Forrester Scholarship and the Franklin & Helene Bracken Scholarship, both recognizing academic excellence at the highest level. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Calgary, where he served as Chief Resident and was actively involved in teaching and program development.

 

In recognition of his outstanding academic and clinical performance during residency, he was awarded the Detweiler Travelling Fellowship by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This supported his fellowship training in neuro-ophthalmology at Emory University under the mentorship of Drs. Nancy Newman and Valerie Biousse, both leaders in the field of neuro-ophthalmology.

 

A dedicated educator, Dr. Bénard-Séguin is a Clinical Lecturer at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. In his first year on faculty, he received the Master Teacher Award from the ophthalmology residency program, a testament to his teaching excellence and mentorship. He frequently delivers grand rounds, supervises resident research, and contributes to the academic development of future ophthalmologists.

 

Dr. Bénard-Séguin is also an accomplished researcher with over twenty peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology and American Journal of Ophthalmology. He won the research award for best fellow presentation for his work on Implementing an Eye Stroke protocol in the Emergency Department. Currently, his work explores topics including AI-based diagnostic tools, early diagnosis of optic neuritis, use of fundus photography in the emergency department, and cataract surgery optimization using femtosecond laser technology. His research has received accolades from NANOS, Fighting Blindness Canada, and the Calgary Eye Foundation, among others. Dr. Bénard-Séguin is also leading interdisciplinary research at the University of Calgary through the Calgary Ophthalmology Innovation Laboratory (COIL).

 

Practice Philosophy

Dr. Bénard-Séguin believes that exceptional eye care should be accessible to everyone. His practice philosophy is rooted in patient-centered care—prioritizing clear communication, shared decision-making, and individualized treatment plans that respect each patient’s values, lifestyle, and visual goals. Whether performing surgery, managing complex neuro-ophthalmic disease, or offering urgent care in the emergency setting, he strives to create a supportive and respectful environment where patients feel informed, empowered, and cared for at every step.

Fluent in both English and French, Dr. Bénard-Séguin is committed to delivering high-quality, equitable care to all patients.

Scope of Practice

Dr. Bénard-Séguin’s preferred areas of practice include the following:

 

MEDICAL OPHTHALMOLOGY

  • Glaucoma and ocular hypertension including selective laser trabeculoplasty and laser peripheral iridotomy
  • Uveitis
  • Retinal disease including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other, epiretinal membranes
  • Medication toxicity screening including Plaquenil

 

SURGICAL OPHTHALMOLOGY

  • Cataract
  • Pterygium
  • Eyelid lesions
  • Chalazia/hordeola (styes)
  • Functional dermatochalasis (for blepharoplasty surgery)

 

**Neuro-ophthalmology consultations should be directed to the Rockyview Eye Clinic**

 

Please fill out our online referral form or fax referrals for Dr. Bénard-Séguin to (403) 265-9279.