Among the highlights of Saturday’s program at AAO 2023 are three honorary lectures.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Jackson Memorial Lecture: Striving Toward Better Eye Health Beyond Our Waiting Rooms
Presented by Eve J. Higginbotham, SM, MD, ML
When: Saturday, 9:37-10:02 a.m., during Sym64, Opening Session (9:00-10:30 a.m.)
Where: Esplanade Ballroom
“As ophthalmologists, we know well the benefits of our care and the impact of interventions on the lives of our patients; however, at the health system level, the contribution of eye health is often overlooked. There are strategies we may consider to enhance the relevance of our research to the needs of diverse populations. There are elements within our control and other factors beyond our reach, such as fragmented insurance coverage, and the fact that many of our colleagues are not as aware of what we have to offer as a discipline.
“Because ophthalmology is not a requirement in medical schools—it’s not a core rotation—students need to go out of their way in many medical schools to be exposed to our discipline. In fact, some medical schools don’t have a department of ophthalmology. There are many, many barriers, but certainly, as an ophthalmologist, I understand the value we bring. My Jackson Lecture will offer insight and recommendations regarding how we may move forward in this enlightened environment in which outcomes and the health of all populations, particularly those that have been persistently marginalized, matter.”
—Eve J. Higginbotham, SM, MD, ML
Read a profile of this year’s Jackson Memorial Lecturer, and also see her tips for attending the Academy’s annual meeting.
OPHTHALMOLOGY AND THE ARTS
Michael F. Marmor, MD, Lecture in Ophthalmology and the Arts: Bach to the Future, Baroque Music in the 21st Century
Presented by Voices of Music
When: Saturday, 10:05-10:30 a.m., during Sym64. Session (9:00-10:30 a.m.)
Where: Esplanade Ballroom
Every year an eminent practitioner in architecture, music, history, or art with strong links to medicine gives the Marmor Lecture in Arts and Ophthalmology to illuminate how his or her field of expertise relates to and can provide unique insights into ophthalmology.
This year, the lecture will be given by Voices of Music, an Early Music ensemble that will recreate the music of Bach, as the composer would have heard it.
ETHICS
Dr. Allan Jensen and Claire Jensen Lecture in Professionalism and Ethics: Paying Attention to Corporatization and Greed in Our Health Care System and Their Impact on Professionalism, Ethics, Moral Injury, and a Good Night’s Sleep
Presented by Paul R. Lichter, MD
When: Saturday, 11:35 a.m.-noon, during Sym05, Dr. Allan Jensen and Claire Jensen Lecture in Professionalism and Ethics (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
Where: West 2002
“Private equity, hospital systems, insurance companies, drug and device industries, the federal government, and more are making it increasingly difficult for physicians to deliver high quality patient care. Commonly, lay managers design systems to deliver highly profitable patient care without the input of physicians. They must see more patients to meet productivity goals, despite not having the necessary resources to do so. To retain their jobs, physicians are pressed to order tests and perform surgeries that sometimes conflict with the Hippocratic Oath. Ethics are impacted.
“This lecture will cover voluntary conflicts of interest, the impact of key opinion leaders on prescribing practices, and the public’s perception of the medical profession. Attendees will use the imparted knowledge to consider their own place in the health care system while they try to get a good night’s sleep.”
—Paul R. Lichter, MD
This content is excerpted from the Friday/Saturday edition of AAO 2023 News, the newspaper distributed at the convention center.
Read more news about Subspecialty Day and AAO 2023.