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    Tips for AAO 2021—Dr. Masket: "Avoid Kid-in-the-Candy-Store Syndrome"


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    In 1977, Samuel Masket, MD, founded an anterior segment practice in Los Angeles. Last year, at the outset of the COVID-19 public health emergency, he stopped seeing patients due to the risk that the virus posed to older physicians. During the past decades, he attended 46 Academy annual meetings; last year’s all-virtual meeting was his 47th and AAO 2021 will be his 48th. Below, he shares his top tips for AAO 2021.

    First annual meeting—1974."I attended my first Academy annual meeting in 1974 in Dallas and was beyond over­whelmed. It left such an impression that I have not missed one since!"

    Top tip for getting the most out of the annual meeting—have a limited but specific goal. "The Academy annual meeting can be daunting, with so many activities occurring simultane­ously. You can easily feel as though you are always in the wrong place. I think that it’s best to approach each meeting with a limited but specific goal for learn­ing and take courses or attend lectures related to just a few subjects. Don’t forget to leave time for the Opening Session and for nonclinical matters." 

    Biggest beginner's mistake—kid-in-the-candy-store syndrome. "There is so much to see and learn. Trying to take it all in like a child with a free pass to a candy store is a common error for new attendees. Set yourself limited goals for learning, but be sure to leave time to visit the exhibit hall and view innovative technologies."

    How the annual meeting has evolved—the growth of Subspecialty Day and Cataract Monday.  "A major change is the evolution of the Subspecialty Day pro­grams. In prior years the instructional courses filled the bill for learning in specific clinical arenas. The new para­digm allows concentrated and specific learning in a narrower time frame. That said, related instructional courses are less busy as a result. In addition to Subspecialty Day, Cata­ract Monday offers comprehensive and specific learning in a single time setting. I have had the pleasure and privilege to participate in the Cataract Spotlight program over time and find it to be a personal highlight and an excellent learn­ing experience."

    Most rewarding experience at the AAO—a New Orleans double! "On a very per­sonal note, I have had the honor of presenting the Binkhorst Lecture in 1998 and the Kelman Lecture in 2013; interestingly, both meetings were held in New Orleans."

    Virtual meetings ver­sus in-person meetings—eager to catch up with old friends. "As a Senior Ophthalmologist [SO; Academy members aged 60 or older], I have made many friends from diverse locations over time. The annual meeting allows me to reunite and catch up. It also gives one a snapshot of the evolution of our leadership. It’s a wonderful oppor­tunity to measure and appreciate your place in the life cycle of ophthalmology. All of that was taken away from me last year."