Each fall, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting brings together ophthalmologists from around the world to connect with colleagues and learn about the latest innovations in the field. Particularly impactful at the 2024 meeting in Chicago was the range of programming created by Real World Ophthalmology (RWO) to assist young ophthalmologists in early practice.

RWO After Dark

In October, more than 500 young ophthalmologists gathered on the 33^rd floor of the W Hotel for RWO’s signature in-person event, RWO After Dark, where guest educator Dr. Uday Devgan (a.k.a. “Cataract Coach”) shared pearls of wisdom.

“The best part of the RWO event at AAO was the energy level of the attendees,” recalled Dr. Devgan, a celebrated cataract and refractive surgeon whose online video curriculum is a staple for residents, fellows and attending physicians alike. “There were so many young ophthalmologists eager to learn from their grey-haired colleagues like me. The next generation of eye surgeons will be the best yet because they have so many resources to expedite the learning process.”

RWO After Dark offered attendees the chance to not only make meaningful connections with a potential mentor but also to build technical skills, as industry partners led demos of surgical instruments and techniques. Industry sponsorship of RWO also allowed multiple generous giveaways for attendees, including Volk lenses, a toric lens marking kit, surgical training kits, eye models and even a stay at the W Hotel in Chicago. Planning is already underway for the 2025 RWO After Dark.

RWO Luncheons

RWO programs continued throughout AAO with several well-attended luncheons at favorite Chicago restaurants, allowing trainees to have more intimate, one-on-one conversations with faculty leaders. Dr. Ravi Goel, a cataract and refractive surgeon at
Regional Eye Associates in New Jersey, has served in multiple leadership positions with the AAO and frequently volunteers his time as a faculty speaker at the RWO virtual meetings.

“RWO luncheons are an ideal opportunity for faculty to break bread with young ophthalmologists during Academy meetings,” said Dr. Goel, emphasizing that the personal conversations that take place during these luncheons lead to important connections that one cannot make by listening to a podcast or reading an article.

“When I was a resident, we didn’t have these opportunities—unless it was with a faculty member that you [already] knew,” reflected Dr. Goel.

RWO enables trainees to meet faculty in diverse fields and practice locations and to learn from a variety of perspectives.

At a large conference like AAO, it can be intimidating to approach potential mentors, especially for someone in the early stages of their career. RWO creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that fosters conversations, many of which have led to jobs, mentorship, speaking engagements, and more. Dr. Goel says that during his interactions with residents, “I learn as much as I give.”

Looking Ahead

In addition to several events held at AAO meetings, RWO leads a plethora of programming throughout the year. These include the trademark virtual meetings; oral board reviews with volunteer faculty; virtual residency and fellowship interviews; and Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) reviews. In-person events also take place at ophthalmology departments and meetings across the country, where the RWO team leads sessions on important early career topics like practice management and contract negotiation. Keep an eye out as well for our educational content on social media and our podcasts addressing essential topics in ophthalmology. As always, all content is free—by physicians, for physicians. OM

Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA, is a member of the RWO Educational Team and a PGY-4 ophthalmology resident at Washington University in St. Louis. She graduated from Harvard College magna cum laude and earned her MD and MBA degrees from Stanford University as an Arjay Miller Scholar.

Lisa M. Nijm, MD, JD, is the founder of Real World Ophthalmology and an internationally recognized corneal, cataract and refractive surgeon at Warrenville Eye Care & LASIK in Warrenville, Ill. She is also an assistant clinical professor at UIC Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago. Email her at LNijm@RealWorldOphthalmology.com.