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Reporting from the Women in Ophthalmology 2015 Summer Symposium, August 6–9, Scottsdale, Ariz. EW MEETING REPORTER 134 of having mentors for different key areas of one's career. Women in ophthalmology should not be afraid to get into contact with leaders in the field, even if they have not yet met them, said Adrienne L. Graves, PhD, who told the story of cold calling leaders in glaucoma early in her career to introduce herself and learn more. Those connections proved in- valuable, she said. She went on to become CEO of Santen (Emeryville, Calif.) and now serves on the board of various ophthalmic companies. The survey also tracked obsta- cles that women in ophthalmology can have when growing their career. The top 3 obstacles were lack of a mentor, lack of chair support, and having children/family, respectively. Yet those aren't the only obstacles, the panelists said. "I think the biggest obstacle is how you think of yourself," Dr. Young said. "It's more internal than external." It's also a challenge that when new ophthalmologists go to work at a practice or academic environment, they often don't get support until they have proven themselves—yet that beginning stage is when they need the most support, Dr. Afshari said. Although salary inequity can be a well-known challenge for women, the reasons for such inequities can be a tangled web. "I think a lot of women don't negotiate. You have to ask for it," Dr. Graves said. "Even when we as women think we are negotiating hard, perhaps we are not," Dr. Afshari said. The panelists encouraged at- tendees to do their research about salaries for a certain position before entering into negotiations with a new employer. The career advancement survey asked respondents what the top qualities are for career advancement, and communication, initiative, interpersonal skills, leadership, and relationship building topped the list. While panelists agreed that all of those qualities are important, the exact importance of each area may depend on one's career plans. For growth, including on the eyebrows, Dr. Cockerham said. To help with eyelashes, Dr. Cockerham recommended a product called GrandeLASH-MD (Grande Naturals, White Plains, N.Y.), which retails for about $60. For better sun protection—im- portant both for the skin and eyes— Dr. Cockerham advised clinicians to let patients know about micron- ized zinc clothing, sunblock for car windows (it adds a clear coating to the windshield), and sunblock on a brush with zinc and titanium, sold by the company Colorescience (Carlsbad, Calif.). Dr. Cockerham urged attendees to use a saliva or urinary hormone test for female patients in their 30s and 40s with fatigue, as this can often lead to some of the health problems she discussed. "If your hor- mones are off, you're off," she said. Editors' note: Dr. Akpek has finan- cial interests with Allergan, Biogen (Cambridge, Mass.), Seattle Genetics (Bothell, Wash.), and GlaxoSmithKline (Brentford, U.K.). Dr. Cockerham has financial interests with Lumenis (Yokneam, Israel) and CosmeSys (Palo Alto, Calif.). Dr. Mosaed has finan- cial interests with Alcon (Fort Worth, Texas), Allergan, and Quark (Fremont, Calif.). Dr. Kangas has no financial interests related to her comments. Women's career advancement in ophthalmology requires networking, support, and confidence The top resources for career advance- ment among women in ophthal- mology are departmental support, having a coach/mentor, and net- working, according to a new career survey from Women in Ophthalmol- ogy. The survey results were present- ed during a career advice panel. To further foster career advance- ment, panelist Terri Young, MD, MBA, Madison Wis., encouraged attendees to take part in executive leader training and sessions on how to get promoted. It can be valuable to attend such training more than once, she said. Natalie Afshari, MD, San Diego, highlighted the importance Advances in oculoplastics, treatment alternatives for common problems Kim Cockerham, MD, San Fran- cisco, shared some advances in oculoplastics that could help many patients as well as some pearls for the practice that attendees may not have considered before. Here are some of her recommendations: 1. For patients with lid issues or inflammatory dry eye: "Don't sit on treating these patients. You'll want to catch them early on," Dr. Cockerham advised. Essential fatty acids like omega- 3s are helpful. Although many clinicians recommend warm compresses, she shies away from them as they are often used inef- fectively. Instead, she had a patient who recommended hot eggs in the following manner. The patient would boil two eggs, cool them down enough so they would not be damaging to the skin, then she would hold the eggs against her lids with mild pressure. Dr. Cockerham now shares this approach with her patients who have lid problems like meibomian gland dysfunction, as it has been effective. When patients are on cyclo- sporine (Restasis, Allergan, Dublin, Ireland), she also prescribes preser- vative-free Lotemax (loteprednol etabonate, Bausch + Lomb, Bridge- water, N.J.) to augment the efficacy of cyclosporine. Surprisingly, use of the nasal spray Nasonex (mometasone furo- ate, Merck, Kenilworth, N.J.) can po- tentially help patients with lid issues or inflammatory dry eye. However, ophthalmologists must monitor intraocular pressure as it occasional- ly can spike in some patients on the medication. 2. Anti-fibrotic options: Collagen induction therapy, an approach that causes collagen to remodel, is a hot trend in dermatology right now, Dr. Cockerham said. Among other uses, it can be effective in patients who have scars that have trouble healing on the face. A device called a microneedle is one way a clinician can perform collagen induction therapy in the office. These approaches can help patients who need help with hair continued on page 136 September 2015

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