Time to begin planning AAO schedule

Registration is now open for the 2005 annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). It is time to begin planning your schedule to ensure your place in the most popular courses and events, as well as securing reduced early-bird registration fees. Registration is easy and convenient from the academy's Web site, www.aao.org/annual_meeting.

The online program provides the most up-to-date list of courses and sessions offered at this year's meeting, including abstracts and scheduling information. Continue to consult the online program on the academy's Web site for the most up-to-date program information throughout the year.

With more than 500 courses, symposia, and special events, you can tailor your own personal program to meet your needs. Here are some can't-miss highlights to help you plan your schedule.

Registrants can attend both meetings on Friday and Saturday, as well as subspecialty meetings on Saturday.

Saturday, Oct. 15 The exhibit hall opens at 10 a.m. and subspecialty day continues.

Registrants have access to all six subspecialty meetings on Saturday only.

Sunday, Oct. 16 Run for Vision: This charity run/walk, which benefits the Eye Bank Association of America, is celebrating its 20th year. It begins at 6:30 a.m. in Chicago Park. Register through the academy online or at onsite registration, Hall A.

The posters and videos open early, 7:30 a.m.

The opening session, 8:30 to 10 a.m., features keynote speaker Francis S. Collins, MD, who shepherded the Human Genome Project through many of its major goals. He will share his insight into genomics and the eye.

Making sense of maintenance of certification: What's required, 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., is presented by the academy's maintenance of certification education committee. This valuable and free special meeting covers the process, requirements, and preparation for the maintenance of certification examination. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

Late breakers for comprehensive ophthalmology symposium, 2 to 3:30 p.m., highlights the latest information in primary eye care, from surgical techniques to new information on the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases.