The Annual American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Conference was held in Chicago from September 30 to October 3 and many of our Mid Atlantic Retina doctors were invited to give lectures, moderate panels, and lead instructional courses, as leaders in the retina community.
Carl Regillo, MD presented an update on the Susvimo Port Delivery system for age-related macular degeneration during Retina Subspecialty Day. The three year follow up data from the Archway study showed positive safety and efficacy results in patients who underwent follow up treatment. Dr. Regillo played key roles in developing this treatment modality.
Yoshihiro Yonekawa, MD presented on pediatric retinal conditions and their urgency during Pediatric Subspeciality Day. Dr. Yonekawa devised a “fear meter” in which retinal findings with signs of disease are prioritized over systemic conditions that have retinal findings. He also led a panel discussion on pediatric retinal diseases during Retina Subspecialty Day.
Wills Eye Hospital held “Meet the Experts” sessions. From our team, Allen Ho, MD, Jose Pulido, MD, Dr. Regillo, and several retina fellows presented educational cases.
Dr. Ho, program co-chair for Eyecelerator, moderated a presentation on the future of age-related macular degeneration treatments and technology in front of an audience attendance of 1,000+. He also gave an update on stem cell therapy clinical trials during Retina Subspecialty Day.
In the late breakers session, Michael Cohen, MD, presented Phase 1 Study of JNJ-81201887 Gene Therapy in GA due to AMD. This was the first time that data from this clinical program was presented, which was met with great excitement.
AAO is also a great place to learn from instructional courses. Sunir Garg, MD, led a “Pro/Con Debates” course, joined by MAR faculty Michael Klufas, MD, and Dr. Cohen. Lively discussions took place.
Dr. Klufas presented on cataract surgery complications: the vitreoretinal perspective. Updates on the management of endophthalmitis, retained lens material, dislocated intraocular lens (IOLs) were discussed among other complications that may occur after cataract surgery.
