Eyeworld

26 | EYEWORLD | SPRING 2026 ASCRS NEWS ASCRS ANNUAL MEETING PREVIEW About the physician Thomas Samuelson, MD Minnesota Eye Consultants Minneapolis, Minnesota EyeWorld: What would you say to someone who hasn't attended the ASCRS Annual Meeting before? Dr. Samuelson: Don't miss any of the Main Stage programing. It is simply fantastic, featur- ing the Cornelius D. Binkhorst, MD, Lecture, the Charles D. Kelman, MD, Innovator's Lecture, and the Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, Lecture. These keynotes are exceptional and given by the very best in our field. To be invited to give such a keynote is a once-in-a-career honor, and the speakers pour their heart and soul into prepar- ing their talks. They are not to be missed. Also, schedule some time with friends in the ASCRS Tap Room within the Exhibit Hall. Have a liba- tion and discuss the programing or technology that has caught your eye. Finally, come to the meeting with a good idea of how you want to spend your days. The time goes so fast, there is so much content, and it is easy to miss some- thing that may have been perfect for your pro- fessional development. That said, many sessions are recorded for on-demand viewing after the meeting. Finally, Party for a Purpose has become a must-attend event and a true highlight. All are invited! EyeWorld: What are one or two key educational themes or clinical challenges that the program is designed to address this year? Dr. Samuelson: As always, ASCRS 2026 will feature the latest technological advances re- lated to our field. In addition, we will provide strategies to combat the surging headwinds in ophthalmology. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bolster advocacy initiatives and help give back through the incredible work of the ASCRS Foundation. As I mentioned, Party for a Purpose on Friday night has become a must-attend event and demonstrates the work hard/play hard mentality of ASCRS and its members. We work hard but also know how to have fun and party with friends and col- leagues. Party for a Purpose does exactly that! Don't miss it. 'There is no better forum': Program Chair previews ASCRS 2026 A SCRS Annual Meeting Program Chair Thomas Samuelson, MD, is back for his third year in the role and is excited for the education and networking set to occur at the ASCRS Annual Meeting on April 10–13 in Washington, D.C. EyeWorld: What are you looking forward to at the Annual Meeting this year? Dr. Samuelson: As always, I most look forward to interacting with my ASCRS colleagues. There is no better forum to exchange innovative ideas related to anterior segment surgery and the practice of ophthalmology. While the sched- uled programming is fantastic, it is often the impromptu conversations with colleagues that move the needle. ASCRS fosters more innova- tive anterior segment surgical discussion than any other forum. EyeWorld: The Annual Meeting features many exciting events over several days—what are your must-attend features of the meeting, and is there anything new that you're looking for- ward to? Dr. Samuelson: We have condensed the meet- ing this year. In this era of solitary "clicking and scrolling," we want to bring attendees together more for the purpose of direct interaction. We have a luxury of riches in terms of abundant quality content and programming. Our mem- bers and Clinical Committees produce incred- ible content, yet we have noticed that the vast breadth of courses, papers, and sessions can spread attendees out too much. This year we cut the content a bit, giving attendees greater opportunity to gather in groups and encourage more interaction. We also want our industry partners to enjoy a crowded showroom floor. The technology that we enjoy in our specialty is second to none. Our colleagues in industry deserve a vibrant showroom with full support of the ASCRS membership—please visit the Exhibit Hall!

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