Glaucoma 360: 3-day event promises all-encompassing view

San Francisco-Ophthalmology Times welcomes attendees of this weekend’s Glaucoma 360 for a “full-compass view” of the cure, catalysts, and care of glaucoma, Feb. 2 to 4.

Three separate events-uniting research, industry, and philanthropy to find a cure for glaucoma-are planned for this gathering, which is presented by the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for glaucoma, in association with Ophthalmology Times. All activities for the meeting will be held at the Palace Hotel.

“Glaucoma 360 promises to bring together a confluence of top-tier glaucoma leaders from the fields of medicine, science, business, investment, philanthropy, and media with those affected by glaucoma. All proceeds will benefit [GRF] and help support research, outreach, and education,” said Andrew Iwach, MD, chairman of GRF’s board of directors, and Adrienne Graves, PhD, a member of GRF’s board of directors. The two are co-chairing the event.

Ophthalmology Timesis the global media sponsor and official publication for Glaucoma 360 events.

Catalyst for a Cure

The first event was the Catalyst for a Cure, a gala benefit, on Thursday.

Several awards were presented, including the GRF’s highest honor, the Catalyst Award, to Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, founder and attending surgeon of Minnesota Eye Consultants. The President’s Award was presented to Nobuko Saito Cleary and The Visionary Award was presented to Roger McGuinn, co-founder of the band "The Byrds."

The evening began with The Innovators Circle. The President's Reception, a chance for all participants to mingle and participate in a silent auction followed. The Dinner and Awards Program concluded the evening.

New Horizons Forum

Friday, Feb. 3 will bring the New Horizons Forum, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Described as “The Centerpiece of Glaucoma 360,” the New Horizons Forum and its exhibition will bring together key clinical, industry, finance, and FDA leaders to discuss research, innovation, and advances in glaucoma treatment.

Early-stage glaucoma companies will present the latest information on drugs, devices, diagnostics, and drug delivery. Venture capital, industry, and FDA panels will address needs and opportunities to translate new developments for clinical use.

Early-stage glaucoma companies that will make presentations include: AcuMEMS Inc., Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Altheos Inc., Amorphex Therapeutics, AqueSys, Glaukos, Implandata Ophthalmic Products, iScience Interventional, NeoMedix, Optovue, pSivida, and Transcend Medical Inc.

Scheduled speakers include Wiley A. Chambers, MD, George A. Cioffi, MD, Malvina Eydelman, MD, H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr., MD, James Mazzo, president and chief executive officer of Abbott Medical Optics, and Martin B. Wax, MD. Panel discussions will include Glaucoma Treatment Devices, Glaucoma Pharmaceuticals, Glaucoma Drug and Device Approval Process, and Investing in Glaucoma (Venture Capital).

Sponsors include: Abbott Medical Optics, Accutome Inc., Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alcon Inc., Allergan Inc., Altheos Inc., Amorphex Therapeutics, Bausch + Lomb, Canon USA, Carl Zeiss Meditec, ELCON Medical, Glaukos Inc., Heidelberg Engineering Inc., Iridex Inc., Lumenis Ltd., NeoMedix Corp., iCO Therapeutics, IOP Ophthalmics, OptiMedica, Optovue Inc., Ora, PanOptica Inc., Santen Inc., TearLab, Transcend Medical Inc., and Versant Ventures.

Annual Glaucoma Symposium

The 16th Annual Glaucoma Symposium will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This program is designed to update ophthalmologists on key developments and current issues in glaucoma. Glaucoma specialists will discuss insights and advances related to glaucoma management, medication, and surgical techniques. After the talks, the speakers will have a panel discussion to address questions from the audience.

Topics will include "Update on Glaucoma Medications and Laser Treatment," "Practical Lessons from Glaucoma Clinical Trials," "Reliability of Glaucoma Testing Procedures," "Impact of Cataract Surgery on IOP in Patients with Ocular Hypertension or Glaucoma," "Uveitic Glaucoma," and "New Surgical Procedures."

Only licensed physicians may attend this event. Up to 4 CME credits are available.

After the program, participants should be able to identify and describe two new surgical procedures for glaucoma, recognize the role of new imaging modalities in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, and discuss the impact of cataract surgery on IOP in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma.

Social Events

Several social events are planned on Friday for family members and guests of participants, including The San Francisco Spa Experience, a Napa Wine Country tour, and an Amphibious City Tour that includes a tour of the city on land and in the water, followed by lunch on Fisherman’s Wharf and a visit to the Exploratorium museum.

For information on all Glaucoma 360 events, visit www.glaucoma.org.

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