This Week in Ophthalmology: Week of October 19, 2024

Welcome to a special edition of This Week in Ophthalmology, as we look back at the recently concluded 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting, held in Chicago.

The Academy meeting brought together thousands of eye care professionals to explore the latest advancements in ophthalmology. With a theme of "Elevate," the meeting emphasized enhancing knowledge and skills across the profession, offering a diverse range of educational opportunities. These included symposia, clinical sessions, surgical labs, and hands-on workshops.

Key topics covered were cutting-edge treatments for geographic atrophy, innovations in retinal therapy, and the role of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology. A standout session addressed sustainability in clinics, particularly reducing waste by adhering to FDA-regulated expiration dates for eye drops, potentially saving millions annually. New features included the Innovation Theater and Academy Theater, which showcased emerging technologies and key research, as well as networking spaces tailored for small-group interactions.

A highlight of the event was the Saturday Night Celebration, a new social gathering aimed at fostering connections among attendees. Experts like Dr. Jasmine H. Francis delivered prominent lectures, further enriching the educational atmosphere of the event.

The meeting concluded with a focus on Cataract Monday, spotlighting complications and new developments in cataract surgery, ensuring that attendees left with practical insights to implement in their practices. Overall, the 2024 Academy meeting was a comprehensive and impactful gathering, highlighting both clinical advancements and the importance of collaboration in the field.

During the meeting, Jonathan Tan discussed his poster detailing eye drop waste.

Alvin Liu also discussed the new AI Center at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.