ASCRS Heads for San Francisco

Major lectures from Drs. Mamalis and Mackool.

BY JERRY HELZNER, SENIOR EDITOR

Whatever it’s past, no one will ever be able to say again that the practice of anterior segment ophthalmology is repetitive and routine. With innovation and investment now booming across the entire spectrum of ophthalmic care, the upcoming joint ASCRS/ASOA annual meeting in San Francisco from April 19 through 23 should be a showcase for demonstrating and discussing new techniques and novel therapeutic concepts.

The meeting, which will take place at the Moscone Center at 747 Howard St., kicks off April 19 with both a full Cornea Day and a full Glaucoma Day. The Cornea Day program promises to touch on all aspects of the atypical cornea, including issues in cataract and refractive surgery, infectious and inflammatory diseases, corneal transplantation, as well as innovations in medical and surgical cornea. The program will feature lectures, debates and panel discussions, as well as reviews of surgical videos from respected cornea specialists.

The Glaucoma Day program will focus on the ascent of microincisional glaucoma surgery (or MIGS) as a new and useful technique for the anterior segment ophthalmologist who until now may have been reluctant to place glaucoma shunts or perform trabeculectomies. Viewed as a safer and more predictable form of glaucoma surgery, MIGS can be performed in combination with cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure. Already, the Glaukos iStent has received FDA approval as a true MIGS procedure.

Binkhorst and Kelman Lectures

The Binkhorst and Charles D. Kelman Innovator’s Lectures are always highlights of the ASCRS meeting. This year should be no exception, with Nick Mamalis, MD, of the Moran Eye center of the University of Utah, speaking at the opening general session April 20 on the topic of “Intraocular Lens Evolution: What a Long, Strange Trip It’s Been.”

Dr. Mamalis has had a distinguished career as a cataract surgeon with expertise in ophthalmic pathology. Several years ago, he led a team that studied a major outbreak of the eye infection commonly known as TASS (toxic anterior segment syndrome). The team produced a report that identified possible causes of the outbreak and made recommendations to prevent future TASS infections.

The Kelman Innovator’s Lecture will be given by Richard J. Mackool Sr., MD, of New York City, at the Innovation Session on Monday, April 22, on the topic: “Humans, Happiness and the Wonder of New.”

Dr. Mackool, a graduate of the Boston University Medical School, has invented several pioneering phacoemulsification systems, including the first that could perform both phaco and either anterior or posterior segment vitrectomy. He was also the first ophthalmologist to perform a human implantation of an acrylica IOL.

ASCRS Lecture on Science and Medicine

Another highlight will be the ASCRS Lecture on Science and Medicine April 21, on the topic, “When Experts Disagree: A New Approach to Medical Decision-Making.” The husband-and-wife team of Jerome Groopman, MD, and Pamela Hartzband, MD, will jointly present this lecture.

Dr. Groopman, an oncologist, is the Dina and Raphael Recanati Chair of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He also has written regularly for New Yorker magazine and is author or co-author of five books, all written for a general audience. He has published numerous scientific articles and has written op-ed articles on medicine for leading newspapers.

Dr. Hartzband, an endocrinologist, is assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and has written numerous articles, many of which relate to contemporary issues in medicine and physician/patient relationships. She is the co-author of the recent book Your Medical Mind, which she co-wrote with Dr. Groopman.

Additionally, outgoing ASCRS President David F. Chang, MD, of Los Altos, Calif., and incoming President Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, a founder of Long Island Ophthalmic Consultants in Rockville Centre, N.Y., will speak April 20 at the opening general session. Dr. Chang is a widely respected cataract surgeon and Dr. Donnenfeld is a leading cornea specialist and LASIK pioneer.

Hall of Fame Inductees

Richard P. Kratz, MD

Richard P. Kratz, now 92, of Fullerton, Calif., has had a long and distinguished career, beginning in the late 1940s when he studied in London with Sir Harold Ridley, the inventor of the modern intraocular lens.

CREDIT: PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASCRS

Hall of Fame inductee Richard P. Kratz, MD

Dr. Kratz was early to embrace phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Along with Robert Sinskey, MD, and a few other forward-thinking ophthalmologists, he helped advance the techniques used in IOL implantation. He has been called a “defender of ophthalmology” for his support of the inventor of phaco, Dr. Charles Kelman, against some academics and other reactionary forces in ophthalmology who waged a long and bitter struggle to have phaco banned from cataract surgery.

Dr. Kratz told Ophthalmology Management that he credits his former partner, Thomas Mazzocco, MD, for turning the tide in the phaco battle by inventing a foldable IOL that required a smaller incision to insert.

Once phaco became more widely accepted, Drs. Kratz and Sinskey taught their phaco and IOL implantation techniques to classes of 25 cataract surgeons a month. The course, which was highly popular, was conducted from 1972 through 1980.

Young ophthalmologists were eager to study under Dr. Kratz. His fellows include some of today’s leading cataract surgeons.

Dr. Kratz is still active today as an adviser on new cataract and glaucoma surgery technologies.

Dr. Saiichi Mishima

Dr. Mishima, who died in 2005, was a distinguished Japanese ophthalmologist whose most notable contribution was in the area of corneal transplantation. In 1966, he developed a method by which donor corneas could be preserved so that they would be suitable for transplantation.

CREDIT: PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASCRS

Hall of Fame inductee Saiichi Mishima, MD

Born in Osaka, Japan, in 1927, Dr. Mishima received his training and held a variety of academic positions in post-war Japan. In 1959 he received a scholarship from the British Council for one year of study at the Institute of Ophthalmology in London on corneal physiology. There, Dr. Mishima studied the fluid regulation in the cornea and its implications. A year after his return to Tokyo, he left again, this time for the United States, where he began a two-year collaboration in the cornea unit of what is now the Schepens Eye Research Institute. Here, Dr. Mishima continued his research on the imbibition pressure of the corneal stroma. He followed this with three years of research at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, where his attention shifted to the corneal endothelium and its pump function.

In 1968, Dr. Mishima returned to Tokyo University, where three years later he was appointed full professor and chairman of the country’s foremost ophthalmology department. He showed leadership in mentoring junior faculty, as well as colleagues, in their careers and research.

Away from the Meeting Hall

For those attendees who can find the time to get way from the meeting hall, San Francisco will be offering several interesting mid-April attractions.

For baseball fans, the world champion San Francisco Giants will play a home game every day between April 19 and 23. First, the San Diego Padres will visit AT&T Park for games on April 19, 20 and 21, and then the Arizona Diamondbacks will come to town for games on April 22 and 23. For directions to the stadium and game times, visit www.sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com

For music lovers, the award-winning play Jersey Boys, recounting the rise to stardom of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, will be performed at the Curran Theatre on April 19, 20 and 21, with matinee performances on April 20 and 21.

Other major attractions occurring during ASCRS will be the Cherry Blossom Festival on April 20 and 21 on Post Street in JapanTown and the San Francisco International Film Festival, with movies shown at several theatres every night from April 19 through May 3. Check the Web site www.sffs.org for the names of the movies be shown, where they are playing and start times.

Your Scoop On The San Francisco Restaurant Scene

BY RENÉ LUTHE, SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Looking for dining ideas while in San Francisco for the ASCRS meeting? Give Zagat’s a rest and consider these options from San Francisco residents and Ophthalmology Management Editorial Board Ella Faktorovich, MD, and Retinal Physician Editorial Board member Donald C. Fletcher, MD.

Dr. Fletcher’s Picks

Helmand Palace

Dr. Fletcher declares this “delightful” Afghani restaurant as a go-to place for visitors. “It offers unique and wonderful flavors,” he says.
2424 Van Ness Ave.
415-345-0072
www.helmandpalacesf.com
Dinner

Seven Hills

Dr. Fletcher’s pick for best Italian restaurant, Seven Hills’ chef trained in Italy and in California at the famous French Laundry.
1550 Hyde St
415-775-1550
www.sevenhillssf.com
Dinner

Pizzeria Delfina

If you’d like to get out of your suit and into a more informal environment, Pizzeria Delfina offers pizzas both classic and innovative (Clam Pie pizza, anyone?), as well as a wine list with selections from all over Italy.
3611 18th St.
415-437-6800
www.pizzeriadelfina.com
Lunch, Dinner

La Folie

The French cuisine also incorporates influences from the chef’s time in the southwest as well as California.
2316 Polk St.
415-776-5577
www.lafolie.com
Dinner

Kokkari Estiatorio

This San Francisco favorite also features a taverna menu of more casual Greek fare in addition to its lunch and dinner menus showcasing seafood and game.
200 Jackson St.
415-981-0983
www.kokkari.com
Lunch, Dinner

Boulevard

Located close to the convention center, Boulevard is popular for its good food and home in the only local structure to have survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.
1 Mission St.
415-543-6084
www.Boulevardrestaurant.com
Lunch, Dinner

Flour + Water

It’s nearly impossible to get in, Dr. Fletcher warns, but if you can, this award-winning Italian restaurant is worth the effort.
2401 Harrison St.
415-826-7000
www.Flourandwater.com
Dinner

India Clay Oven

Fans of Northern Indian cuisine should go to the India Clay Oven. The address below is for its Clement Street location, but there are five others around the city.
2436 Clement St.
415-751-0505
www.indianclay.com
Lunch, Dinner

Four Seasons

The hotel’s Season’s Bar and Lounge offers breakfast and weekend brunch in a dining room featuring sweeping views of downtown San Francisco.
757 Market St
415-633-3000
www.Fourseasons.com

Dosa on Fillmore

For those who prefer Southern Indian cuisine, Dr. Fletcher recommends Dosa. The Fillmore Street location, listed below, is near the Moscone Convention Center. The bar is also popular with locals.
1700 Fillmore
415-441-3672
www.dosasf.com
Lunch, Dinner

Dr. Faktorovich’s picks:

Slanted Door

Vietnamese food with California flair, says Dr. Faktorovich. As if that’s not enough, diners will also enjoy great views of the city.
1 Ferry Building #3
415-861-8032
www.Slanteddoor.com
Lunch, Dinner, Afternoon Tea

State Bird Provisions

According to the restaurant’sWeb site, “state bird provisions started as a recipe for serving quail, it has slowly evolved into a restaurant without any programmed elements …” According to Dr. Faktorovich, it “serves dim-sum style, California cuisine; very innovative tastes.”
1529 Fillmore St.
415-795-1272
www.statebirdsf.com
Dinner

Garcon!

French food doesn’t have to mean a fine-dining atmosphere (and prices!). Dr. Faktorovich assures that this bistro serves excellent drinks and food, yet is inexpensive.
1101 Valencia St.
415-401-8959
www.Garconsf.com
Dinner

Rich Table

California style cuisine, plus imaginative drinks and a cheese menu.
199 Gough St.
415-355-9085
www.Richtablesf.com
Dinner

Perbacco

Northern Italian-style food in a fun atmosphere. The restaurant’s Web site describes the menu as “the refined cuisine found in the Piemonte region, with a touch of Liguria and Provence.” 230 California St.
415-955-0663
www.Perbacosf.com
Lunch, Dinner

Zuni Café

The best chicken in town is found here,says Dr. Faktorovich. The daily menu features seasonal organic ingredients.
1658 Market St.
415-552-2522
www.zunicafe.com
Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch

Wayfare Tavern

California/comfort food (the bacon burgers have been cited as among the best in the United States by Food and Wine), and excellent cocktails. There’s also a raw bar.
558 Sacramento St.
415-772-9060
www.Wayfaretavern.com
Lunch, Dinner

Buckeye Roadhouse

For those willing to venture outside the city for something special, the Buckeye Roadhouse is a half-hour’s drive. However, Dr. Faktorovich is convinced the it’s worthwhile. According to the Web site, the restaurant blends “Old World Charm with contemporary American cuisine.” There’s a very cozy river-rock fireplace as well.
15 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley
415-331-2600
www.Buckeyeroadhouse.com
Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch

ASCRS Products Preview

HAAG-STREIT SURGICAL

■ Haag-Streit is launching a new surgical unit in the United States that will market a recently acquired line of microscopes formerly known as Möller-Wedel. The line includes Haag-Streit’s Hi-R NEO 900, a universal microscope for surgical procedures that require vertical observation. Its large stereo base provides maximal depth perception and its clear-zoom illumination delivers a bright light.
Haag-Streit
Booth #1618
www.haag-streit-usa.com

LENSTAR MASKET, MODIFIED MASKET IOL FORMULAS

■ Two new IOL formulas have been added to the Lenstar LS9000 optical biometer version 5.0 software. The Masket and Modified Masket formulas are now available for post-laser refractive surgery patients. Samuel Masket, MD, developed the Masket Method to provide reliable IOL power calculation for myopic and hyperopic patients post-LASIK and PRK when clinical history is available. The Modified Masket relies on a slight amelioration of the regression formula.
Haag-Streit
Booth #1618
www.myLENSTAR.com

RELIANCE XOMA

■ The Xoma system from Reliance is an all-in-one device designed so physicians can integrate every aspect of the exam. It combines a fully automated exam chair, instrument delivery system, programmable lighting control, slit-lamp operation, imaging devices and a screen offering instant access to patient images and video. With tablet technology, the doctor can control room lighting, acuity testing, automated phoropter and other tests without the current required movements. The station offers access to the Internet and intranets.
Reliance Medical
Booth #1618
www.haag-streit-usa.com

OPTIMEDICA CATALYS PRECISION LASER SYSTEM

■ OptiMedica’s Catalys Precision Laser System, currently FDA approved for single-plane and multiplane arc cuts and incisions in the cornea, capsulotomies and lens fragmentation for cataract surgery, will be the subject of 30 accepted abstracts and courses at ASCRS 2013.
Surgeons from around the world are scheduled to speak about the intraoperative performance of the system, its ability to improve outcomes and its “all-comers” treatment approach.
OptiMedica
Booth #2208
www.optimedica.com

CLARITY MSI HOLOS ABERROMETER

■ The Clarity Holos is a real-time intraoperative wavefront aberrometry system for refractive cataract surgery. It offers fast sequential scanning. The real-time intraoperative refractive data enables accurate selection of premium IOLs as well as positioning of toric IOLs in real-time. The aberrometer also offers precise guidance for titrating relaxing incisions. It is designed to display both the qualitative and quantitative information about a phakic, aphakic or pseudophakic patient’s refractive state.
Clarity Medical Systems
Booth #207
www.claritymsi.com

MANAGEMENTPLUS TOUCH SCREEN

■ The software update to the ManagementPlus touch screen includes several new functions. It is Windows 8 compatible and includes new forms designed to reduce the amount of clicking required by physicians and their staffs. It will now also be compatible with tablets. This means a technician can enter patient information into a tablet and automatically synchronize it with the practice’s desktop systems. The patient can also use a tablet to view diagnostic results and watch educational video clips. Yet, the software will still be fully compatible for non-touch screen users.
ManagementPlus
Booth #302
www.managementplus.com

GLAUKOS ISTENT

■ The iStent by Glaukos is the first microincisional glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device designed to improve the eye’s natural fluid outflow to safely lower IOP by creating a permanent opening in the trabecular meshwork. The device is inserted through a 1.5-mm corneal incision during cataract surgery. Its design spares eye tissue often damaged by traditional surgeries.
Glaukos
Booth #2408
www.glaukos.com

NICOX ADENOPLUS

■ AdenoPlus is the first and currently only point-of-care diagnostic test for acute conjunctivitis that has a waiver from the FDA’s Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). It employs a four-step test to detect the adenovirus, which accounts for 90% of all viral conjunctivitis. The test takes two minutes and can return a result in 10 minutes.
Nicox
www.nicox.com

INFINITI VISION SYSTEMS UPGRADES

■ The most recent upgrade to Alcon’s Infinity Vision System hardware and software is meant to provide more precise control during cataract surgery, the company says. The upgrades include the Intrepid AutoSert IOL Injector, the first automated IOL delivery system. Additionally, the upgrades also allow customizable parameters for enhanced IOL insertion control, improved foot-pedal controls and single-hand auto insertion for smoother insertions. The improvements also include better wound integrity with less stretching.
Alcon
Booth #1026
www.infinitivision.com

ZIEMER LDV Z FEMTOSECOND LASER

■ When Ziemer received FDA approval for its trio of upgradable femtosecond laser platforms, it made available the first two models, the Z2 and the Z4. The Z4 has the capabilities to implant intrastromal corneal rings, treat keratoconus and create intrastromal pockets to house presbyopia-correcting devices, create oval or circular flaps and customize edge configuration. The upgradable platform means owners of the Z2 and Z4 models will not need to purchase a new platform to obtain the Z6, which adds the capability to perform penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty procedures.
Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG
Booth #1414
www.ziemergroup.com

ALLERGAN REFRESH OPTIVE ADVANCED PRESERVATIVE-FREE LUBRICANT EYE DROPS

■ Allergan’s Refresh Optive Advanced preservative-free lubricant eyedrops is a lipid-enhanced artificial tear that features the same formula as the Refresh Optive Advanced, minus the preservatives. The formula works on all three layers of the tear film to relieve dry eye symptoms without causing blur, according to the company.
Allergan
Booth# 826
www.allergan.com OM