Eyeworld Daily News

8 | EYEWORLD DAILY NEWS | APRIL 5, 2024 ASCRS ANNUAL MEETING DAILY NEWS extremely important in the devel- opment of MIGS and the need for safer glaucoma surgeries to supple- ment our efficacious but higher risk traditional procedures. Knowing the talent and the makeup of our current Clinical Committees, there is no doubt in my mind that addition- al innovations are right around the corner. I would encourage clinicians to get involved and be part of this wonderful meeting. EyeWorld: Are there particular topics that you're excited to feature or hear more about throughout the meeting? Dr. Samuelson: The latest develop- ments in phacoemulsification and lens implant technology are always among the most popular topics at the ASCRS Annual Meeting. The Binkhorst Lecture, Innovator's Lecture, and Lindstrom Lecture feature superb keynotes each year. From a glaucoma standpoint, I am anxious to hear how my colleagues are incorporating the new offerings in interventional glaucoma. We now have safe, procedural options to offer our patients. That said, coverage and reimbursement issues threaten to limit this hard-earned progress. Navigating our way through some of these issues will be an important matter in 2024. Director Steve Speares. He asked me if I would be interested in succeeding Edward Holland, MD, as Program Chair of the Annual Meeting. I was somewhat astonished, as I had not sought the position, nor was I aware that a successor had not been appointed. I was very aware of the esteemed individuals who had held the position previously. There were only four in the 50 years of ASCRS, Kenneth Hoffer, MD, Manus Kraff, MD, Roger Steinert, MD, and Dr. Holland. It is daunting and humbling to succeed this incredible group! EyeWorld: Can you speak a bit about taking on this role after Dr. Holland? Did you get any advice from him or others? Dr. Samuelson: Dr. Holland is one of the most hard working and creative educators I have ever encountered. His contributions to ASCRS are legendary. Going forward, I doubt that any one person could provide the time, work, and energy that Ed has dedicated to ASCRS as Program Chair. I plan to involve the abundant talent within the ASCRS Clinical Committees and the committee chairs to help maintain the founda- tion and build on the momentum that Ed and the prior Program Chairs have created. EyeWorld: This meeting will offi- cially kick off the 50th anniversary celebration. What does this say about ASCRS, its staying power, and its importance to ophthalmology? Dr. Samuelson: ASCRS was built on the pioneering spirit of innovation. For example, ASCRS was instrumen- tal in the development of modern cataract surgery, especially IOL technology. On a smaller scale, but one close to home for me, the ASCRS Glaucoma Clinical Committee was EyeWorld: ASCRS is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. How did you first get involved with ASCRS? Thomas Samuelson, MD: Early in my career, it became clear that the future of glaucoma surgery was increasingly becoming linked to cataract surgery. While standalone glaucoma surgery remains very important and relevant, improve- ments in glaucoma medications and lasers have helped control most patients until they develop a cataract. Meanwhile, evidence was accumulating that cataract surgery lowered IOP, and while the MIGS revolution was still years away, safer surgeries were in development. As a glaucoma surgeon, I thought it was essential to stay abreast of advances in phacoemulsification, IOLs, and anterior segment surgery technology. ASCRS is the premier organization specializing in anterior segment surgery. EyeWorld: How did you start to take on leadership roles within the Society? Dr. Samuelson: At the encourage- ment of Reay Brown, MD and Brad Shingleton, MD, I joined the Glau- coma Clinical Committee. Brad was the chair of the Glaucoma Clinical Committee at the time, followed by Reay. I became chair after Reay, and that paved the way for further involvement at the Executive Com- mittee level. Ultimately, I became president of the Society, one of the true highlights of my career. EyeWorld: What led to you becom- ing Annual Meeting Program Chair? What are you looking forward to in this role? Dr. Samuelson: I was at home on a Sunday afternoon and received a cold call from ASCRS Executive Q&A with the new ASCRS Annual Meeting Program Chair Thomas Samuelson, MD Dr. Samuelson at the 2018 ASCRS Annual Meeting Source: ASCRS

• Cover