Download PDF
WELCOME
Five Days in Las Vegas
Engage with colleagues from around the world, learn new skills, and hear about the latest treatments at AAO 2015, the Academy’s 119th meeting.
How to prepare. Over the coming months, EyeNet’s Destination AAO 2015 will guide you through deadlines, the scientific program, must-attend events, and can’t-miss Las Vegas events.
When to be there. AAO 2015 (Nov. 14-17) is preceded by Subspecialty Day (Nov. 13-14).
SKILLS TRANSFER
Sneak Peek: This Year’s Skills Transfer Courses
 |
| DISCOVER NEW TECHNIQUES. Skills Transfer courses allow you to learn innovative skills from the masters. |
Jack A. Cohen, MD, chair of the Skills Transfer Advisory Committee, discusses the importance of mastering new techniques in ophthalmology, and which Skills Transfer courses appeal to him the most for AAO 2015.
Q. How does the “Discover!” theme of this year’s meeting correspond with the Skills Transfer program?
There are various ways to become informed about a myriad of subjects, and the “Discover!” theme describes how individuals can find different approaches to discovering knowledge within formats that are advantageous to them. The Skills Transfer labs are just one of several ways that participants can learn innovative skills from the experts. The goal of these courses is to introduce new and desired skills in hands-on labs.
Q. How have the courses evolved over the years?
The committee meets twice a year in order to discuss the course lineup. Improvements are made based on evaluations from past participants and suggestions from committee members. New courses are discussed at our meetings and are added to the program on a yearly basis. We consistently attempt to add skills courses covering the newest techniques that participants want to learn.
Q. What is new with Skills Transfer this year?
We have added two new Skills Transfer labs this year: advanced periorbital flap and graft techniques, and photo-video editing.
We are also continuing two popular policies.
Last year, for the first time, attendees could participate in the labs without having to attend the corresponding lectures for the labs. For AAO 2015 the committee has decided to “strongly recommend” certain lectures that would help participants prior to specific labs. Participants should review the scientific program for the “strongly recommended” label when reading each lab description.
The second policy continued from previous years: Residents receive a 50 percent discount off published pricing for any of the Skills Transfer lab courses.
Q. If you could take one course, which would it be and why?
I have always been fascinated with the oculoplastics labs. It is amazing how we can preserve and use real tissue in order to teach skills labs for those who are interested in a variety of plastics techniques. I would love to spend a day or two in the plastics skills labs learning techniques and improving skills that I do not typically have an opportunity to perform.
Q. What makes the Skills Transfer program unique?
Skills Transfer labs offer participants an opportunity to learn and to perform techniques they want to use in their practices. It’s a hands-on program that provide skills that no other programs offer at AAO 2015. The program is a wonderful learning venue where participants can learn from the best experts in the country through one-on-one interactions.
 |
A SUCCESS. The Roaring ’20s–themed Orbital Gala at AAO 2014 raised more than $100,000 for the Academy’s educational, quality of care, and service programs.
|
ATTEND THE ORBITAL GALA. Be sure to join the fun on Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Wynn Las Vegas. The theme is masquerade, so wear a mask for an aura of mystery, or come as you are for a night of glamour, intrigue, and revelry. The Academy Foundation is proud to recognize Marilyn T. Miller, MD, as this year’s special honoree.
To purchase tickets, visit www.aao.org/foundation.
|
BEAT THE CLOCK
Starting June 24—Register, Buy Tickets, Reserve Housing
June 24 is the first day that Academy and AAOE members can register for AAO 2015 (registration is free for Academy and AAOE members) and Subspecialty Day, buy event tickets and the Academy Plus course pass, and book a hotel room. Nonmembers must wait until July 8. If you are not a member, visit www.aao.org/member-services to join the Academy or www.aao.org/joinaaoe to join AAOE.
Register by Aug. 5 to save money. If you are registering for a Subspecialty Day meeting, buying an Academy Plus course pass, or registering for the meeting as a nonmember, your fees will increase after the Aug. 5 deadline.
Register at www.aao.org/registration.
Peruse the Scientific Program, Available Online
This month, you can start accessing information about courses, including abstracts, via the Online Program. You can look up information by presenter, topic, keyword, or event number. You can also search the program by topic (e.g., “Cataract”), event type (e.g., “Symposia”), or special interest (e.g., “Endorsed by Young Ophthalmologist Committee”). Log in to begin building your personal calendar before registration opens.
To view the Online Program, visit www.aao.org/programsearch.
Buy an Academy Plus Course Pass for Flexible Scheduling
Access all Academy and AAOE instruction courses with one pass. With Academy Plus, you don’t need to plan ahead—you have the freedom to try as many courses as you want. Seating capacities are limited, so plan to arrive early at your top-choice courses.
How do you buy the Academy Plus course pass? Purchase it when you register for the meeting. It costs $175 before Aug. 6, $225 from Aug. 6 to Oct. 21, and $275 onsite.
You still need tickets for certain events. While there are no individual tickets for Academy and AAOE instruction courses, you will need to buy tickets for the following:
- AAOE Saturday Program
- AAOE Saturday Coding Sessions
- Breakfast With the Experts
- Skills Transfer labs
- Subspecialty Day meetings
- Ticketed special events
- Tours
To purchase, visit www.aao.org/pass.
Reserve a Room
All official Academy hotels are close to world-famous restaurants and attractions, and many are close to the convention center. Housing opens on June 24 for Academy and AAOE members; on July 8 for nonmembers. Visit www.aao.org/hotels for more information.
Visiting From Outside the United States?
If you need a visa, apply for it now. For scientific conferences, visa applications should be made no later than 90 days prior to travel. If you don’t need a visa, apply to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization before you travel.
For more information and travel tips, and to download a letter of invitation to help you apply for a visitor visa, visit www.aao.org/visa.
EVENTS
NEW! EyeNet Corporate Lunches
EyeNet debuts its industry-sponsored corporate lunches this year onsite at the Sands Expo/Venetian. These non-CME lunches are developed independently by industry—they are not affiliated with the official program of AAO 2015 or Subspecialty Day. Registration opens June 24 at www.eyenet.org/corporatelunch.