The Academy’s Regional Advisors Committee has spotlighted 25 events at AAO 2022 it recommends for international attendees. We are looking forward to meeting you in Chicago!
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Saturday, Oct. 1
213 - What’s New and Important in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus for 2021
The AAPOS Professional Education Committee members review 29 journals related to ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, strabismus, orthoptics, neurology, genetics and general medicine to find all relevant publications. The course instructors summarize the most important information published during the last year. The audience will receive a summary of all published articles, organized by topic area, as well as an abbreviated summary of the truly “best and most important” articles. Senior Instructor: Emily A. McCourt, MD
232 - Diabetic Retinopathy Treatments: Clinically Relevant Results From the DRCR Retina Network
This course will present clinically relevant results of recently completed DRCR Retina Network clinical studies. The course will demonstrate implementation of these results into clinical practice using case examples. At the conclusion of this course, the attendee will be able to apply the DRCR Retina Network results to clinically relevant situations in daily practice. Senior Instructor: Chirag D. Jhaveri, MD
240 - Sutureless Scleral Fixation of PC-IOL in the Absence of Capsular Support
Management of aphakia in the absence of capsular support remains a challenge for the ophthalmic surgeon. Historical options have included anterior chamber IOLs and iris- or scleral suture-fixated IOLs. This course describes two surgical approaches for sutureless scleral fixation of a foldable posterior chamber IOL (PC-IOL) by the creation of intrascleral tunnels: (1) the glued IOL and (2) the flanged haptic techniques. Senior Instructor: Sadeer B. Hannush, MD
241 - A Video Symposium of Challenging Cases and the Management of Intraoperative Complications During Cataract Surgery
This course will cover a spectrum of difficult cataract cases as well as a potpourri of intraoperative complications. This course will expose the surgeon to principles and techniques that are useful in undertaking difficult cases and in managing serious intraoperative complications. Senior Instructor: Robert H. Osher, MD
248 - How to Recognize and Treat Infectious Uveitis
This course will focus on how to recognize infectious uveitis, especially those entities that require immediate diagnosis and treatment to avoid vision loss. Because pattern recognition is vital in the initial diagnosis of infectious uveitis, each instructor will present illustrative cases to include the history, signs and symptoms of each entity. By the end of this course, attendees will be able to recognize and differentiate between the various necrotizing retinitis syndromes that can lead to vision loss. The attendees will also know how to approach immediate treatment in each case and when to refer a patient to a subspecialist. Senior Instructor: Emilio M. Dodds, MD
264 - What You Need to Know About Headache: A Pain for the Patient and a Pain for the Doctor
Cosponsored by the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS)
The purpose of this course is to present a simplified framework for diagnosis and management of these patients that will both streamline their evaluation and provide guidelines for potentially beneficial therapeutic interventions. At the conclusion of this course, the attendees will be able to identify the major categories of underlying diagnoses for headache and eye pain, develop a succinct strategy for history and clinical examination to confirm the suspected diagnosis and develop treatment goals to help their patients. Senior Instructor: Peter A. Quiros, MD
282 - iGlaucoma: The Latest Innovations in Glaucoma Therapy
The field of glaucoma is currently experiencing an expansive period of clinical innovation, with new diagnostic, medical, laser and surgical treatments becoming available within the past year. This course will discuss (1) new therapies that have a range of mechanisms of action, (2) delivery mechanisms for glaucoma medicines that are currently in the final stage of clinical testing, with promising results and (3) laser and surgical treatments that have improved safety profiles and ease of use. At the conclusion of this course, the attendees will be able to describe and apply the newest innovations in glaucoma therapy (diagnostics, medications, laser and surgery) in their practices for optimum patient care. Senior Instructor: David A. Lee, MD
283 - Advanced Techniques and Innovations in MSICS
In this course, surgeons who are studying to become or are already manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) surgeons will be able to expand their knowledge of and skill in the procedure. Evolving styles and techniques for surgical efficiency, safety and refractive outcomes continue to be developed by surgeons around the world. At the conclusion of this course, the attendee will be equipped with a new set of skills to optimize various steps of their MSICS cases. Particular areas of improved competency will be reducing surgical time, minimizing surgically induced astigmatism and combining glaucoma procedures into their cases. Senior Instructor: Brenton D. Finklea, MD
290 - Retinal and Choroidal Manifestations of Selected Systemic Diseases 2022
This course will discuss the current state of retinal and choroidal manifestations of selected systemic diseases, with topics including SLE, gastrointestinal diseases, primary vitreoretinal lymphoma, ocular toxocariasis, mosquitoes and the posterior segment of the eye, yellow fever, Coats disease, tuberculosis and retinal-choroidal toxicity of systemic drugs. Experts from the United States, Asia and South America will discuss the impact that systemic diseases have had in the posterior pole of the eye worldwide. At the conclusion of this course, participants will appreciate the variety of retinal and choroidal manifestations of selected systemic diseases. Senior Instructor: J. Fernando Arevalo, MD, PHD, FACS
LAB107 - Laser Retinopexy for Retinal Breaks: Simulation Workshop
The purpose of this course is to present a simplified framework for diagnosis and management of these patients that will both streamline their evaluation and provide guidelines for potentially beneficial therapeutic interventions. At the conclusion of this course, the attendees will be able to identify the major categories of underlying diagnoses for headache and eye pain, develop a succinct strategy for history and clinical examination to confirm the suspected diagnosis and develop treatment goals to help their patients. Course Director: Elad Moisseiev, MD
LEC102 - International Society of Refractive Surgery Laser Refractive Surgery Course
This course is designed to give participants the information and skills needed for LASIK, surface ablation and SMILE, including patient selection, basic principles, postoperative care and management of complications. This course will start with the basics: how conventional and laser microkeratomes work and what one needs to know before performing LASIK, surface ablation and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). It will move on to cover tips, step by step, with presentations discussing the newest applications and developments in LASIK, surface ablation and SMILE. Course Director: Jason E. Stahl, MD
LEC124 - MIGS: Devices and Incisional Techniques
This course will cover surgery for glaucoma via internal approach, including microincisional glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) and other ab interno glaucoma surgeries. All approved ab interno glaucoma surgeries will be covered, including microscope setup and gonioscopic techniques. Attendees will be able to describe the indications, surgical technique, IOP outcomes and complications associated with these microinvasive ab interno procedures. Course Director: Steven R. Sarkisian, MD
Sunday, Oct. 2
268 - Preventing and Managing Complications Following Vitreoretinal Surgery
Complications following vitreoretinal surgery can lead to significant vision loss. Ongoing advances in current surgical techniques, diagnostic modalities and evidence-based standards of treatment have altered the way these sequelae can be prevented and managed. The objective of this course is to educate the retina community regarding current strategies for preventing and managing these complications through case presentations and discussion by an interactive panel of vitreoretinal surgeons. Senior Instructor: Anton Orlin, MD
413 - Artificial Intelligence: Demystification and Applications, Level 201
This course will provide an intermediate-level discussion of AI applications in ophthalmology, with specific examples across multiple clinical domains. This course aims to provide an intermediate level training to attendees who already have some familiarity and experience with AI. The course will focus on a discussion of cutting-edge techniques and research in various areas of AI application in ophthalmology and vision science. Attendees will be able to learn about recent advances in AI, as well as ongoing challenges, from leading experts in ophthalmic AI research. Senior Instructor: Andrzej Grzybowski, MD
420 - Management of Malpositioned IOLs
Early and late decentration/dislocation of IOLs is a significant complication of current cataract surgery. This course will (1) identify the causes of IOL dislocation/decentration, (2) consider prevention of malpositioned IOLs and (3) through use of video presentations, demonstrate various surgical techniques for correction of IOL decentration/dislocation. Senior Instructor: Nicole R. Fram, MD
428 - A Step-by-Step Primer to Starting SMILE in 2022
Cosponsored by the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS)
This course will provide an overview of the principles underlying the safe, modern practice of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), as well as pearls of surgical technique and complication management, to benefit both beginner and established SMILE surgeons. The attendee will acquire a broad understanding of the scientific principles underlying the SMILE procedure. The course will provide the foundations for patient selection, surgical planning and operating technique, as well as an overview of complication avoidance and management. Senior Instructor: Dan Z. Reinstein, MD
464 - Managing Complications of Refractive Surgery
This course will cover the management of complications of refractive surgery. At the end of this course, the attendee shall be prepared to manage all the intraoperative complications of refractive surgery in their operating room and will be completely updated with all the techniques of managing later complications of refractive surgery. This shall allow surgeons to review their treatment protocols and surgical techniques to reduce rates of complications in their hands and be better prepared to handle the untoward situations so that results may remain optimum. Senior Instructor: Prakhyat Roop, MBBS
474 - Lotions, Potions, OnabotulinumtoxinA and Fillers: Nonlaser Rejuvenation for the Ophthalmologist
Cosmeceuticals, neuromodulators, chemical peels and facial fillers are nonlaser treatments for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation. This course will review facial skin analysis and minimally invasive therapeutic options available to patients. Integration into practice and new products will be reviewed. By the end of this course, attendees will be familiar with skin assessment techniques and cosmeceutical treatments. Cases will be reviewed to emphasize the integration of lotions, potions and injectables to optimize outcomes. Video case examples will be reviewed by the panel. Senior Instructor: Femida Kherani , MD
LAB129A - Trabeculectomy Techniques
This course will provide a comprehensive review of the techniques and complications of glaucoma filtration surgery, with a heavy emphasis on surgical video presentations. The presenters will demonstrate basic and advanced glaucoma surgical techniques used in filtration surgery, such as Ex-Press shunts, needling revision, compression sutures, fornix and limbal closure and topical anesthesia. Each video will be concluded with a panel discussion, including questions from the audience. This course will review surgical anatomy, basic trabeculectomy techniques, antimetabolites (including 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C) and postoperative management and complications. Course Director: Emily P. Jones, MD
Monday, Oct. 3
606 - The Swollen Optic Nerve: A Basic Guide to Evaluation and Management
In most patients with swollen optic nerve, the etiology can be established by careful history-taking and clinical examination. At the conclusion of the course, the attendee will be able to diagnose common causes of optic nerve swelling. A systematic approach to evaluation and management will aid the attendee in ordering appropriate tests, identifying patients requiring emergent management and making appropriate referrals to specialists. Senior Instructor: Collin M. McClelland, MD
610 - Ocular Surface Masqueraders: What Not to Miss and How Not to Miss It
This course will focus on the multidisciplinary management of orbital tumors through representative cases from the instructors' orbital practices. Through clinical pictures of illustrative cases and the collective experience of the instructors, the course will cover initial presentation, imaging characteristics of orbital lesions, surgical approach and the role of ancillary treatment options such as radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy. The target audience is the oculoplastic and orbital surgeon. At the conclusion of this course, the attendee will be able to appropriately diagnose orbital tumors and will be familiar with the multidisciplinary management of orbital tumors. Senior Instructor: Carol L. Karp, MD
615 - Management of Orbital Tumors: Case Presentation and Discussion
This course will focus on the step-by-step evaluation of patients with uveitis by using case presentations to illustrate specific uveitis entities. Each course instructor will present interesting cases as unknowns for discussion by the panel of instructors. The rationale for ordering laboratory evaluations/ancillary tests and for the treatment plan will be explained in detail. Senior Instructor: Bita Esmaeli MD, FACS
630 - Is This Case Keratoconus? Quantitative and Qualitative Early Diagnosis and Progression Criteria Using Modern Corneal Diagnostics, for Cornea Experts and Refractive Surgeons
Cosponsored by The Retina Society
The course will present current methodology and clinical pearls in screening and evaluating corneal ectasia and keratoconus, as well as possible progression assessment. A multitude of contemporary imaging modalities as well as family member screening will be discussed. Extensive and broad experience in diagnosing ectasia and progressive keratoconus in Europe and the US by employing multiple anterior-segment imaging technologies, also applicable to post-surgery follow-up and assessment, will be shared with attendees. Several cases will be reviewed as a recap, and the audience will be encouraged to participate in a “live” clinical assessment workshop on diagnosis skills. Senior Instructor: Gregory J. Pamel, MD
631 - 1000+ DMEKs! Learn Ridiculously Simplified and Cost-Effective Ways From a Master in the Developing World
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is now indicated in most cases of endothelial dysfunction. Unfortunately, it is mostly performed by surgeons from developed countries. This wonderful surgery is not affordable to many patients in the developing world, where resources are also limited. This video-based instruction course will discuss and demonstrate the different steps of the DMEK procedure. This course will also talk about immediate postoperative care, medications and managing complications. At the conclusion of this course, the attendee will be better able to apply the tips and tricks of performing DMEK in a simplified, stepwise manner in the most cost-effective ways. Senior Instructor: Samar K. Basak MD, FRCS, MBBS
647 - An Interactive Case-Based Approach to Pseudotumor Cerebri: What to Do, and When to Do It!
A patient with headache has possibly swollen optic nerves and blurry vision. Or the patient has severe optic nerve swelling, hemorrhages, and vision loss and shows up on Friday afternoon. Now what? We will use a case-based approach including modern technology interpretation to help you diagnose and manage “routine” as well as less common (male, older or pregnant) patients. At the conclusion of this course, attendees will be able to recognize PTC features that predict sight-threatening disease and to describe the evaluation and referral process. They also will recognize mimickers of the disease. Attendees will be able to interpret the results of diagnostic imaging techniques and to select appropriate medical, surgical or endovascular treatments based on exam and test findings. They will recognize and implement crucial interventions for long-term disease remission. Senior Instructor: Prem S. Subramanian, MD, PhD