2023 PGC Course Descriptions & Learning Objectives

OAO 2023 PGC Course Description & Learning Objectives

CATARACT | NICOLE R. FRAM, MD

My Patient is Missing Some Iris…What Do I Do Next?

Presentation will demonstrate surgical planning and management of iris defects ranging in etiology from trauma to congenital or degenerative disease. Cases will be presented in the setting of complex cataract and IOL management; including iris suture techniques, pupillary cerclage and iridodialysis repair. Additionally, prosthetic iris devices will be covered to manage severe iris trauma.

  • Outline strategies to diagnose and treat trochleitis
  • Recognize the most common causes of eye pain
  • Discuss the treatment of choice for hemicrania continua

Management of Malpositioned IOLs

Early and late decentration / dislocation of IOLs is a significant complication of current cataract surgery. This presentation will consider the etiology and possible prevention of malpositioned IOLs, but the primary focus will be on their surgical management. We will identify the causes of IOL dislocation / decentration, consider prevention of malpositioned IOLs and through use of video presentations, demonstrate various surgical techniques for correction of IOL decentration / dislocation.

  • Recognize the causes of IOL dislocation/decentration
  • Discuss considerations to prevent malpositioned IOLs
  • Examine various surgical techniques for correction of IOL decentration/dislocation

Intrascleral Fixation 101

Presentation will provide a stepwise approach to predictably perform intrascleral fixation of intraocular lens (IOL) using the Yamane technique. Critical elements of surgery to achieve a well- centered IOL will be highlighted and demonstrated using video footage. Examples of situations where complications arose from improper technique will be shown as will strategies to identify the causes and rectify them.

  • Review the steps to achieve a well-centered IOL
  • Interpret the method to performing intrascleral fixation of an IOL using the Yamane Technique
  • Recognize strategies to handle various complications that may occur during intrascleral fixation

Case Study: Cataract Surgery Crisis Management – Interactive Case Study

This presentation aims to identify complicated situations that surgeons may encounter during or after cataract surgery and provides pearls to effectively manage such crises as well as upgrade surgical skills. Management of posterior capsule rupture, challenging ocular environments and dissatisfied premium IOL patients will be discussed.

  • Identify complicated situations which may occur during or after cataract surgery
  • Apply various techniques to effectively manage various crises during or after cataract surgery
  • Recognize strategies to successfully manage different intraoperative and postoperative cataract surgery complications

RETINA | LINDA LAM, MD

Digital Ophthalmology: The Role of Telemedicine, AI, Devices, and Robotics Post COVID

During the course lecture, the latest updates will be presented regarding the role of telemedicine, artificial intelligence, devices, and robotics will be discussed. Technology will be reviewed with regards to various ophthalmic specialties including glaucoma, cornea, pediatrics, and retina.

  • Explain the role of telemedicine and future implications for patient care in ophthalmology
  • Examine the current landscape of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology
  • Recognize innovations and potential roles of robotics in ophthalmic surgery

Technology Updates and Strategies in Low Vision Rehabilitation

Current and future strategies involving technology will be presented in the landscape of low vision rehabilitation. The history of low vision rehabilitation strategies will be discussed as well as the evolution of treatment strategies in this field will be reviewed. Patient case examples will be presented to illustrate best use case for the diverse technologies.

  • Examine the past and current strategies in low vision rehabilitation
  • Recognize novel devices that may improve the daily lives of patients with visual impairment
  • Review best strategies and resources that are available for the visually impaired community

Retinal Implications of Systemic Therapies: Implications on long term treatment

Myriad drugs can have significant visual implications by affecting the retina. This presentation will provide important information including key images and guidelines for providers to help identify cases of drug toxicity. Therapeutic implications of treatments including hydroxychloroquine and pentosan polysulfate will be highlighted.

  • Review drugs that may cause crystalline retinopathy
  • Apply current protocols to screen patients using hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
  • Recognize that Pentosan Retinopathy may be mimic macular degeneration.

Case Study: Retinal Fundus Imaging: Differential diagnosis and management

Numerous conditions in the retina can appear similar but have different etiologies. In this course, many retinal images will be discussed, and a differential diagnosis will be formulated. Guidance will be given to help elucidate the source of the distinct retinal pathologies.

  • Examine different peripheral retinal pathologies and management of such findings
  • Discuss various forms of macular degeneration and treatment options
  • Differentiate type of macular edema and treatment

PEDS/STRABISMUS | FEDERICO VELEZ, MD

Strabismus Following Ocular Surgery

Comprehensive lecture including clinical cases, detailed description of the mechanism and surgical treatment of strabismus and diplopia following ocular surgical procedures.

  • Distinguish the causes of ocular misalignment following ocular surgery
  • Outline strategies for clinical diagnosis and use of ancillary tests
  • Examine the management and prevention of this complication

Artificial Extraocular Muscle: Use of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors to Prevent Ocular Fibrosis

Lecture describing current and future options to manage paralytic and other forms of strabismus with complete loss of function of an extra ocular muscle and the potential use of plasma to prevent fibrosis in orbital surgery.

  • Appraise the potential use of artificial muscle stimulation to recover ocular alignment and motility
  • Recognize the use of new therapies as a strategy to manage ocular and orbital fibrosis following surgery
  • Describe surgical techniques based on the compartmental division of the extra ocular muscles 

Compartmental Strabismus

New evidence demonstrates the presence of anatomical and innovational compartments within the extra ocular muscles. These compartments may contract and relax independently and may explain some forms of strabismus including inconstant vertical and horizontal deviations.

  • Analyze the current evidence supporting the compartments within the extra ocular muscles
  • Examine the effects those compartments have in ocular motility
  • Describe surgical techniques based on the compartmental division of the extra ocular muscles

Case Study: Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Cases You Don’t Want to Miss

Presentation of complex pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus cases.

  • Discuss unusual ocular conditions associated to systemic comorbidities
  • Apply appropriate diagnosis of systemic conditions manifested with common ocular findings
  • Plan and manage conditions with serious systemic implications

OCULAR ONCOLOGY | Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, MD, MHS

Imaging and Eye Cancers

In everyday practice, a variety of fundus lesions will be encountered- some benign, some developmental, but some with the potential to be life-threatening. Using an array of imaging techniques, clinical patterns have developed to help differentiate these lesions in an non- invasive manner. We will review the role of OCT, fundus autofluoresence and other imaging modalities to make quick and accurate diagnoses of common fundus lesions.

  • Examine OCT characteristics of choroidal nevus and choroidal metastasis
  • Identify high risk nevus features with autofluorsence imaging technology
  • Recognize vascular and hemorrhagic fundus lesions with both ultrasound and OCT imaging

Systemic Cancer Treatments & The Eye: What the Ophthalmologist Needs to Know

There has been a recent explosion in the development of new targeted anti-cancer treatments that have made an immense impact in promoting patient survival. Interestingly, many of these agents used to treat common cancers including lung and breast cancers, have ocular side effects. This course will identify drug class-specific side effects and treatment strategies to minimize vision loss and cessation of the targeted agent

  • Identify treatment complications of epidermal growth factor receptor therapies on the anterior segment
  • Examine patterns of intraocular inflammation with checkpoint inhibitor therapy
  • Outline strategies to treat serous macular detachments from MEK inhibitors

Surgical and Medical Therapies for Anterior Segment Tumors

Anterior segment tumors are common and potentially sight and life-threatening. In this course, we will review common anterior segment lesions that are benign, pre-malignant, and malignant and seen in routine practice. Diagnostic techniques will be reviewed and therapeutic strategies- including surgery and chemotherapy- will be reviewed.

  • Discuss the use of OCT technology to identify squamous neoplasia
  • Identify features of a benign melanocytic conjunctival lesion
  • Illustrate the steps to safe surgical excision of a conjunctival malignant lesion

Case Study: Interactive Array of Fundus Lesions that Resemble Ocular Malignancies

A whirlwind tour of common, dangerous and not-so-dangerous fundus lesions in an interactive case discussion.

  • Identify patterns on choroidal nevi that suggest high risk for growth
  • Differentiate choroidal melanoma from choroidal metastasis
  • Recognize features of a congential retinal lesion on OCT imaging

Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Pain related to Headache Disorders | Juliette Preston, MD

Ophthalmologists are often the first physicians to evaluate patients with eye pain. This lecture will go over the most common primary headache disorders associated with eye pain. Using different cases, first line treatment option and appropriate next step will be discussed.

  • Recognize primary headache disorder associated with eye pain most commonly seen in outpatient practices
  • Select first line treatment options and appropriate diagnostic work-up
  • Identify red flags associated with eye pain and headaches