Eyeworld

38 | EYEWORLD | DECEMBER 2020 ASCRS NEWS 2020 will certainly be a year to remember. All of our lives were (and continue to be) impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Day-to-day practice has required new protocols. We administer questionnaires and temperature checks for all those entering the clinic. Masks are mandatory. Examination rooms and equipment are wiped down between each patient. Non-essential patient visitors are asked to remain outside. Social distancing is strictly enforced, with more than half of our waiting chairs blocked off. Despite the initial fear that our productivity would not bounce back, we have seen a near normal return of volume both clini- cally and surgically. That being said, there are still many patients who are fearful to seek care, and I do worry that there will be some morbidity that occurs because of this. From a professional education and society point of view, I was proud of the ASCRS staff and leadership who were able to abruptly pivot to a virtual annual meeting. Out of necessity and an abundance of caution, it was one of the first of many virtual meetings. At this point, I am experiencing Zoom fatigue. I won- der how long industry will be willing to support virtual meetings, as their ability to interact with attendees is limited. I am optimistically looking forward to the possibility of in-person meetings in 2021. I miss interacting with my friends and colleagues. Most of all, I look forward to the ASCRS Annual Meeting in San Fran- cisco in August. I think that this meeting will happen and will be conducted in a safe manner while providing excellent educational and social opportunities like we have become accustomed to from the ASCRS Annual Meeting. Sumit "Sam" Garg, MD ASCRS Young Eye Surgeons Committee Chair continued from page 37 The year 2020 will never be forgotten for many reasons. The COVID epidemic has impacted our families, our friends, and our workplace. In addition, it has affected the way we learn and obtain our education. The innovations in virtual meetings have been an excellent way to connect and continue the teaching and learning we have all wanted. As much as these virtual meetings have been appreciated, they are not a substitute for live, in-person meetings. I have heard from many of our members about how they are looking forward to the next real meeting. It appears that the next major ophthalmic meeting will be the 2021 ASCRS Annual Meeting. Due to COVID and the risk of canceling our meeting again if held in our usual spring slot, our leadership made the decision to move the annual meeting to August. We are optimistic that this meeting will happen live. The Program Com- mittee is already hard at work assembling an outstanding educational event with new and unique programming to make this meeting exceptional. Please block your calendar for the 2021 ASCRS Annual Meeting, August 13–17 in San Francisco. I look forward to seeing you there in person! Edward Holland, MD ASCRS Program Chair

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