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ASCRS NEWS ASCRS ASOA ANNUAL MEETING See how the 2019 meeting adds up Dr. Park discusses world blindness during a Sunday morning course. card, and medical history. Email important papers to yourself and a responsible contact person. Dr. MacDonald also discussed safety and security information that is needed, including checking for travel advisories and alerts from the U.S. State Department; knowing entry/exit requirements, visas, local laws, customs, medical care, road safety, and other infor- mation; and writing down contact details for the nearest U.S. em- bassy or consulates to carry with you in case of emergency while traveling. There are three types of insurance she suggested: medical evacuation insurance, travel health insurance, and trip cancellation insurance. Among other things, she also suggested being prepared for potential crises that can occur. Be cautious of the food you're eating, and the CDC can provide further guidance on what to eat and what not to eat. Pay attention to the clothing you're choosing, as what you choose to wear abroad may be different than what you would wear in the U.S. She said it may be helpful to try to blend in. Editors' note: The speakers have no relevant financial interests. T he course "Curing World Blindness and Cataract Surgery in the Devel- oping World: Lessons Learned by Members of the ASCRS Foundation International Commit- tee" on Sunday morning featured a number of presenters sharing their experiences abroad. Lisa Park, MD, New York, gave an introduction, noting some of the history of global ophthalmology. She mentioned the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 (but there were not specific activities in blindness prevention at this time), as well as trachoma attracting WHO's attention in the 1950s. Dr. Park discussed VISION 2020, launched in 1999, the global initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness. This was a joint program of the WHO and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). This initiative seeks to reduce the causes of avoidable blindness by half by the year 2020. Dr. Park shared some of the latest data. Of the 7.3 billion population, 36 million people are blind, and 217 million people have moderate to severe visual impairment. This accounts for 253 million people worldwide being visually impaired, and 90% of vi- sually impaired people live in low- and middle-income countries. Cataract continues to be the leading cause of blindness, Dr. Park said, and uncorrected refrac- tive error is the leading cause of moderate to severe visual impair- ment. Susan MacDonald, MD, Peabody, Massachusetts, shared tips for how to keep yourself safe when you travel abroad to do out- reach work. A lot of this has to do with planning before you go, while you're there, and upon return, she said. Before you travel, Dr. Mac- Donald said it's important to visit a travel clinic. This will help you formulate an individualized health plan based on your health and countries you are traveling in. You should get instructions for treat- ment of illness while traveling, safety tips, and post-travel help. It's important to update standard immunizations, as well as specific travel immunizations. Dr. Mac- Donald specifically mentioned the Zika virus. The CDC recommends couples trying to become pregnant carefully consider the risks in Zika outbreak areas. She said it's recom- mended that you consider waiting to get pregnant. Before you go, Dr. MacDon- ald said to copy your documents including your passport, credit International outreach and tips for traveling abroad by Ellen Stodola EyeWorld Senior Staff Writer/ Meetings Editor ASCRS and ASOA by the numbers •First-time attendees: 613 MDs, 264 ASOA •385 registrants attending at least their 10th straight meeting •380 registrants with at least 25 years of ASCRS membership •30 registrants with at least 25 years of ASOA membership •82 countries represented •All 50 states plus 3 territories represented •525 U.S. and international physicians in their first 5 years of practice •239 U.S. residents and fellows •129 international residents 12 | EYEWORLD DAILY NEWS | MAY 6, 2019

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