Special AAO Preview Chicago 2014

The AAO annual meeting: events for every interest

Sen. Rand Paul will speak at health policy forum.

By Jerry Helzner, Contributing Editor

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) will return to a familiar site from October 18 through 21 when, for the third time in five years, it holds its annual meeting at McCormick Place in Chicago. Highlights of the meeting will include a number of major lectures, prestigious awards, a new Subspecialty Day focused on Ocular Oncology and Pathology, and an appearance by ophthalmologist Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who is considered a serious candidate for the Republican party Presidential nomination in 2016.

Sen. Randal H. Paul will speak on the topic of Views on Health Care.

The Academy estimates that approximately 25,000 ophthalmologists, researchers, practice managers, staff and members of the global ophthalmology community will attend the meeting. Now facing a challenging and ever-evolving health-care environment, they will have interest in a wide range of clinical, practice management and regulatory topics. To that end, the Academy has assembled a blue-ribbon line-up of speakers, presenters and panel participants to provide advice and guidance to the meeting’s attendees. In addition, eight individual subspecialty days will be offered on October 17 and 18.

View of the Chicago skyline, along with the Chicago River.
COURTESY © STUDIO ONE EAST PHOTOGRAPHY

MAJOR LECTURES
SUNDAY

Distinguished speakers delivering important lectures are always a highlight of the annual meeting. This year is no exception, beginning with the Opening Session from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on October 19. Ophthalmic oncologist and pathologist Hans Grossniklaus, MD, MBA, director of the Ocular Oncology and Pathology Service at Emory University in Atlanta, will deliver the Jackson Memorial Lecture on the topic of Retinoblastoma: 50 Years of Progress.

Several other major lectures will be given on Sunday, October 19 (please check the program for time and location as these are subject to change).

The Zimmerman Lecture

Joseph W. Sassani, MD, of the Penn State Hershey Eye Center, Hershey, Pa, will deliver the Zimmerman Lecture. His topic will be The Yin and Yang of the Opioid Growth Regulatory System: Focus of Diabetes.

The Whitney G. Sampson Lecture

The Whitney G Sampson Lecture will be given by Elmer Y. Tu, MD, of the University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary in Chicago. His topic is titled Little Things Do Matter: Individual Case Studies and the Complex Role of Risk Factors in Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

The Bruce E. Spivey Lecture in Risk Management and Patient Safety (OMIC Forum)

Ajit K. Sachdeva MD, FACS, FRCS, director of executive services for the American College of Surgeons in Chicago and past president of that organization, will speak on the topic of Transitions, Vulnerabilities, and Patient Safety.

The William F Hoyt Lecture:

Mark J. Kupersmith, MD, director of Neuro-Ophthalmology for the Mount Sinai Health System, New York City, will speak on the topic of Optical Imaging of the Optic Nerve—Beyond Documenting RNFL Loss

MONDAY

The Parker Health Lecture

Sen. Randal H. Paul will speak on the topic of Views on Health Care

The Charles D Kelman Lecture:

Randall J. Olson, MD, CEO of the John A. Moran Eye Center of the University of Utah, will speak on the subject of Entrepreneurship in Clinical Research

The Straatsma Lecture:

Laura L. Wayman, MD, director of Resident Education at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn., will speak on the subject of The Role of Reflective Learning in Resident Development

MAJOR AWARDS

Laureate Recognition Award

The Academy’s highest honor will go to Jerry A. Shields, MD, director of the Wills Eye Hospital Ocular Oncology Service, which Dr. Shields established in 1974.

Dr. Shields’ main research focus is on choroidal melanoma and retinoblastoma. He has devoted more than 40 years to advancing the early diagnosis and treatment of ocular cancer. In the treatment of these cancers, Dr. Shields and his team have improved local irradiation, local surgical resection, laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy and chemotherapy.

A visit to Navy Pier is not complete without a ride on the Pier’s most visible attraction: the 150-foot high Ferris Wheel. The Ferris Wheel is open year-round and weather-permitting.

Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award

This year’s recipients are glaucoma specialist Donald L. Budenz, MD, MPH, chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and Alan S. Crandall, MD, director of glaucoma and cataracts at the Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine.

Dr. Budenz is actively engaged in global health initiatives. He travels to Ghana each year to treat patients and to train local surgeons. For the past 15 years, he has conducted several clinical trials and studied the epidemiology of blindness, visual impairment, and glaucoma in that country.

Dr. Crandall has participated in numerous humanitarian medical missions and has lectured globally on the medical and surgical management of cataracts and glaucoma. He has also served as principal investigator on clinical projects relating to cataracts and cataracts and glaucoma.

Ophthalmology Innovation Summit

The sixth annual Ophthalmology Innovation Summit will be held at the Palmer House Hilton on October 16, with check-in and breakfast beginning at 6:30 a.m. The purpose of the event is to bring together in one forum ophthalmic start-ups, investors, public companies, researchers, academics, and practicing physicians to facilitate networking, deal flow, and business partnerships. Highlights include presentations by fledgling ophthalmic companies, a review of the year in ophthalmic innovation, guest lectures and panel discussions with leading ophthalmic entrepreneurs on such issues as dealing with the FDA and navigating the current environment for obtaining financing. Information on registration is available at www.ois.net.

AWAY FROM THE MEETING HALL

Sporting events

For those meeting attendees who can spare a few hours away from the events in McCormick Place, Chicago offers several professional sporting events that should be of interest to fans.

On Sunday, October 19, the hometown Chicago Bears take on the Miami Dolphins at noon at Soldier Field in an inter-conference National Football League matchup.

Entrance to the Shedd Aquarium (top) — the largest indoor marine mammal facility in the world. Soldier Field (bottom): Home of the Chicago Bears
COURTESY © CITY OF CHICAGO

The NHL Chicago Blackhawks have a home game against the Nashville Predators at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18 and then battle it out against the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21. Both games will take place at the United Center at 1901 W. Madison Street.

Belmont Theatre District

The Belmont Theater District, in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, includes more than 20 theaters and 100-plus bars, restaurants and cafes, representing one of the city’s greatest concentrations of live theater, entertainment and dining attractions. Each day, visitors can find something onstage within the Belmont Theatre District, playing in state of the art multi-stage venues, nightclubs, storefronts, churches or renovated historic theaters. Tickets for many of the shows start as low as $20.

Throughout October, visitors to the Belmont Theatre District can take in stand-up comedy at the Laugh Factory, improv and open-mic nights at the Annoyance Theatre, a preproduction of Jane Eyre at the Lifeline Theatre and King Lear at the William Shakespeare Theatre. Go to www.theatreinchicago for dates and times of these performances.

The Shedd Aquarium

Established in 1924 through a gift from John G. Shedd, CEO of the famed Marshall Field department store, the Shedd Aquarium at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive combines elegant architecture with a diverse global collection of marine and rainforest life numbering 32,000 individual animals. In addition to its myriad species of animals, which include penguins, dolphins, sea otters, river turtles, tree-dwelling monkeys and iguanas, the Shedd Aquarium is considered a world leader in developing sustainable practices in such areas as water conservation, energy-efficient lighting, “green” gardens and the development of sustainable sources of animal feed. For more information go to www.sheddaquarium.org.

Chicagoween

During the month of October, one of the first things visitors will notice in many areas of the city is that Halloween is more than a day in Chicago; it’s an entire season. The city, its parks, buildings and streets are decorated and filled with an array of activities. The Chicago Park District offers many different pumpkin patches, haunted houses and scary theatre. Cultural institutions get into the fun and the city center, Daley Plaza, is transformed into a Halloween-themed destination.

Special “Choose Chicago/AAO” website

This year, AAO has partnered with the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau to develop a comprehensive Choose Chicago/AAO website providing information on opportunities for dining, shopping, cultural events and nightlife for meeting attendees while in Chicago. This “what to do in Chicago” website can be accessed at www.choosechicago.com/AAO2014/.

Museum of Vision:

The Museum of Vision is an education program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology with the sole purpose of preserving the history of ophthalmology and celebrating its unique contributions to science and health. Each year, the Museum of Vision unveils a new exhibit at the annual meeting. This year’s exhibit is titled “Beyond Ophthalmology, Beyond the Clinic,” and features ophthalmologists who achieved fame or notoriety in disciplines outside of ophthalmology, such as literature, sports, politics and the arts.

Our kind of town

When it comes to restaurants, Chicago is second to none.

By Lisa Shames, dining editor, CS magazine

The dining room at Mercat a La Planxa.
COURTESY MERCAT A LA PLANXA

Forget that old nickname of “Second City.” When it comes to dining out, Chicago reigns supreme. From ubercreative Grant Achatz at Alinea to Rick Bayless’ passion for authentic Mexican food at Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and Xoco, the Windy City has blossomed into a buzz-worthy dining destination. And it shows no signs of slowing down with plenty of new restaurants opening up. Walk, hop in a cab or jump on the El (that’s the subway to you non-Chicagoans) — just make sure you come hungry.

THE SOUTH LOOP/LOOP

Acadia, 1639 S. Wabash Ave., 312-360-9500), acadiachicago.com

At this serenely elegant spot, chef Ryan McCaskey taps into his childhood summers spent in Maine creating playful riffs on classic dishes ranging from a deconstructed lobster pot pie to clam chowder with potato espuma. He keeps the sophistication going at brunch, too, which is best enjoyed on the patio. Insider’s tip: McCaskey isn’t just known as a fine dining chef; his burger and lobster roll, offered only in the lounge, are some of the city’s best.

Mercat a La Planxa, 638 S. Michigan Ave., 312-765-0524, mercatchicago.com

We don’t know what we like most: the whimsical in a good way décor, the stunning views or the delicious Spanish food from Iron Chef Jose Garces. Thankfully, we don’t have to decide; instead we can just enjoy all three at this lively South Loop restaurant in the Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel. Insider’s tip: Call 72 hours in advance for the cochinillo asado (roasted suckling pig) served with Catalan side dishes. Bring friends.

MAG MILE/GOLD COAST

Cicchetti, 671 N. St. Clair St., 312-642-1800, cicchettirestaurant.com

Italian restaurants have been opening up in Chicago faster than you can say, “Ciao, bella!” But this one, specializing in and taking its name from the small plates of Venice, is not to be missed. The white and dark wood interior serves as a perfect backdrop to dishes such as hanger steak tartare, charred baby squid, short rib ravioli and some of the city’s best salads. Insider’s tip: The cozy bar area is a great alternative if reservations are hard to come by.

Cicchetti specializes in the small plates of Venice.
COURTESY CICCHETTI

Eataly, 43 E. Ohio St., 312-521-8700, eataly.com

Even to us locals, this two-story ode to all things Italian can be overwhelming. But wandering around its 63,000 square feet, including eight sit-down restaurants, a panini station and a wine bar, is part of the fun. Pizza aficionados will want to snag a seat at the counter in front of the two wood-burning ovens, while vegetable-lovers should head to Le Verdure — Roman-style artichokes, anyone? Insider’s tip: Save room for soft-serve gelato and anything from the Nutella bar.

Nico Osteria, 1015 N. Rush St., 312-994-7100, nicoosteria.com

With one of Chicago’s most prolific restaurant groups in charge (Blackbird, Avec, The Publican, Big Star), expectations were high for this Italian seafood-focused spot in the Thompson Chicago hotel. Thankfully, Nico lives up to the hype, from its pristine crudos and whole fish to its beautiful rustic-elegant interior design. Request a seat at the counter to get a front-row view of the chefs in the open kitchen. Insider’s tip: Come for breakfast and brunch for creative takes on the morning meal and delicious house-baked pastries.

The Purple Pig, 500 N. Michigan Ave., 312-464-1744, thepurplepigchicago.com

First the bad news: This tiny, always-packed Mediterranean-inspired restaurant doesn’t take reservations. The good news? It’s so worth the wait. The flavorful small plates from chef Jimmy Bannos Jr., a recent James Beard Award recipient, effortlessly travel to Italy, Greece, Spain and France. Sure, there are plenty of pork-centric items here (hence the name), but we’re just as smitten with what Bannos does with vegetables. Insider’s tip: Avoid the crowds and visit after the lunch rush or late in the evening.

RIVER NORTH

Bub City, 435 N. Clark St., 312-610-4200, bubcitychicago.com

This casual spot lays the down-home vibe on thick, from the country music (sometimes live on its 16-foot stage) and posters of cowboy-hat-wearing bands to the American flag made out of beer cans behind the bar. Thankfully, just as much attention goes into its barbecue, including pulled pork, smoked chicken and beef brisket. Insider’s tip: Downstairs is one of Chicago’s best tiki bars, Three Dots and a Dash. To enter, head to the alley behind Bub City and look for the tiki torches.

GT Fish & Oyster, 531 N. Wells St., 312-929-3501, gtoyster.com

In a town lousy with oysters—we’re not complaining, mind you—this hip spot has become the go-to for bivalve-lovers. But even if oysters aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other fish in the sea here. Chef Giuseppe Tentori channels his years manning the kitchen at Charlie Trotter’s to create beautiful plates of fish-centric dishes ranging from shrimp bruschetta to fish and chips. Insider’s tip: The light-filled dining room is a terrific spot for brunch.

River Roast, 315 N. LaSalle St., 312-822-0100, riverroastchicago.com

Chicken may not seem like the most exciting restaurant dish, but in the hands of award-winning chefs (and BFFs for 25 years) Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia and John Hogan it rises to the occasion — literally. At the new riverfront restaurant, the roasted whole chicken sits upright as its carved tableside over a bed of super-crispy potatoes. Taking flight, indeed. Insider’s tip: Six private dining rooms can accommodate from 10 to 1,000 guests.

Sixteen’s dining room offers beautiful views to go with the haute cuisine.
COURTESY SIXTEEN

Sixteen, 401 N. Wabash Ave., 312-588-8030, trumphotelcollection.com

On its stunning river and lake views alone, this restaurant in the Trump Hotel is worth a visit. But chef Thomas Lents provides plenty of eye candy on the plates, too, with seasonal dishes that incorporate all those luxurious ingredients — think Osetra caviar, foie gras — that we yearn for at a fine dining restaurant. Insider’s tip: On the mezzanine level, Rebar offers terrific views of its own along with handcrafted cocktails.

Sunda, 110 W. Illinois St., 312-644-0500, sundachicago.com

There’s a good reason visiting celebs often dine at Sunda beyond its chic ambiance. The food, a mix of pristine sushi and modern takes on Asian cuisine, never fails to impress. And the extensive sake program — available by the glass, carafe and bottle — is one of the best in town. Insider’s tip: The crispy Brussels sprouts, an Asian-inspired riff on this humble member of the cabbage family, is a must-order dish.

At Tanta, Peruvian cuisine comes to Chicago.
COURTESY TANTA

Tanta, 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com

Peruvian cuisine may not be as well known as those from other South Americans countries. But chef Gaston Acurio is working hard to change that with some 33 Peruvian restaurants around the world. At Tanta, you’ll find a variety of the country’s unique dishes, including cebiches, empanadas, beef heart skewers and, yes, pisco sours. Insider’s tip: An indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge is a terrific alternative to the bustling first-floor dining room.

WEST LOOP

Tete Charcuterie, 1114 W. Randolph St., 312-733-1178, tetechicago.com

Once limited to fancy French restaurants and old-school butcher shops, housemade charcuterie can now be found on menus all over town, including at this rustic-chic newcomer. Cured meats, terrines, pates and its namesake, head cheese, can be ordered a la carte, but we recommend a charcuterie board, featuring a little bit of everything. Insider’s tip: Despite its meat-focused slant, Tete serves up some tasty vegetable dishes too.

Grace, 652 W. Randolph St., 312-234-9494, grace-restaurant.com

Just when almost everyone has proclaimed haute cuisine is over, along comes this elegant gem from chef Curtis Duffy (Charlie Trotter’s, Alinea, Avenues). For its two prix-fixe menus, Duffy and his army of chefs — visible through the glass-enclosed kitchen — create progressive, ingredient-driven dishes that are as beautiful to behold as they are to eat. Insider’s tip: Kitchen tours are a regular occurrence here. Just ask. OM

AAO New Product Showcase

SYNERGETICS USA VERSAVIT 2.0

1 Synergetics USA’s VersaVIT 2.0 is a small form vitrectomy system offering 6,000-cpm cutting and duty cycle control. Rather than utilizing a digital screen, all operations are completed by pushing a button. MID Labs vitrectors, available in 20, 23, 25 and 27 gauge, feature optimal distal port location intended for increased versatility, and a larger portal surface area improves vitreous removal efficiency, the company says. Additional features include reduced air consumption and backup battery.

Synergetics USA
www.synergeticsusa.com
Booth #4408

DGH TECHNOLOGY PACHMATE 2 AND PACHETTE 4

DGH Technology, Inc., added the Pachmate 2, a handheld pachymeter, and the Pachette 4, a desktop, portable pachymeter. Both pachymeters include automatic report generation through wireless Bluetooth technology. Users enter patient information that can be electronically stored or printed directly from the devices.

DGH Technology
www.dghkoi.com
Booth #2500

BIO-TISSUE CLIRADEX COMPLETE ADVANCED LID HYGIENE KIT

2 Cliradex Complete Advanced Lid Hygiene Kit, from Bio-Tissue, Inc., features a formulation gel that includes a strong concentration of 4-Terpineol, a key ingredient in tea tree oil to manage symptoms of lid margin diseases, including blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction MGD, rosacea, dry eye and demodex. The kit includes a dual-sided applicator, doctor and patient materials and Cliradex lid wipes for at-home symptom management.

Bio-Tissue
www.biotissue.com
Booth #3357

HAI LABORATORIES SL-500-E ELEVATE SLIT LAMP

The SL-5000e ELEVATE, from HAI Laboratories, Inc., is a slit lamp intended for plus-sized patients and patients with limited mobility. The device raises the first point of contact between patient and tabletop to the upper chest, allowing immobile patients to reach the chinrest during the slit lamp examination.

HAI Laboratories
www.hailabs.com
Booth #2926

SONY DYNAMIC DUO CAMERA AND RECORDER

3 Sony’s Dynamic Duo combines its MCC-500MD medical camera and HVO-550MD medical video recorder to capture surgery procedures. The MCC-500MD 2D high-definition camera’s C-mount head can be mounted on most surgical microscopes. The HVO-550MD features an optical disc drive and USB port as well as a 500GB internal hard drive to store about 194 hours of HD video while simultaneously recording to a DVD or USB drive.

Sony Electronics
https://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/mkt-medical/
Booth #437

ALCON ULTRAVIT

The Ultravit vitrectomy probe, from Alcon, operates at 7,500 cpm, a speed that reduces traction-caused iatrogenic tears and postoperative complications, the company says. Its dual-pneumatic drive technology, along with Alcon’s Constellation duty cycle control, allows surgeons to perform multiple maneuvers. In addition, the company’s 27+ series of instruments and accessories help to reduce incision size and offer access to small tissue planes.

Alcon
www.alcon.com
Booth #2908

AURORA SURGICAL MICS CAPSULORRHEXIS FORCEPS WITH SCALE

Aurora Surgical’s MICS Capsulorrhexis Forceps with Scale (AS37-0004-1.8mm) features titanium tips with 1.0 mm graduated scale to 6.0 mm that allow surgeons to measure capsulorrhexis size within the anterior chamber. Its 1.8-mm maximum tip opening helps minimize wound size, and the guide pin mechanism helps increase accuracy, the company says.

Aurora Surgical
www.aurorasurgical.com
Booth #4402

LACRIVERA VERAPLUG

Lacrivera’s VeraPlug punctal occluder for chronic dry eye treatment features a low-profile dome designed for patient comfort. Also, its shaft design is intended to ease insertion. Available in four sizes, the VeraPlug comes in a sterile, preloaded packaging.

Lacrivera
www.Lacrivera.com
Booth #1502

KOWA SL-17 PORTABLE SLIT LAMP

4 Kowa’s SL-17 handheld portable slit lamp features one-touch selection of 10x or 16x magnification along with three slit widths and three aperature diameters. Equipped with an LED lamp, the SL-17 is cordless and rechargeable to aid off-site examinations. Also, its digital camera/video function can be used with an optional camera adapter.

Kowa America, Inc.
www.kowa-usa.com
Booth #3739

VMAX VISION PSF INTEGRA

5 Vmax Vision launched its PSF Integra, which enhances the company’s PSF Refractor by reducing the refraction lane by one third, providing a 20-foot effective distance while creating space for practitioners, the company says. The PSF Refractor corrects for higher-order aberrations and helps prevent over-minusing of prescriptions.

Vmax Vision
www.vmaxvision.com
Booth #2271