Chicago will reprise its role as host for the 2018 AAO Meeting next month at downtown McCormick Place. This year’s theme is the intersection of “Art + Science,” in a nod to the imagination and passion that fuel the rigorous clinical trials and late-night research that produce medical breakthroughs.

Here are some highlights from the opening session, which kicks off Sunday, Oct. 28 at 8:30 a.m.

Jackson Memorial Lecture:
Philip J. Rosenfeld, MD, PhD
Dr. Rosenfeld is director and professor of Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. His primary clinical and research interests are in AMD, for which he has spent decades seeking effective therapies, serving as the principal investigator and study chairman for numerous AMD clinical trials. Dr. Rosenfeld was instrumental in the clinical development of anti-VEGF therapies, the use of OCT-guided treatment regimens using anti-VEGF therapy, the clinical development of OCT instruments and the development and use of novel OCT algorithms for the diagnosis and management of macular diseases. His speech is titled, “Lessons learned from Avastin and OCT: The great, the good, the bad and the ugly.”

Laureate Award:
Steven T. Charles, MD, FACS, FICS
Dr. Charles is a clinical professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Tennessee. He is one of the world’s leading vitreoretinal surgeons and has developed many of the techniques and devices used by vitreoretinal surgeons worldwide. He has delivered 17 named lectures and authored a leading textbook in the field as well as more than 174 articles in the medical literature and 50 book chapters. He is on the editorial board of Retina and a reviewer for Ophthalmology, Archives of Ophthalmology, American Journal of Ophthalmology and British Journal of Ophthalmology. He writes a column for Retinal Physician and is an editor for eMedicine. Dr. Charles is also a mechanical and electrical engineer with over 100 issued or pending patents.

AAO LECTURE SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, OCT. 28

Whitney G. Sampson Lecture
“Rethinking Fuchs’ Dystrophy in the Era of Successful Descemet Stripping”
Kathryn A. Colby, MD, PhD
“Hot Topics of the Ocular Surface 28” symposium, 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Barraquer Lecture
“Lenticular Implantation and Refractive Eye Banking as a New Frontier in Refractive Surgery”
Ronald R. Krueger, MD
“The Era of Femtosecond Lasers?” symposium, 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Ruedemann Lecture
“Choosing the Ideal Implant Size, an Ocularist’s Perspective”
Joseph A. LeGrand, Jr., BCO
“Moving Target: Advances in Prosthetic Eyes and Motility” symposium, 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

C. Stephen and Frances Foster Lecture on Uveitis and Immunology
“The Eye Fights Back: Immune Defense in a Dangerous World”
Janet L. Davis, MD
12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Robert N. Shaffer Lecture
“At the Technological Confluence of Glaucoma Clinical Care and Research”
Sayoko E. Moroi, MD, PhD
“Practical Guides to the Dilemma of Managing Cataract in Glaucoma Patients” symposium, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Wendell L. Hughes Lecture
“The Evolution and Revolution of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery”
Don O. Kikkawa, MD
“The Nuances of the Lower Eyelid and How to Treat Malposition” symposium, 3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 29

Charles D. Kelman Lecture
“Dealing with Damaged Zonules”
Robert J. Cionni, MD
“Spotlight on Cataracts” presentation, 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Jones/Smolin Lecture
“The Persistent Enigma of Adenovirus Keratitis: Viral Pathogenesis in the Cornea”
James Chodosh, MD, MPH
“Nonbacterial Keratitis: Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges” symposium, 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. symposium

William F. Hoyt Lecture
“Unraveling the Enigma of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy”
Joseph F. Rizzo III, MD
“Is This Optic Nerve Normal” symposium, 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Michael F. Marmor Lecture in Ophthalmology and the Arts
Howard Schatz, MD
12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Zimmerman Lecture
“Retinoblastoma: Seeing the Big Picture”
Matthew W. Wilson, MD
“Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Eye and Orbit: Implications for the Ophthalmic Oncologist and Pathologist” symposium, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Dr. Allan Jensen & Claire Jensen Lecture in Professionalism and Ethics
“The Intersection of Liability and Ethical Professionalism”
Anne M. Menke, RN, PhD
“Dr. Allan Jensen & Claire Jensen Lecture in Professionalism and Ethics” symposium, 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 30

Marshall M. Parks Lecture
“Evidence-Based Amblyopia Treatment”
Jonathan M. Holmes, MD
“Get Up To Date on Amblyopia” symposium, 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Arnall Patz Lecture
“Is All Cystoid Macular Edema the Same?”
Alexander J. Brucker, MD
“Retina Imaging: New Insights Into Disease and Treatment” symposium, 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Castroviejo Lecture
“The Ethical Basis of Clinical Research”
Alan Sugar, MD
“The Future of Cornea in 3-D: Drugs, Devices, and Diagnostics” symposium, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO WWW.AAO.ORG/ANNUAL-MEETING

Available starting this month is the Mobile Meeting Guide app, accessible through any web browser. Use it to find sessions and exhibitors, look up hotel/shuttle info, download handouts, communicate with presenters and more.

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A tour of Chicago’s show floor

AAO is almost upon us, and in the following pages you will find highlights of some of the leading products and services on display at the Exhibit Hall. To help you plan your trip and find the latest and greatest for your practice, we invited vendors to submit a brief company intro, along with their AAO booth number and web address.

— Larry Patterson, MD, Chief Medical Editor

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COMPANIES

Akorn

Akorn supports the advancement of ocular health and the improvement of patients’ lives through quality, affordable medications and diagnostics.

Booth #3700
www.akorn.com

Alcon

Founded in 1945 as a small ophthalmic shop in Texas, Alcon’s eye care history includes manufacturing innovative products, partnerships with eye-care professionals and the creation of programs that enhance access to quality eye care.

Booth #2708
www.alcon.com

Alimera Sciences

Alimera Sciences will be celebrating three years of Iluvien, its fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. To learn more, visit the website below or follow them on Facebook at Iluvien USA and Twitter @ILUVIEN_USA.
Booth #1535
www.iluvien.com/hcp

Allergan

AAO 2018 attendees can visit Allergan’s booth to learn more about their eye care portfolio, including the XEN Gel Stent, TrueTear, Restasis Multidose, Ozurdex and the Refresh line, including Refresh Repair.

Booth #1308
www.allergan.com

Altaire Pharmaceuticals

NanoTears, manufactured by Altaire Pharmaceuticals, can restore the lipid layer function without the blur. It is the only dry eye product containing an active polar lipid. Available formulations are preservative free or contain a gentle disappearing preservative.
Booth #2101
www.nanotearseyedrops.com

Amring Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Biolon, manufactured by Amring Pharmaceuticals Inc., has been used by surgeons for more than 25 years. Amring has now introduced Biolon 1% OVD to U.S. ophthalmic surgeons.  Visit Biolon’s booth to request a free Surgeon Evaluation Kit. 

Booth #2278
www.biolonusa.com

Avedro

Avedro is a privately held pharmaceutical and medical device company helping to improve the science and technology of corneal remodeling. Visit its website to learn more about the procedure and technology.

Booth #720
www.avedro.com

Bio-Tissue

Bio-Tissue develops regenerative therapies for treating dry eye and other ocular surface diseases. Its core products — AmnioGraft and PROKERA — include cryopreserved amniotic membrane tissue with innate therapeutic actions scientifically proven to heal the ocular surface.

Booth #2736
www.biotissue.com

BlephEx

BlephEx develops solutions for dry eye treatment. Its flagship product, BlephEx, effectively and safely removes bacterial biofilm from eye lids and improves tear break-up time by 60% to 66%.
Booth #337
www.blephex.com

Body Doctor Ltd

The Eye Doctor PLUS Hot and Cold eye mask now features NASA-approved, thermo-regulating fabric. The fabric absorbs, stores and releases the optimum heat to more effectively treat meibomian gland disease, blepharitis and dry eye disease.
Booth #1269
www.1-800-optisource.com/Eye-Doctor-Plus-Eye-Compress.aspx

Bruder

Daily use of the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress, featuring patented MediBeads, followed by gentle lid cleansing with the Bruder Hygienic Eyelid Sheets, helps patients maintain eyelid health and relieves dry eyes.

Booth #1903
www.bruder.com .

Capital One

The Capital One Spark Business Cash card allows users to earn unlimited 2% cash back. Applicants can earn a one-time bonus of $500 once they spend $4,500 on purchases within three months of approval.
Booth #325
www.CapitalOne.com/sparkshows

Compulink

Compulink’s ONC 2015 Certified all-in-one system is designed to streamline practice workflow and increase efficiency and profitability. Features include EHR, practice management, optical POS and inventory management, RCM, ASC, analytics, patient engagement and telehealth.
Booth #2232
www.compulinkadvantage.com/ophthalmology/overview

CorneaGen

CorneaGen is a mission-driven company committed to eliminating corneal blindness and developing new ways for surgeons to treat and care for the cornea. Visit the CorneaGen booth to learn more about the company’s cornea care technology.
Booth #3933
www.corneagen.com

Covalent Medical

Focus Vision Supplements, manufactured by Covalent Medical, offers evidence-based, ocular health formulations. Its products emphasize safety, upholding high standards for every active ingredient on every lot. More than 400 ophthalmologists help develop the ocular health formulations used in Focus Vision Supplements.
Booth #3072
www.focusvitamins.com

Diopsys

With objective, functional data, Light Induced Visual-response (LIV) allows for tailored treatment and precise disease management. Visitors to the Diopsys booth can learn more about LIV testing and functional, response-guided treatment.
Booth #1547
www.diopsys.com/chicago

Ellex

Ellex creates laser and ultrasound technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of cataract, glaucoma and retinal conditions, including Laser Floater Treatment (LFT). Ellex now offers the iTrack for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

Booth #1044
www.ellex.com

Enhanced Medical Services

Enhanced Medical Services (EMS) provides comprehensive eye-care equipment solutions, including new and pre-owned diagnostic, lane and optical equipment as well as warranties, maintenance and repair services.
Booth #4257
www.emseye.com

Eye Care Leaders 

Eye Care Leaders offers ophthalmology-specific solutions, now including myCare solutions, an integrated platform of EHR, PM, optical, ASC and portal, complimented with services like RCM, MIPS assurance, analytics and more.

Booth #4308
eyecareleaders.com

EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems

Developed in an ophthalmologist’s office, EyeMD EMR is a simple, efficient, and comprehensive certified EMR designed for ophthalmology that streamlines office procedures and clinical documentation. For more information, visit their booth.
Booth #756
www.eyemdemr.com

Genentech

Genentech, now a member of the Roche Group, has more than 40 years of experience in the field of biotechnology. Genentech discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious or life-threatening medical conditions.

Booth #4026
www.gene.com

Glaukos

Glaukos is an ophthalmic medical technology and pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel surgical devices and sustained pharmaceutical therapies, designed to improve the treatment of glaucoma.

Booth #1345
www.glaukos.com

GlobeChek

GlobeChek is a global tele-health corporation that utilizes its unique globe-shaped kiosk to conduct complete, comprehensive eye screenings in minutes. GlobeChek will detect eye and systemic disease and refer to a broad international network of eye- care professionals.
Booth #318
www.globechek.com

Haag-Streit Group

Haag-Streit Group has 160 years of experience in the field of ophthalmic technology. Haag-Streit’s slit lamps, surgical microscopes, medical equipment and Reliance chairs offer ophthalmologists increased precision, efficiency and accuracy, giving them quality tools for patient care.

Booth #2226
www.haag-streit-usa.com

Heidelberg Engineering

Heidelberg Engineering is a high-tech imaging solutions company that designs, manufactures, and distributes diagnostic instruments for eye care. Core technologies include confocal microscopy, scanning lasers and optics, optical coherence tomography, software image analysis and IT solutions for image management.
Booth #2236
www.heidelbergengineering.com

Heine

Heine, which makes its instruments exclusively at its German facilities, will have its Heine Lambda 100 Retinometer on display at AAO 2018. Visitors can learn how the Lambda can assess potential visual acuity of patients with cataracts and other media opacities.
Booth #321
www.heine.com

ianTECH

The miLOOP device allows zero-energy lens fragmentation to help surgeons consistently and thoroughly dissect without applying outward forces on the zonules. Fully disposable, miLOOP is the first ophthalmic device from ianTECH, which specializes in micro-interventional cataract surgery.
www.iantechmed.com

Icare USA

Icare USA is a medical technology company that manufactures tonometers. The Icare product line offers objective, repeatable accuracy in measuring IOP at home or in the clinic. These devices use rebound technology for quick, painless measurements without anesthetic or air.

Booth #4600
www.icare-usa.com

ImprimisRx

Compounded preservative-free Klarity: Chondroitin Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution and Klarity-C: Cyclosporine 0.1%/Chondroitin Sulfate Ophthalmic Emulsion are now available from ImprimisRx’s FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility. For more information, visit ImprimisRx’s booth.
Booth #4254
www.totaltears.com

Iridex

Iridex, with its proprietary MicroPulse technology, provides safe, effective and proven laser-based treatments for glaucoma, diabetic macular edema and other retinal diseases. Its family of lasers include the Cyclo G6 Glaucoma System and the IQ 532 and IQ 577 Systems.

Booth #3721
www.iridex.com

Jetrea

Jetrea (ocriplasmin) is the only FDA-approved pharmacological treatment for symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion. The already diluted formulation of Jetrea offers a simplified preparation process to save time and eliminate the chance of dilution variability.

Booth #4063
www.jetrea.com

Johnson & Johnson Vision

J&J Vision delivers innovation that enables eye-care professionals to create better outcomes for patients throughout their lives. Their products and technologies address unmet needs, including refractive error, cataracts and dry eye. Visit their website for more information.
Booth #3708
www.jjvision.com

Katalyst Surgical

Katalyst Surgical’s booth will display comprehensive lines of both anterior and posterior products. This includes 27-ga instruments that are 55-times stiffer than traditional 27-ga as well as $40 reusable steerable laser probes and $50 forceps.
Booth #2662
www.katalystsurgical.com

Katena

Katena’s featured products at AAO include Katena and Rhein surgical instruments for current and emerging ophthalmic techniques and procedures, amniotic membrane for in-office and surgical procedures, Tutoplast patch allografts, the Molteno3 glaucoma implant and EagleVision products, including punctal plugs.
Booth #1020
www.katena.com

Lacrivera

Lacrivera offers the New FlexFit Punctal Occluder. The FlexFit nose technology is designed to collapse when inserted to allow for easier insertion and better retention. Visit Lacrivera’s booth to learn more about their dry eye products.
Booth #2613
www.lacrivera.com

Lensar

Lensar, specializing in next-generation femtosecond cataract laser technology, continues to address astigmatism with Streamline IV. This latest version, featuring IntelliAxis-L steep axis capsular marks, provides an advanced and broad range of options for managing astigmatism and optimizing outcomes.

Booth #1539
www.lensar.com

Lombart

Lombart offers a full range of ophthalmic needs to its clients, through customized solutions and dedicated partnerships. Visit the Lombart booth to learn more about its wide range of products and services.

Booth #2208
www.lombartinstrument.com

Lumenis

Lumenis will feature a hands-on experience for physicians at AAO 2018. Stop by its booth to see the new M22 OPT IPL technology for facial telangiectasia and rosacea, the Antares corneal topographer, gold-standard SLT technology and lasers for retina and other procedures.
Booth #3239
www.lumenis.com

MacuLogix

Measuring dark adaptation function using MacuLogix’s AdaptDx allows clinicians to diagnose AMD with 90% accuracy several years before drusen are visible and vision loss occurs. MacuLogix provides in-practice training to support the implementation and optimization of the AdaptDx.

Booth #2049
www.maculogix.com

Marco

Marco products include the OPD-Scan III Integrated Wavefront Aberrometer, TRS-5100/3100 Digital Refractors, Autorefractors/Keratometers and EPIC Refraction Workstation. New products include the TS-310 Refractive Tabletop Workstation, LM-7 Series Lensmeters, Ultra M Series slit lamps.

Booth #1810
www.marco.com

Modernizing Medicine

Modernizing Medicine provides ophthalmologists a suite of mobile, specialty-specific solutions that improve how healthcare information is created, consumed and used. The modmed Ophthalmology suite includes EMA, the ophthalmology-specific EHR system, practice management, revenue cycle management and analytics.

Booth #1349
www.modmed.com/ophthalmology

Nextech

Nextech offers fully integrated, ophthalmology-specific EMR and practice management solutions that allow ophthalmologists to chart with increased speed and specificity. Designed specifically for ophthalmology workflows, it provides intuitive navigation, adaptive template technology and enhanced drawing capabilities.

Booth #2262
www.nextech.com

Nidek

Nidek offers a wide array of diagnostic and surgical equipment designed with simplicity, functionality and reliability to assist with patients having anterior and posterior disorders or diseases, including glaucoma, AMD, visual function and other vision-impairing afflictions.

Booth #2219
www.usa.nidek.com

Notal Vision

Notal Vision develops home-based ophthalmology diagnostics that enable patients and ECPs to optimize visual outcomes using a proprietary cloud-based platform. Appointments can be made at notalvision@notalvision.com to meet with company representatives at their exhibit hall business suite.
Booth #4533
www.notalvision.com

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals

NovaBay’s Avenova is a pure hypochlorous acid product for daily lid and lash hygiene. Hypochlorous acid kills microorganisms, neutralizes bacterial inflammatory toxins, suppresses inflammatory mediators and penetrates biofilm. Please visit the NovaBay booth for more information.

Booth #150
www.avenova.com

Oasis Medical

Oasis Medical Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of high-quality reusable and disposable surgical solutions, punctal occlusion devices, lubricating eye drops and lid cleansing solutions. The company emphasizes co-developing relationships with its partnering practices.

Booth #2600
www.oasismedical.com

Oculus

Oculus has been involved in the eye-care industry since 1895. Its range of products include the Pentacam, perimeters, topographers, pachymeters, autorefractors, keratometers and more. AAO visitors can see the new Pentacam AXL with axial length measurement and built-in IOL calculation formulas.

Booth #937
www.oculususa.com

OCuSOFT

OCuSOFT, most known for its brand of eyelid cleansers, has served the ophthalmic community since 1986. Its brand of products include the OCuSOFT Lid Scrub for eyelid hygiene, OCuSOFT HypoChlor for severe eyelid conditions and Retaine MGD Tears for complete tear film enhancement.

Booth #3762
www.ocusoft.com

OD-OS

The Navilas 577s navigated retina laser is designed for effective and comfortable treatment. The all-digital system allows for precise planning on different diagnostic images, computer-assisted laser delivery and digital documentation. A special microsecond pulse mode supports tissue-friendly treatment protocols.

Booth #740
www.od-os.com

Optovue

Optovue focuses on creating innovative OCT products. At AAO 2018, Optovue will unveil AngioAnalytics, the first OCTA metrics and 9-mm Epithelial Thickness Mapping with change analysis for the Avanti Widefield OCT system.

Booth #1026
www.optovue.com

Pine Pharmaceuticals

Pine Pharmaceuticals is an FDA-registered, 503B Outsourcing Facility specializing in ophthalmic preparations for both surgery centers and in-office use. It offers combination ophthalmic drops, ready-to-use antibiotics, ophthalmic injectables, prefilled anti-VEGF syringes, Brilliant Blue G and more.

Booth #3071
www.pinepharmaceuticals.com

Plusoptix

Plusoptix manufactures instrument-based vision screeners, recognized for their child-friendly design. Visitors to its booth can try the vision screener and talk to an expert about how to implement these devices at their practices.
Booth #1875
www.plusoptix.com

Quantel Medical

At their AAO booth, Quantel will present the ABSolu, its new ultrasound platform. ABSolu features include 20MHz annular technology B probe, enhanced UBM imaging, patented accelerometer technology in B probes and DICOM display.

Booth #3056
www.quantel-medical.com

Quidel Corporation

Quidel’s Eye Health solutions,  InflammaDry and AdenoPlus, are rapid, lateral-flow based, point-of-care, CLIA waived products for the detection of infectious and inflammatory eye diseases. InflammaDry detects elevated levels of MMP-9 for dry eye. AdenoPlus diagnoses adenoviral acute conjunctivitis.
Booth #3073
www.quidel.com

Reichert

Reichert Technologies of Buffalo, N.Y., has been involved in eye-care diagnostics for 150 years. Its latest products are the Ocular Response Analyzer, which measures Corneal Hysteresis, Tono-Pen tonometers and the digital Phoroptor VRx.

Booth #3726
www.reichert.com

ScienceBased Health

SBH specializes in evidence-based nutraceuticals and practice-building programs. Products include HydroEye, clinically tested for dry eye relief, the clinically tested Optic Nerve Formula and AREDS-based formulations. Visitors at AAO can receive a free 60-day supply of HydroEye and a smoothie.
Booth #4054
www.sbh.com

Shire

Shire is a biotechnology company serving patients with rare diseases and specialized conditions. Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%, a prescription eye drop, is approved in the United States to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

Booth #144
www.xiidra-ecp.com

Spark Therapeutics

Luxturna, the first FDA-approved gene therapy to treat genetic disease, aids individuals with inherited retinal disease due to mutations in both copies of the RPE65 gene. To learn more about Luxturna and Spark Therapeutics, Inc., visit their booth.

Booth #3757
www.sparktx.com

Sun Ophthalmics

Sun Ophthalmics manufactures innovative products such as BromSite, a topical NSAID for use preventing ocular pain following cataract surgery. Sun Ophthalmics is committed to providing eye care through quality customer service.
Booth #155
www.sunophthalmics.com

Topcon

At AAO 2018, Topcon will present an array of ophthalmic products and software solutions including the DRI OCT Triton Swept Source OCT, the new Harmony data management application and the PASCAL Pattern Scanning Laser Systems. Find more information at the company’s booth.
Booth #3745
www.topconmedical.com

USRetina

USRetina offers programs to advance, aggregate, and advocate for the retina-vitreous community. Its more than 230 independent member practices have access to exclusive group purchasing partnerships, process improvement and analytics technologies, retina-specific advocacy efforts and more.

Booth #2864
www.usretina.com

Zeiss

Zeiss offers solutions for diagnosis, management and treatment of ophthalmic diseases. Zeiss’ portfolio is designed to meet the demands of eye-care professionals in glaucoma, retina, comprehensive, cataract and refractive specialties. Zeiss’ data management solutions further help doctors with patient care.
Booth #3736
www.zeiss.com/aao

Ziemer

Ziemer Ophthalmology engineers multi-purpose femtosecond ophthalmic lasers for use in cataract and refractive surgery and biometric diagnostic devices. The FEMTO LDV Lasers and Galilei Topographer/Tomographer provide precise and accurate outcomes.

Booth #1056
www.ziemerusa.com