Special AAO Preview Section Orlando 2011

AAO Meeting Features Timely Topics

Many presentations on Femto-Phaco and EHR.

By Jerry Helzner, Senior Editor

When thousands of ophthalmologists and practice administrators descend on the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando next month for the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, most of them are certain to have questions concerning two topics currently attracting the attention of the profession. These are the overall implications of the federal mandate requiring adoption of electronic health records and the potential for rapidly emerging femto-phaco technology to have a significant impact on both improving patient outcomes and enlarging the business potential of the so-called “premium” cataract surgery segment.

Fortunately, the Academy has anticipated their questions and plans a full slate of informational presentations and seminars on EHR and femto-phaco. In addition, the always-popular and educational Subspecialty Day on Saturday, Oct. 22 will feature multiple panel discussions and presentations in six specialties: cornea, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, refractive surgery and retina.

Because of the great interest that has rapidly formed in the profession around femto-phaco, the Academy has scheduled a full day of events on the subject on Sunday, Oct. 23. These include presentations of original papers, a panel discussion on the most promising femto-phaco platforms and a “Spotlight” session covering both the science and the potential business aspects of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (Course SPO4, 3:45-5:15pm). These sessions will be followed the next day—“Cataract Monday”—by two events that will also highlight femto-phaco. These presentations are titled “New Technology in Cataract Surgery” (Course SYM23, 2-4pm) and “Spotlight on Premium Cataract Surgery: The Business Behind the Medicine” (Course SPO3, 4:15-5:30pm).

In the area of electronic health records, the Academy has planned a comprehensive agenda of numerous presentations under the overall heading of “De-Mystifying EHR.” A total of 19 separate educational events are scheduled throughout the duration of the meeting (see below), including guidance on getting started, implementation and using EHR in practice. These presentations are particularly timely, as the system of federally mandated bonuses and penalties related to “meaningful use” of EHR is now in effect, with some practices already receiving bonus payments of up to $18,000 for achieving this standard. In addition, bonuses are also being earned by ophthalmology practices for e-prescribing and for providing various practice metrics under the Physicians Quality Reporting Initiative.

Highlights of the Opening Session

The meeting's Opening Session on Sunday from 8:30-10am is always anticipated with great interest. This year, the prestigious Laureate Award will be given to Alfred Sommer, MD, MHS, of Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Dr. Sommer, who continues to work full time at the institution, is Dean Emeritus of the Bloomberg School of Public Health, and University Distinguished Service Professor. More specifically, Dr. Sommer is a Professor of Epidemiology and International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Professor of Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He served as Dean of the Bloomberg School from 1990-2005.

Dr. Sommer received his MD from Harvard Medical School in 1967 and his Master of Health Science in Epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 1973.

His research interests include outcomes assessment, blindness prevention strategies, child survival and the growing interface between medicine and public health.

Dr. Sommer has published five books and more than 300 scientific articles, and has chaired scientific and advisory committees of the National Institutes of Health, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Micronutrient Forum, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the World Economic Forum.

The Orange County Convention Center at sunset. The facility is convenient to the airport and theme parks.

The Laureate Award is the second major honor for Dr. Sommer in 2011. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Ophthalmology Hall of Fame.

Also during the Opening Session, the Jackson Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Stephen C. Pflugfelder, MD, one of the founders of the Ocular Surface Center at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Pflugfelder's lecture will be on the subject of “Tear Dysfunction and the Cornea.”

Governmental Affairs

In an area of growing importance to physicians, five free sessions at this year's Annual Meeting will demonstrate the linkage between ophthalmology and both state and federal governments. The Academy says attendees should make plans to take advantage of any or all of these informative sessions:

■ 2011 Surgery by Surgeons Forum (SPE14, Sunday, Oct. 23, 11:30am-1pm) This forum, open to Academy members and invited guests, will highlight actions and trends by state legislatures and regulatory bodies related to optometry's pursuit of surgery privileges that have impacted eye health and patient safety. This year has been both triumphant and trying for ophthalmology, with patient-safety victories in Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia, but with a blow in Kentucky. Note: You must register for the fall Council meeting to attend the Surgery by Surgeons forum. Council meeting registration will open Aug. 16.

■ AAO 2011 Medicare Update (SPE51, Sunday, Oct. 23, 12:15-1:45pm) This session will provide an overview of the wide range of changes ophthalmologists can expect from the Medicare program in 2012. Topics covered will include Medicare physician pay and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physician Quality Reporting System, e-prescribing and electronic health record incentive programs.

■ Dialogue with FDA: Introducing Newly Approved Drugs and Devices into Your Practice (SPE15, Sunday, Oct. 23, 12:45-1:45pm) How do you incorporate the latest technological breakthroughs into your practice? What Food and Drug Administration resources do you have access to? During this session, FDA experts will offer insights on a variety of FDA-related ophthalmic issues.

■ Excellence in Vision Research: Cutting-Edge Innovations in the Department Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense (SPE32, Monday, Oct. 24, 12:15-1:45pm) This session will feature discussions about cutting-edge research taking place in the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. Sources and types of available research funding will also be highlighted.

■ Health System Reform, Round 2: Where Do We Go From Here? (SYM14, Monday, Oct. 24, 8:30-10am) AMA President Peter Carmel, MD, will present the Parker Heath Lecture, offering perspectives on health system reform's impact on specialty care.

It's Not All Business

Meeting attendees and spouses should also be able to take advantage of some of the Orlando area's many attractions. One event planned exclusively for Academy members is a trip to Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure theme park on Monday evening, Oct. 24. The Islands of Adventure theme park features rides, magic and other attractions. The cost is $59 for adults, $53 for children age four to 14 and free for children three and under.

Also, the annual 5K Run/Walk for Vision, a highlight of every annual meeting, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 23, beginning at 6:30am.

AAO Program At-A-Glance

■ The Opening Session on Sunday will be highlighted by the presentation of the Laureate Award to Alfred Sommer, MD, MHS, of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the Jackson Memorial Lecture on “Tear Dysfunction and the Cornea” given by Stephen C. Pflugfelder, MD, a founder of the Ocular Surface Center at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. ■ Subspecialty Day will feature presentations in six areas: Cornea, Glaucoma, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Neuro-ophthalmology, Refractive and Retina. ■ Many presentations will be devoted to two timely topics: EHR and Femto-phaco. ■ Several events are in the rapidly evolving area of Government Affairs.

SPECIAL AAO PREVIEW SECTION

For Your Dining Pleasure…

It's not just a Mickey Mouse town. Orlando offers meeting-goers options galore.

By Michael Tolentino, MD

A noted retina specialist, Dr. Tolentino is Director of Clinical Research at the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, with several locations in central Florida.

In the interest of helping my fellow ophthalmologists find enjoyable dining experiences while they are in town, and in showing that there's more to Orlando than Disney World, I've compiled the following list. As far as my experience goes, these are some of the best restaurants the city has to offer. So when the AAO meeting has satisfied your intellectual hunger, consider these, arranged according to style of cuisine (all restaurants are located in Orlando unless otherwise noted):

Brazilian

Texas De Brazil: This is a high-end churasscaria with great meats and wine selection. Don't eat all day before you come here—you'll want to make room for it all!

5259 International Drive
Phone: 407-355-0355
Texasdebrazil.com
Brunch (weekends), Lunch (Friday), Dinner

Chinese and Asian

Chan's Chinese Cuisine: This is probably the best Chinese food in Orlando, but you do not go there for the ambience or the location. By the look of the place, you would not think it is anything special, but the food is authentic (unlike most of the Chinese food that one finds in Florida).

1901 E. Colonial Drive
Phone: 407-896-0093
www.yelp.com/biz/chans-chinese-cuisine-orlando
Lunch, Dinner

Little Saigon Restaurant: This is excellent Vietnamese food. Again, you don't go there for ambience, but for good food.

1106 E. Colonial Drive, Phone: 407-423-8539
Littlesaigionrestaurant.com
Lunch, Dinner

Cuban

Columbia Restaurant: Known as Florida's oldest restaurant, Columbia serves Spanish-Cuban cuisine with the typical Spanish tapas—this one is a Florida Tradition. The closest branch is in nearby Celebration.

1106 E. Colonial Drive, Celebration
Phone: 407-423-8539
columbiarestaurant.com
Lunch, Dinner

French

Le Coq Au Vin: Traditional style French restaurant, very cozy.

4800 S. Orange Avenue, Phone: 407-851-6980
lecoqauvinrestaurant.com
Dinner

Citricos: This Grand Floridian restaurant is more Mediterranean than French.

Phone: 407-939-3463
4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista
disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/citricos
Dinner

La Coquina at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress:

Surprisingly good for a hotel-associated restaurant. The restaurant's Sunday brunch receives rave reviews.

1 Grand Cypress Blvd., Phone: 407-239-1234
grandcypress.hyatt.com
Dinner, Sunday Brunch

Italian

Maggiano's Little Italy: It's a well-known chain, but still good family-style dining. Actually my most frequented Italian restaurant in Orlando.

9101 International Drive, Ste 2400, Phone: 407-241-8650
maggianos.com
Lunch, Dinner

Café Trastevere: Kind of far north in Orlando, but good Roman-style cuisine.

825 N. Magnolia Avenue, Phone: 407-839-0235
cafetrastevere.com
Dinner

Café Antonios: This one is in Celebration and is my usual go-to Italian restaurant. Has a lakeside view.

691 Front Street, Celebration
Phone: 407-566-2233
Antoniosonline.com
Lunch, Dinner

The LaFonda room at Columbia Restaurant.

Japanese

Seito Sushi: There are four locations, but the closest are in Celebration and Sandlake. Good Japanese and Korean food; Bentos and traditional sushi.

• 8031 Turkey Lake Road, #700
Sandlake, Orlando, FL 32819, Phone: 407-248-8888
• 671 Front Street, #100
Celebration, FL 34747, Phone: 407-566-1889
seitosushi.com
Dinner

Amura: Amura has really great sushi and is considered the best place for it in Orlando. There are actually three locations in the city. I have had better, though—in Japan.

55 W. Church Street, Phone: 407-316-8500
Amura.com
Lunch, Dinner

Steaks

Johnnie's Hideaway: Try the portobello truffle fries or Madagascar prawn; of course, the steak is I think the best.

12551 State Road 535, Phone: 407-827-1111
johnnieshideaway.com
Dinner

Del Frisco's Prime Steak: Great steak and food. Used to be you would see Tiger Woods or Shaq eat here. Now, it's just a good place to eat.

729 Lee Road, Phone: 407-645-4443
delfriscosorlando.com
Dinner

Charley's Steak House: Local steak house, old school.

6107 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Phone: 407-851-7130
Talkofthetownrestaurants.com
Dinner

Mexican

Agave Azule Orlando: I hear this is good but have not eaten there yet, however. Tequila aficionados take note: The restaurant features more than 100 brands.

4750 S. Kirkman Road, Phone: 407-704-6930
agaveazulorlando.com
Lunch, Dinner

Spanish Eclectic

Café Tu Tu Tango: This eclectic fun and Spanish tapas, set in a Spanish artist's loft.

8625 International Drive, Phone: 407-248-2222
www.cafetututango.com
Lunch, Dinner

Romantic Dining

California Grill at Contemporary Hotel: Dinner followed by fireworks over Disney's Magic Kingdom—hard to beat that for a romantic dinner. There is a balcony that overlooks the Magic Kingdom where you have ringside seats to the fireworks. The food is American eclectic cuisine.

4600 North World Drive, 15th Floor
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: 407-939-3463
disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/contemporary-resort
Dinner

Victoria and Albert's: Disney restaurant for adults. This is as romantic and fancy as it gets.

Phone: 407-939-3463
4401 Grand Floridian, Lake Buena Vista
victoria-alberts.com
Dinner

Drinks After Hours

Universal CityWalk: Bars and clubs include the Red Coconut Club, The Latin Quarter, The Thirsty Fish and Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.

Church Street in Orlando Downtown: Located in the historic Church Street section in downtown Orlando. For a listing of clubs and restaurants, go to:
www.churchstreetbars.com
Or: orlando.nightguide.com/nl1dt.htm

Live Music

Same as Drinks After Hours, but let's not leave out:

House of Blues
1490 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
(407) 934–BLUE (2583)
houseofblues.com

Spain's famed dish, paella, at Columbia Restaurant.

Brunch

Villa De Flora: This is a buffet in the Gaylord Palms that serves a great brunch as well as buffet.

6000 W Osceola Pky, Kissimmee
Phone: 407-586-1114
gaylordhotels.com

House of Blues: Its Gospel Brunch is world famous. See under Live Music for contact information.

For a Kid-Free Night

Contrary to popular belief, not everything in the city that's home to Disney World is child centered. Those longing for an adults-only night out can consider these options:

Universal Halloween Scare Nights

During the AAO dates, there will be Halloween Scare nights at Universal. They do a good job with this and is really worthwhile if you are into that genre. It is really scary for young kids, so I would not advise unless you don't want them to sleep for a while. Great for teenagers but really for adults. They may include Harry Potter this year; that would be original and timely.

Universal Studios Florida
www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando

Mystery Dinner Theater is rather fun. Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show is one local option. Its Web site urges viewers to “Step Into a World Of Comedy. Where You Become The Detective.”

7508 Universal Blvd., Phone: (407) 363-1985
sleuths.com

These Restaurants are “Tops With Tolentino”
■ Brazilian: Texas De Brazil ■ Chinese: Chan's Chinese Cuisine ■ Vietnamese: Little Saigon Restaurant ■ Cuban: Columbia Restaurant ■ Mexican: Agave Azule Orlando ■ Spanish Eclectic: Café Tu Tu Tango ■ French: Citricos ■ Italian: Maggiano's Little Italy ■ Japanese: Seito Sushi ■ Steaks: Johnnie's Hideaway ■ Romantic Dining: California Grill ■ Brunch: Villa De Flora

SPECIAL AAO PREVIEW SECTION

AAO Product Showcase

Accutome

■ Accutome will be unveiling the new UBM Plus, A-Scan Plus, AccuPen handheld tonometer, PachPen and B-Scan Plus, along with diamond clear cornea, micro-incision and LRI keratomes as well as instrumentation. Accutome also features the Devgan Axis Marker and other instruments for toric IOLs. Diamond knife and instrument repairs available. Accutome Rx offers injectable fluorescein and other diagnostic supplies.

Visit booth #628

Alcon

■ Alcon continues our commitment to bring you innovative products to prevent and treat eye disease at this year's AAO. Visit booth #1420 for the introduction of the LenSx femtosecond laser for use in cataract surgery, the first commercially available femtosecond technology cleared for applications in laser refractive cataract surgery.

Visit booth #1420

Akorn Ophthalmics

■ Akorn has been a leader in ophthalmology since 1971 and is dedicated to the improvement of this growing segment. Akorn markets Akten, IC-Green, AK-Fluor, Paremyd, Ful-Glo, TheraTears and a full line of generic diagnostic, therapeutic and over-the-counter products.

Visit booth #558

Allergan

■ Learn about Allergan products in ophthalmology. The Allergan commitment to ophthalmology includes Combigan (brimonidine tartrate/timolol maleate ophthalmic solution) 0.2%/0.5%, Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.01% and 0.03%, Alphagan P (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 0.1%, Lastacaft (alcaftadine ophthalmic solution) 0.25%, Zymaxid (gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution) 0.5%, Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05%, Acuvail (ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution) 0.45%, Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops, Refresh Optive Sensitive Lubricant Eye Drops and Ozurdex (dexamethasone intravitreal implant) 0.7mg. APC61CK11

Visit booth #1859

Bausch + Lomb

■ Bausch + Lomb's Akreos AO Micro Incision Lens, “Akreos MICS,” is the only lens in the US designed for true 1.8 mm MICS surgery. The Akreos MICS is a single-piece, foldable, acrylic, intraocular lens designed to deliver exceptional vision quality and contrast sensitivity. Visit us at booth #1821 to learn more!

Visit booth #1821

Beaver Visitec International

■ Beaver-Visitec International combines the trusted brands, Beaver microsurgical blades, Visitec cannulae and instruments, Merocel and Weck-Cel fluid control products, and Wet-Field Eraser electrosurgery products. Beaver-Visitec is committed to patient and clinician safety and offers a portfolio of products with a long-standing tradition of precision, innovation and quality.

Visit booth #1221

Compulink Business Systems

■ Used by more ophthalmologists in more locations, Compulink is the #1 EHR software.

Comprehensive and fully customizable, our Ophthalmology Advantage features a fully ONC Certified EHR, patient management/tracking, patient portal, electronic claims/eligibility/remittance, E-Rx, Optical POS, DICOM image management and ASC. Advantage is backed by a company with over 26 years of ophthalmic experience, the industry's best service and a money-back EHR success guarantee.

Visit booth #1201

First Insight Corporation

■ MaximEyes practice management and complete certified EHR software delivers tailored and affordable options for all practice sizes—we take the time to understand how your practice works. Customizable business solutions and flexible work-flows help you meet meaningful use criteria. For more information before AAO, visit www.first-insight.com or email sales@first-insight.com.

Visit booth #245

Heine

■ The Heine Omega 2C is the only BIO on the market that has been designed specifically for video applications. It features specially designed optics and a fully integrated camera system—ensuring an image of incomparable quality. The Omega 2C is now available with digital image capturing software.

Visit booth #2049

Kowa Optimed

■ A leader in advanced ophthalmic instrumentation for over 50 years, Kowa products comprise the largest selection of precision instruments, including digital fundus imaging, perimeters, tonometers, slit lamps, indirect ophthalmoscopes and binocular loupes. The DigiVersal image viewing solution and activEHR practice management solution are specifically designed for eyecare professionals and supported by a network of dedicated service specialists. Visit www.kowa-usa.com.

Visit booth #1646

Lombart

■ Visit Lombart Instrument and see the latest in diagnostic instrumentation, including the Lombart Computerized Vision System (CVS and CVS-PC), the new generation in visual acuity testing and our Lombart DVS image acquisition system for both anterior segment and fundus documentation.

Visit booth #1743

Marco

■ Marco, the leader in vision diagnostics, offers a comprehensive line of equipment to meet any practice needs. Exam lane chairs, stands, slit lamps and imaging systems are complemented by automated refractive systems such as the EPIC 5100 station and new OPD-Scan III wavefront aberrometer. Retina products include: the MacuScope AMD Risk Assessment Screener and Centricore, a macular pigment nutritional supplement. Marco's products integrate with EMR to make your practice paperless, more efficient and more profitable.

Visit booth #2459

Medflow

■ Medflow, the leading provider of EHR software for the eyecare community, is dedicated exclusively to ophthalmology and optometry.

Medflow's suite of software meets all 23 AAO guidelines and has the highest ratio of successful implementation in ophthalmic practices.

Visit booth #975

Medflow Complete

■ Medflow Complete is an automation solution designed exclusively for ophthalmology practices. Created by people involved solely in ophthalmology, it was designed to automate all of the processes of an ophthalmic practice, along with imaging, device interfaces and optional ASC. More at www.medflowcomplete.com.

Visit booth #1075

Nidek

■ Nidek is a global leader in ophthalmic equipment design, manufacturing and distribution. Offering a wide range of lasers and advanced diagnostic devices, Nidek also distributes Marco Ophthalmic and Santinelli International products.

Visit booth #640

Oasis

■ Oasis offers punctal occlusion products and a full line of disposable surgical instruments for both cataract and refractive procedures. Oasis Tears provide long-lasting comfort for dry eye patients.

Visit booth #658

OptoVue

■ RTVue SD-OCT offers comprehensive solutions:

• Retina: high-resolution B-scans, retinal mapping, NDB, change analysis.

• Glaucoma: ganglion cell complex (GCC) analysis, RNFL mapping, NDB, change analysis, and disc metrics.

• Anterior segment: angle measurement, pachymetry mapping.

■ iVue is the most versatile/compact SD-OCT in the world:

• 5-micron resolution, 26,000 A-scans/sec.

• Anterior/posterior imaging.

• High-resolution B-scans and retinal mapping.

• RNFL thickness & TSNIT analysis.

• Angle measurement & full pachymetry mapping for anterior segment assessment.

■ iStand, for universal positioning of the iVue SD-OCT system:

• Expanding clinical utility of the iVue.

• Follow patients from diagnosis through postoperative care.

• Easily move iVue between the exam lane, hospital and satellite offices.

• Articulating arm for scanning supine as well as other positions.

Visit booth #859

Sightpath Medical

■ Sightpath Medical provides mobile and fixed outsourcing services for cataracts, glaucoma and LASIK procedures, customized to meet your needs. No capital investment, maintenance fees or overhead stand between you and access to the latest technology, manufacturer certified laser engineers, and NBSTSA certified surgical technicians.

---