SPECIAL AAO Preview Section
Chicago 2012

AAO Makes Return Visit to Chicago

Timely topics, special events and places to go.

By Jerry Helzner, Senior Editor

Just two years after holding its 2010 annual meeting in Chicago, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is going back to the Windy City again, in joint session for the fourth consecutive year with the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.

The approximately 25,000 ophthalmologists, practice managers, staff and members of the ophthalmology community who descend on Chicago's McCormick Place from November 10 through 13 for the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology will be seeking information on a broad range of clinical, practice management and regulatory topics. Fortunately, the Academy has lined up a first-rate roster of speakers, presenters and panel participants to provide advice and guidance to the meeting's attendees. In addition, seven individual subspecialty days will be offered on November 9 and 10.

Among the timely topics front and center at this year's meeting will be the rapid emergence of femto-phaco, the potential impact on practitioners of new healthcare legislation, EMR implementation issues and recent advances in retina practice.

In addition, once again the city of Chicago is prepared to provide a wide variety of sports events and entertainment attractions to keep meeting-goers busy in their hours away from the convention site.

The strong list of speakers is headed by Abraham Verghese, MD, MACP, who will deliver the keynote address. Dr. Verghese, a professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, has been a leading voice for patient advocacy and the art of practicing bedside medicine. He has also authored three books, including the novel Cutting for Stone, which has spent two years on the New York Times best-seller list. Dr. Verghese has not announced the theme of his address.

Delivering the Jackson Memorial Lecture will be Joan Miller, MD, a pioneer in the treatment of wet AMD and chief of ophthalmology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Miller served as lead investigator for the pivotal phase 3 MARINA trial for Lucentis and was instrumental in helping to shepherd this transformational therapy through its developmental process.

Also of great interest will be the Parker Health Lecture, which will be delivered by William L. Rich, MD, the Academy's Medical Director for Health Policy. Dr. Rich is the AAO's resident expert on the regulatory aspects of electronic health records and the rapidly changing environment for healthcare practitioners.

Entrance to the Shedd Aquarium — the largest indoor marine mammal facility in the world.

Soldier Field: Home of the Chicago Bears

Four timely and compelling “Spotlight” sessions are also scheduled. The “Spotlight on Innovation in Ophthalmology” (November 11 at 10:30 a.m.) will be chaired by Emmett T. Cunningham Jr., MD, PhD, MPH, and will feature six presentations covering: 1) The role of physician innovators; 2) Innovating from academia; 3) Innovating from private practice; 4) Funding innovation; 5) team building; and 6) Mistakes to avoid. Other Spotlight session topics include corneal collagen crosslinking (November 11 at 2 p.m.), cataract complications (November 12 at 8:15 a.m.) and pseudoexfoliation (November 12 at 4:15 p.m.).

Away from the Meeting Hall

Attendees who have free time to take in events away from the meeting site will find that Chicago offers a full slate of first-rate sports and entertainment throughout the November 10–13 period.

Sports fans are particularly fortunate as the NFL Chicago Bears, NBA Chicago Bulls and NHL Chicago Blackhawks will all have home games during this four-day span.

The Bears will host Houston in a night game at Soldier Field on Sunday, November 11. Soldier Field is located in the Lakefront Area in the Museum Campus.

The Bulls will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 7 p.m. game on Saturday, November 10, at the United Center and then come back at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 12, to meet the visiting Boston Celtics. The United Center is located on the city's near west side between Madison and Monroe Streets.

Finally, if the NHL lockout is resolved the Blackhawks will be home at the United Center on Sunday, November 11, at 6 p.m. for a contest with the Edmonton Oilers.

On the entertainment scene, for early arrivals at the meeting, Bob Dylan will be in concert the night of November 9 at the United Center. The following night, Melissa Etheridge will perform at the Chicago Theatre. Those who prefer the classics can catch the Chicago Symphony on November 11 at the Symphony Center.

Also recommended as must-see attractions are the Shedd Aquarium on Lake Michigan and the Adler Planetarium at the Museum Campus. For art lovers, the “Chicago 12” show at the Garfield Park Conservatory demonstrates the use of discarded materials in art to express the themes of responsible ecology and sustainability.

Buckingham Fountain in Chicago's Grant Park

McCormick Place West concourse

Special Events

27th Annual Run/Walk for Vision 5k

Sunday, November 11, 6:30 a.m., Grant Park

For those looking to get their hearts pumping in the crisp Chicago autumn air, Bausch + Lomb and the Eye Bank Association of America are hosting an early morning 5k charity run. Feeling philanthropic, but not interested in breaking a sweat? Don't worry. Walkers are welcome. The registration fee ($50) is tax deductible as a charitable contribution and benefits the Eye Bank Association of America. The run is limited to 350 participants.

Register online at https://www.signmeup.com/85661 by noon November 9 or onsite November 10 at the Bausch + Lomb booth, 3126.

The Young Ophthalmologist (YO) Program

Sunday, November 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Academy President Ruth Williams, MD, is taking some time to speak to with young, up-and-coming doctors who are in the first five years of practice at the Young Ophthalmologists (YO) program. The meeting will afford attendees the opportunity to network and discuss practice building, coding, marketing and more. This year, the YO program is included in the Academy Plus course pass. Just don't forget to wear the YO ribbon for access.

Global Young Ophthalmologist (YO) Reception

Sunday, November 11, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Come dance the night away at the Global YO Reception in Chicago! This is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with other YOs from all over the world. All YOs (residents and physicians in their first five years of practice) are invited.

Museum of Vision presents “Contagion!”

Saturday, November 10 – Monday, November 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, November 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Museum of Vision, a San Francisco-based museum of medical antiques and oddities dedicated to preserving ophthalmic history, will be setting up shop in Chicago during the meeting.

The “Contagion!” exhibit will explore historic epidemics with ophthalmic symptoms and the rise of ocular antibiotics. The exhibit will be located at McCormick Place, Exhibit Hall Booth 704.

Chicago Restaurant Guide:
Now for the Fun Part

In covering Chicago's restaurant scene for meeting-goers over the past few years, Ophthalmology Management has had the good fortune to talk with several long-time residents. Here are some highlights of their recommendations:

Joe Marino, president of M&S Technologies

Sushi Samba 504 N. Wells
Phone: 312–595-2300
Sushisamba.com
Brunch (Sunday), lunch, dinner

Chez Joel Bistro Francais
1119 West Taylor
Phone: 312–226-6479
Chezjoelbistro.com
Brunch (weekends), lunch, dinner
Southern French cuisine

And for brunch:
Hyatt Regency, McCormick
Place, 2233 South Martin L. King Dr.
Phone: 312–567-1234 mccormickplace.hyatt.com

Angelo Tanna, MD
Alinea, 1723 N. Halsted St.
Phone: 312–867-0110
Alinea-restaurant.com
Service: Dinner

Those coming to Chicago and looking for something that will be memorable should try Alinea, according to Dr. Tanna.

“They don't give you a menu; they find out what your food dislikes are in the beginning, and at the end, they present you with a menu of what you had. The chef, Grant Achatz, does experimental dishes with things like liquid nitrogen,” Dr. Tanna explains.

Arur's 4156 N. Kedzie Avenue
Phone: 773–539-1909
Arunsthai.com
Service: Dinner

You'll find striking presentation at Arun's.

One of the best Thai restaurants in the United States, says Dr. Tanna. But don't expect to order off of a menu — Arun's doesn't have any. Instead, “They will ask you when you last ate there, how spicy you like your food, and if there are any foods you don't like to eat,” he says. The only drawback is that Arun's is on the North Side, so a cab ride is required. “And it's not a short cab ride, either.”

Mildred Oliveir, MD
Carson's Ribs 612 N. Wells St.
Phone: 312–280-9200
Web: ribs.com Service: Lunch, dinner

For many, visiting Chicago without eating ribs seems inconceivable. For those people, there's Carson's. The Chicago institution is renowned for its buckets of succulent baby-back ribs, potatoes au gratin and cole slaw. In July 2005, the Food Network featured Carson's in its search for “the best BBQ from New England to Hawaii.”

Shanghai Terrace at the Peninsula Hotel 108 E. Superior St.
Phone: 312–337-2888
Web: chicago.peninsula.com
Service: Lunch, dinner

The Shanghainese and Cantonese dishes offered include Kobe beef roll and crispy Mongolian eel. The restaurant is decorated in a 1930s supper-club style. “It's a fabulous, fabulous Chinese restaurant,” Dr. Olivier says.

The Signature Room at the 95th 875 N. Michigan Ave.
Phone: 312–787-9596
Web: signatureroom.com Service: Brunch (Sunday), lunch and dinner

The Signature Room offers a spectacular view of the city.

Located atop the John Hancock Building, the Signature offers “contemporary American fare” in an Art Decostyle dining room. There's also live jazz on the weekends. According to Dr. Olivier, not only is the food good, “It's a fabulous place to go for drinks. You get a great view of the city.”

Randy J. Epstein, MD
Catch 35 35 W. Wacker Dr.
Phone: 312–346-3500
Catch35.com
Lunch, dinner

Overlooking the Chicago River, this edge-of-the-Loop seafood eatery serves “seafood with an Asian flair” and is always packed. They have live jazz in their large bar/lounge area.

Seenu Hariprasad, MD
Aria Restaurant 200 N. Columbus
Drive
Phone: 312–444-9494
Web: ariachicago.com
Service: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Located in the Fairmont Hotel, Aria has an eclectic menu influenced by Chinese, Korean and Japanese cuisine. They also serve sushi and are very accommodating to vegetarians (you need to let them know and they will help you out). The bar also serves food in a more casual setting.

Demera 4801 N. Broadway
Phone: 773–334-8787
Web: demeraethiopianrestaurant.com
Service: Dinner

Ethiopian cuisine on the North Side. Demera is very laid back, with filling, inexpensive, tasty food. They have a large vegetarian menu as well. It's also across the street from the historic Green Mill Jazz club, another very casual place to check out some local jazz.

Tapas Valencia 1530 S. State St.
Phone: 312–842-4444
Web: mesonsabika.com/valencia/
Service: Dinner, Sunday brunch

This great neighborhood tapas restaurant is casual and reasonably priced, and the food is excellent! It's located on a quiet street not far from McCormick Place.

BEST Wine Lists

These restaurants won Wine Spectator's “Best of Award of Excellence” designation (according to the Aug. 2012 issue). Benny's Chop House 444 N. Wabash Ave. 312–626-2444 Cuisine: Steakhouse Wine selections: 1,200 The Capital Grille 633 N. Clair St. 312–337-9400 Cuisine: Steakhouse Wine selections: 500 Chicago Chop House 60 W. Ontario St. 312–787-7100 Cuisine: Steakhouse Wine selections: 530 Eno Wine Room 200 N. Columbus Dr. (in The Fairmount Chicago) 312–946-7000 740 wine selections 505 N. Michigan Ave. 312–321-8738 Cuisine: Small plates Wine selections: 820 Italian Village 71 W. Monroe St. 312–332-7005 Cuisine: Italian Wine selections: 1,300 La Cantina Enoteca 71 W. Monroe St. Cuisine: Italian 312–332-7005 Wine selections: 1,300 Les Nomades 222 E. Ontario St. 312–649-9010 Cuisine: Contemporary French Wine selections: 805 L20 2300 N. Lincoln Park W 773–868-0002 Cuisine: Seafood Wine selections: 850 Mastro's Steakhouse 520 N. Dearborn St. 312–521-5100 Cuisine: Steakhouse/seafood Wine selections: 630 Nomi Kitchen 800 N. Michigan Ave. (Park Hyatt Chicago) 312–239-4030 Cuisine: Contemporary American Wine selections: 575 Pane Caldo 72 E. Walton St. 312–649-0055 Cuisine: Contemporary Italian Wine selections: 980 Ria Restaurant 11 E. Walton St. 312–880-4400 Cuisine: Contemporary Wine selections: 1,320 Salpicon 1252 N. Wells St. 312–988-7811 Cuisine: Contemporary Mexican Wine selections: 1,260 Sixteen 401 N. Wabash Ave. (Trump International Hotel & Tower) 312–588-8030 Cuisine: American Wine selections: 600 Smith & Wollensky 318 N. State St. 312–670-9900 Cuisine: Steakhouse Wine selections: 500 Spiaggia 980 N. Michigan Ave. 312–280-2750 Cuisine: Italian Wine selections: 750 Tru 676 N. Clair St. 312–202-0001 Cuisine: Contemporary French Wine selections: 1,600 Vivere 71 W. Monroe St. 312–332-4040 Cuisine: Italian Wine selections: 1,300

DEEP DISH, ANYONE?

For those who wouldn't think of visiting Chicago without indulging in one of the city's most celebrated culinary delights — deep dish pizza — these restaurants come recommended by the locals. Gino's East of Chicago 633 N. Wells St. Phone: 312–943-1124 Web: ginoseast.com The dining room for this pizza mecca seats 500, but the Web site warns that there are often wait lines! Pizzeria Due 619 N. Wabash Ave. Phone: 312–943-2400 Web: unos.com Service: Lunch, dinner Part of the Pizzeria Uno's chain but reputedly surpassing the far-flung franchise locations in quality. Here, too, you will probably have to wait to be seated. Lou Malnati's 805 S. State St. Phone: 312–786-1000 Web: loumalnatis.com, Service: Lunch, dinner There are several locations in Chicago, though the one nearest the convention center is in South Loop. Connie's Pizza and Pizza Capri There are several locations for each throughout the city. In fact, there's a Connie's Pizza right in McCormick Place. The location for the Pizza Capri closest to McCormick Place is also listed below. Connie's Pizza: 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. Phone: 312–808-3085 Web: conniespizza.com Service: Lunch, dinner Pizza Capri: 1501 E. 53rd St. Phone: 773–324-7777 Web: pizzacapri.com Service: Lunch, dinner

AAO Product Showcase

Heidelberg Spectralis Ultra-Widefield Angiography Module

■ A new, non-contact, ultra-wide-field angiography module is available for the Spectralis and Heidelberg retina angiography product line. The module comes with software as well as an interchangeable, dedicated lens that attaches to the moveable camera head. The Spectralis can reach the far periphery and provide high-contrast, evenly illuminated images. Using the ultra-widefield mode, high-speed-video angiography can be performed with both fluorescein and indocyanine green, individually or simultaneously.
Heidelberg Engineering
www.heidelbergengineering.com
Booth #2326

Medflow Customers Expert System

■ Kevin Corcoran, founder of Corcoran Compliance Connection coding software, has announced a new partnership with Medflow. Medflow, which distributes EHR systems specifically for eyecare professionals, will now offer Corcoran Compliance Connection to its clients. Corcoran's software relies on chart-documentation in the EMR as the basis for accurate real-time coding recommendations.

The Web-based compliance and coding program offers coding suggestions based on data entered. The proprietary Web-based application interacts with a physician's electronic medical record to provide coding for eye exams based solely on EMR entries in a secure, HIPAA-compliant environment.

Corcoran Consulting Group
www.corcoranccg.com
Booth #3152

Alcon AcrySof IQ ReSTOR

■ The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR, a multifocal IOL available in four different models, received its CE mark earlier this year. The varying models are designed to offer surgeons options and to tailor treatment to meet a range of needs for cataract patients.

The design helps with sharp distance vision for patients with distant-dominant visual needs. Alcon is currently seeking regulatory approval in markets outside the EU for the ReSTOR +2.5 D, +3.0 D, Toric, +2.5 D and Toric +3.0 D IOL.

WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser

■ Alcon released its WaveLight EX500 laser for LASIK surgery in April, one year after completing its merger with Novartis. The company touted the WaveLight as “the first refractive surgery innovation to be offered by the new Alcon.” It features upgradable software, advanced safety features and a range of customizable options.

LenSx Laser

■ Femtosecond laser technology has been lighting up the world of eye surgery for the more than 15 years now. Ophthalmologists have found use for femtosecond lasers in an array of procedures, including presbyopia correction, myopia correction, LASIK, crystalline lens bleaching. But it wasn't until 2009 when Alcon's LenSx Laser was awarded FDA clearance that femtosecond lasers started being used for cataract surgery. The bladeless technology continues to reduce time and improve outcomes.
Alcon
www.Alcon.com
Booth #: 2808

OQAS HD Analyzer

At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) meeting in Milan last month, Visiometrics launched the HD

■ Analyzer, the latest addition to the company's Optical Quality Analysis System line of diagnostic imaging products. The HD Analyzer provides a measure of light scatter and can indicate variation of the refractive index, corneal disease or imperfection of the ocular surface.
Visiometrics
www.visiometrics.com
Booth #436

Maskin Meibum Expressor

■ From Rhein Medical, this item was designed to assist in the removal of meibum from lids. It's a reusable and autoclaveable instrument. Diamond knurling on the instrument's rollers are made to prevent slippage and enable it to roll against the smooth conjunctiva without abrading the mucosal surface. The rollers should increase pressure in the tarsal plate, advancing the meibum though the orifice.
Rhein Medical Inc.
www.Rheinmedical.com
Booth #1904

VacuFlow VTi Phaco System

■ DORC International released its new phaco system at the ESCRS meeting in September. The VTi in VTi EVA VacuFlow stands for valve timing intelligence. This technology is designed to eliminate the risk of unwanted pulsation or flow. The system also features a pedal and surgical step, personal settings, a color-coded, front-loading cartridge and a multilingual voice guide.
DORC International
www.dorc.nl
Booth #1026

Exhibit Booth Guide to Ophthalmic Vendors