ASCRS adds a surprise guest speaker to its usual mix

Chicago-The annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) always features many quality educational opportunities, but this year it also includes a little bit of a mystery. Officials are promising a special "celebrity surprise guest" as the final speaker of the Opening Session, but are keeping mum about that person's identity.

"We searched long and hard to find such a great speaker," he added, refusing to reveal additional details. Attendees apparently will have to go to the Opening Session, from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 5, to learn more.

Eight specialty tracks that identify a variety of courses and symposia highlighting the latest treatment options in respective subspecialties will be offered. There are separate tracks for cataract, refractive, cornea, pediatric, glaucoma, retina, and comprehensive ophthalmology, and one that overviews issues of interest to young physicians and residents.

ASCRS suggests attendees plan on arriving Thursday so they can participate in one of several special events on Friday that precede the Symposium and Congress.

Here is a look at the meeting's highlights:

Friday, April 4

Two full-day targeted educational events-one focusing on glaucoma and the other on cornea-will be held Friday. Both will feature world-renowned faculties, lectures, panel discussions, debates, and surgical video reviews. Separate registration is required for each.

"Comprehensive Glaucoma Education for the Comprehensive Ophthalmologist" is being organized by the ASCRS Glaucoma Clinical Committee. This CME-accredited program, to be held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., will focus on medical therapy, surgical treatment, IOLs in glaucoma patients, complications, new diagnostic equipment, and glaucoma billing and office management. More information is available at http://www.ascrsglaucomaday.org/.

Cornea Day 2008 is sponsored by the ASCRS Cornea Clinical Committee and The Cornea Society. This one-day symposium will provide an overview of refractive surgery, as well as corneal issues in cataract surgery. The program features lectures, debates, panel discussions, and surgical video reviews from a well-known faculty.

This 7-hour program (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) is approved for CME credits and designed to improve the knowledge base and skill level of those treating today's patients. More information is available at http://www.corneaday.org/.

COE Review Day. ASOA's annual Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE) Review Day will be held Friday.