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Newsletter - Spring 2000, Volume
3, Number 1
Table of Contents
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| Dr. Bo T. Philipson,
President of the XIIth European Congress of Ophthalmology |
XIIth European Society of Ophthalmology
Congress
World ophthalmology convened in Stockholm, Sweden,
on June 27 – July 1, 1999, for the XIIth Congress of
the European Society of Ophthalmology. Organized
by President Bo T. Philipson, Secretary-General Nils
O. Rehn and a dedicated Executive Committee, the Honorary
Presidents were Torstein Bertelsen, Norway, Ernst Goldschmidt,
Denmark, Ahti Tarkkanen, Finland, and Björn Tengroth,
Sweden. The Congress gained great support from
the central involvement of the Societas Ophthalmologica
Europaea led by President Luc Missotten and Secretary
Z. L. Gregor.
Opening Ceremony
The Congress commenced with a colorful flourish by the
Swedish Mounted Band of the Royal Life Guards, an academic
procession and Welcome Addresses by President Philipson,
President Missotten, the President of the International
Council of Ophthalmology, Dr. Gottfried O. H. Naumann,
and the President of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis,
Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma.
Paying respect to Sweden’s Nobel Foundation and the
scientific quality of the Congress, Dr. Straatsma noted:
“We wish to suggest a structure….” were the first
six words – modest
and unpretentious words – of the single page report
in which Watson
and Crick described the structure of DNA.
With this report in 1953,
by authors who received the Nobel Prize, the high
honor distinctly
associated with the host nation of Sweden, molecular
biology came of
age. This 20th century has witnessed Einstein’s
extraordinary analysis
of the physical world in the first decades, the
crescendo of molecular
science with the human genome project in recent
years, and a
succession of profound advances in clinical medicine.
Science and medicine advance through a combination
of major
leaps and, just as important, a continuum of observations,
clinical
trials, and technical refinements that hone the
judgment and practice
of the clinician. The lectures, symposia,
and courses of the XIIth
European Congress of Ophthalmology offer opportunities
for every
registrant to gain valuable information and enhance
professional skills.
In the application of these skills, we are guided
by Albert Einstein
who said, “Concern for man himself must always
form the chief interest
of all technical endeavors.”
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| (Left to
right) ICO Secretary-General Bruce E. Spivey,
Bradley R. Straatsma and ICO President Gottfried
O. H. Naumann |
Prof. Bengt
Samuelsson, Nobel Laureate, presented the AOI
Lecture. With Prof. Samuelsson (4th from left)
are Dr. Rosario Brancato, AO President Dr. Bradley
R. Straatsma, Congress President Bo T. Philipson,
Congress Honorary President Bjorn Tengroth and
AOI Secretary-General Dr. Gabriel Coscas. |
AOI Lecture and Symposium
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis Lecture
and Symposium were featured within the rich scientific
program of the Congress that included more than 60
symposia, 70 instructional courses and 200 free papers
from 57 countries.
The AOI Symposium on “Ocular Inflammation and Prostaglandines”
was Chaired by Dr. Tarkkanen and Dr. Tengroth.
They introduced the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis
Lecture by Professor Bengt Samuelsson, Nobel Prize
Laureate and Chairman of the Nobel Foundation, on
prostaglandines and the arachidonic cascade.
Additional symposium participants were Dr. C. G. Laurell,
Sweden, Dr. J. Alio, Spain, and Dr. Kensaku Miyake,
Japan.
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Throughout the Congress, AOI members participated in
the gracious hospitality of the Congress. Special events
included the Societas Ophthalmologica Europaea Council
Dinner, reception at the Stockholm City Hall and special
meeting at The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
Founded in 1739, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
has 350 Swedish members in ten classes of sciences and
since 1901 has awarded the Nobel Prizes in Physics and
Chemistry.
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Academia Meetings
in Jerusalem
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis (AOI)
and the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO)
are convening an International Ophthalmology Strategic
Plan meeting in Jerusalem, Israel, on May 20, 2000.
The AOI meeting, including the Business Meeting
and Special Scientific Session, is scheduled in Jerusalem
on May 21. All arrangements for the AOI are being
skillfully coordinated by Dr. Michael Blumenthal.
Meetings in Jerusalem are in conjunction with the VIth
Mediterranean Congress of Ophthalmology and the VIth
Michaelson Symposium on Ocular Circulation and Neovascularization
on May 21 - 26, 2000. Congress President, Dr.
David BenEzra, and Michaelson Club Presidents, Dr. Gabriel
J. Coscas and Dr. Stephen J. Ryan, have arranged an
extremely fine scientific program that encompasses symposia,
roundtable discussions, poster sessions, and instruction
courses.
Features of the scientific program are the VIth Academia
Ophthalmologica Internationalis Lecture by Dr. Gabriel
J. Coscas and the AOI Symposium organized by Dr. Rosario
Brancato and Dr. Michael Blumenthal.
Augmenting the Congress, the culturally rich environment
in Jerusalem provides many opportunities for diversified
tours and visits to sites of epochal significance.
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XXVth Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis Meeting
Coinciding with the Joint Meeting of the American Academy
of Ophthalmology and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology,
the XXVth Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis meeting
was held in Orlando, Florida on October 24, 1999. In
the Business Meeting, reports by President Bradley R.
Straatsma, Vice President Enrique S. Malbran, Vice President
Koichi Shimizu, Secretary-General Gabriel J. Coscas,
and Treasurer Rosario Brancato provided information
regarding AOI scientific meetings and joint AOI - International
Council of Ophthalmology actions to develop the International
Ophthalmology Strategic Plan. Prof. Robert Machemer,
United States, and Prof. Gullapalli N. Rao, India, were
formally inducted into the AOI with certificates and
emblems of membership.
Extensive consideration of the highly qualified nominees
for membership resulted in election of Prof. Yasuo
Tano, Japan, Prof. William S. Tasman, United States,
and Prof. Juan Verdaguer T., Chile, as new members
of the AOI. These colleagues have made major contributions
to national and international ophthalmology.
By overwhelming endorsement, members approved amendment
by general revision of the AOI Statutes and Bylaws.
With this action, arrangements are being made for
formal registration of the revised AOI Statutes and
Regulations of the AOI in Switzerland.
In the Special Scientific Session for AOI members
and guests, memorial tributes were presented. Tributes
dedicated to Dr. Pierre M. Amalric were presented
by Dr. Gabriel J. Coscas, Dr. Akira Nakajima, Dr.
Jean-Jacque C. De Laey, Dr. Gisèle Soubrane, and Dr.
Koichi Shimizu. Memorial remarks honoring Dr. Edward
E. G. Grom O. were delivered by Dr. Francisco Contreras,
Dr. Alvaro Rodriguez, and Dr. Enrique S. Malbran.
Distinguishing the memory of Dr. Frank W. Newell,
AOI Past President, were tributes by Dr. Paul R. Lichter,
Dr. Bruce E. Spivey and Dr. Bradley R. Straatsma.
With a minute of silence, all who were present stood
in respect for these distinguished colleagues.
Inaugural lectures were presented by Academicians
inducted at this meeting. The presentation by Dr.
Gullapalli N. Rao considered "Modern Eye Banking in
Developing Countries." Dr. Robert Machemer presented
"An Update on Macular Translocation."
The Academia Oratio, a major address, was presented
by Dr. Benjamin F. Boyd, immediate AOI Past President.
Reflecting his major role in the PAAO, Dr. Boyd spoke
on "The Pan-American: A Sense of Mission, How It Was
Built, Who Built It, and How It Influenced the History
of Ophthalmology in the 20th Century." With historical
vignettes and photographs not previously presented
at a scientific meeting, Dr. Boyd reviewed the origin,
development and present stature of the Pan-American
Association of Ophthalmology.
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International Ophthalmology
Strategic Plan
The Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, International
Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), Advisory Committee of
the International Council of Ophthalmology, consultants
from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and major
non-governmental organizations, and representative leaders
of industry met in Orlando, Florida on October 23, 1999,
to advance the International Ophthalmology Strategic
Plan. Extending the collegiality and professional cooperation
of the Nile Meeting in Egypt on February 24 - 28, 1999,
the more than 50 participants reaffirmed the general
purpose:
The mission of international ophthalmology is
to preserve and restore vision and to eliminate blindness
that results from treatable eye disease for people
throughout the world. International ophthalmology
will work to assure that all people have access to
high quality, affordable eye care, and that all ophthalmologists
have access to the training and continuing education
they need to provide the best possible care.
Opening remarks by ICO President Gottfried O. H.
Naumann, AOI President Bradley R. Straatsma, AOI Secretary-General
Gabriel J. Coscas, ICO and Secretary-General Bruce
E. Spivey, were followed by presentations related
to the strategic plan goals and objectives. Plan statements
were presented and related discussions were moderated
by the leaders of the individual goals and objectives.
I. Ophthalmic Training - Mark O. M. Tso, M.D.
A) Specialist Training - Ronald E. Smith, M.D.
B) Ophthalmic Personnel Rubens Belfort, Jr., M.D.
C) Medical School Curriculum - Gerhard K. Lang,
M.D.
II. Continuing Education - H. Dunbar Hoskins, M.D.
A) Developing Countries - Gullapalli N. Rao, M.D.
B) Education Materials - Zbigniew Zagorski, M.D.
III. Preservation & Restoration of Vision - Bruce
E. Spivey, M.D.
A) Ophthalmic Awareness - Luc Missotten, M.D.
Significantly adding to the deliberations, three
industry leaders, Mr. Hans Grieshaber, President of
Grieshaber and Co. AG, Mr. David Pyott, President
of Allergan, Inc., and Mr. Tim Sear, President of
Alcon Laboratories, Inc., addressed the group. Drawing
on their extensive experience with global ophthalmology,
they recommended that international ophthalmology
develop finite goals and gain specific success in
selected areas as means of building credibility and
support for the role of ophthalmologists in preventing
avoidable blindness.
The meeting continued with the following strategic
plan presentations and related discussions:
IV. Advocacy - Gottfried O. H. Naumann, M.D.
A) Alliance/Vision 2020 - Hugh R. Taylor, M.D.
B) Economic Benefit - Akef El Maghraby, M.D.
C) National Statistics and Priorities - Gordon
Johnson, M.D.
V. Guidelines - Gabriel J. Coscas, M.D., Peter G.
Watson, M.D.
A) Appropriate Eye Care - Peter G. Watson, M.D.
B) Basic and Clinical Assessments - Peter G. Watson,
M.D.
VI. Research - Alfred Sommer, M.D.
In open discussion, the participants reached consensus
on development of a functional structure to advance
the strategic plan, membership through the ICO on
the Task Force for Vision 2020, focus on education
for ophthalmologists and ophthalmic paraprofessionals,
and emphasis on advocacy to increase public awareness
of blindness prevention.
To implement recommendations and consensus views,
goal-related action plans were developed by the Coordinating
Committee. These action plans are designed to demonstrate
accomplishment in selected high-priority areas and
prepare the International Ophthalmology Strategic
Plan for definitive review at the next meeting in
Jerusalem, Israel on May 20, 2000.
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1999 AAO-PAAO Joint
Meeting
The 1999 Joint Meeting on October 24 - 27, 1999, in
Orlando, Florida united the 103rd Annual Meeting of
the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the
XXIInd Congress of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
(PAAO). This extraordinary confluence of global ophthalmology
benefited greatly from the educational strengths of
the AAO and leadership by President William S. Tasman,
Executive Vice President H. Dunbar Hoskins, Jr. and
the organizers of the Secretariat and administration.
In equal measure, the meeting derived strength from
the breadth of the PAAO and the leadership of President
Juan Verdauger T., Executive Director Francisco Martinez
Castro as well as the Secretariat and administrators.
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| Dr. William
S. Tasman, President of the American Academy of
Ophthalmology |
Dr. Juan
Verdaguer T., President of the Pan-American Association
of Ophthalmology. |
Dr. Alvaro
Rodriguez Gonzalez, Founder of the Fundacion Oftalmologica
Nacional, received the Benjamin F. Boyd Humanitarian
Medal |
Opening Session
Distinctive events in the Joint Opening Session were
the AAO Presidential Address by Dr. Tasman and the
PAAO Presidential Address by Dr. Verdauger T. AAO
Awards included the 1999 International Blindness Prevention
Award conferred on Dr. Francisco Contreras, Peru,
for his initiative in establishing successful "Cataract
Free Zone" programs in Latin America. The PAAO Benjamin
F. Boyd Humanitarian Medal was awarded to Dr. Alvaro
Rodriguez González, Colombia, Founder of the Fundación
Oftalmológica Nacional that has provided excellent
ophthalmic services to thousands of disadvantaged
patients. The PAAO Carl Kupfer Award was presented
to Dr. Juan F. Batlle, Dominican Republic, founder
of the Elias Santana Hospital where first class ophthalmological
care is offered to poor patients.
As the scientific highlight of the Opening Session,
the Edward Jackson Memorial Lecture was presented
by Dr. Alfred Sommer. Providing a broad perspective,
Dr. Sommer spoke on "Health, Medicine and Ophthalmology
- Facing the Facts and Paying the Piper."
AOI Lecture
The Joint Meeting scientific program encompassed
a vast array of symposia, courses, free papers, posters
and exhibits that were detailed in the 400 page Final
Program for the meeting. Coordinated with the Joint
Session on Retinal Vascular Diseases, the Academia
Ophthalmologica Internationalis Lecture was delivered
by Prof. Matthew M. LaVail. In an exciting and forward
looking address, Dr. LaVail presented data on "Toward
Pharmaceutical and Gene Therapy for Retinal Degenerations."
Special Events
As the largest ophthalmic meeting ever convened,
the days in Orlando were filled with scientific events
and cordial hospitality. The Gradle Lecture honoring
PAAO Founder Harry Gradle, was presented by Dr. Stephen
J. Ryan. In a salient presentation on "Gene Therapy:
A Possible Future Treatment for Retinal Diseases",
Dr. Ryan outlined the pathway to utilization for gene
therapy.
Noteworthy in terms of professional interaction were
the welcome extended to AOI members at the AAO - PAAO
Presidents' Dinner and the gracious opportunities
for international communication throughout the Joint
Meeting. All participants in the Joint Meeting in
Orlando also thoroughly enjoyed the exclusive evening
at Disney's Magic Kingdom.
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Professor Juan Verdaguer
T. Elected to the AOI
Professor Juan Verdaguer T. was elected to Chair XXI
in the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis on October
24, 1999. Born in Santiago, Chile, Dr. Verdaguer received
the M.D. degree from the University of Chile School
of Medicine. He completed ophthalmology residency at
the University of Chile Clinical Hospital, Santiago,
followed this with the Ophthalmology Basic Science Course
at Harvard University, Boston, United States, and fellowship
in ocular oncology and pathology at Columbia University,
New York. On returning to Santiago, he advanced to the
position of Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology, University
of Chile. In 1997, he was appointed Honorary Professor
of Ophthalmology, University of Chile, and concurrently
accepted positions as Professor of Ophthalmology, University
of Los Andes and Academic Director, Fundación Oftalmológica
Los Andes. Academic publications of Dr. Verdaguer exceed
150 books and articles concerned primarily with retinal
diseases and ophthalmic pathology. Dr. Verdaguer is
an elected member of the Academia de Medicina del Instituto
de Chile, and has served as President, Chilean Society
of Ophthalmology. A major leader of the Pan-American
Association of Ophthalmology, Dr. Verdaguer served as
Secretary-Treasurer and Executive Director prior to
his election as President (1997 - 1999) of the Pan-American
Association of Ophthalmology. He has organized and directed
Cataract Free Zone projects throughout Latin America,
served on the Executive Committee for the Club Jules
Gonin and as a Member, International Council of Ophthalmology.
Honors include recognitions for teaching and blindness
prevention from the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology,
University of Cordoba, and University of Chile, as well
as Honorary Doctoral degree from the University of San
Simón, Bolivia.
Dr. Verdaguer and his wife, Martina Verdaguer, bring
honor and distinction to the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis.
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Professor Yasuo Tano Elected to
the AOI
Professor Yasuo Tano was elected to Chair V in the
AOI on October 24, 1999. Professor and Chairman of the
Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical
School, Dr. Tano was born in Hyogo, Japan, received
the M.D. degree from Osaka University Medical School,
and completed ophthalmology residency at Osaka University
Hospital and Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital in Japan.
Thereafter, he had successive fellowships in the United
States at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of
Miami, and Duke University Eye Center. Returning to
Japan, he received the D.Sc. degree from Osaka University,
joined the faculty and advanced to Chairman of the Department
of Ophthalmology in 1991. Concurrently, he holds appointment
as Visiting Professor of Ophthalmology at Nara Medical
College, University of Kobe School of Medicine and Yamaguchi
University School of Medicine. Exceptionally active
in scientific publications, Dr. Tano is author or more
than 200 books and publications. For peer-reviewed Japanese
journals, he is past Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Japanese
Ophthalmological Society (Nippon-Ganka-Gakkai-Zasshi)
and current Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Japanese
Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons, Folia Ophthalmologica
Japonica and Journal of Japan Contact Lens Society.
For peer-reviewed English journals, current appointments
include Executive Editor, Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology,
and Editorial Board appointments to the American Journal
of Ophthalmology, Graefe's Archive Ophthalmology, Investigative
Ophthalmology and Visual Science, and Survey of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Tano holds numerous appointments of distinction
to organizations worldwide and is a member of the International
Council of Ophthalmology Advisory Committee.
Dr. Tano and his wife, Ryoko Tano, bring honor and
distinction to the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis.
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Prof. William S. Tasman Elected
to the AOI
Professor William S. Tasman was elected to Chair XV
of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis on October
24, 1999. Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, Wills Eye Hospital
and Professor and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology,
Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Dr. Tasman
was born in Pennsylvania, United States. He received
the M.D. degree from Temple University, and completed
residency in ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia.
Fellowship in retina-vitreous at Harvard's Massachusetts
Eye and Ear Infirmary was followed by appointment to
the staff of Wills Eye Hospital and advancement to leadership
as Ophthalmologist-in-Chief. Author of more than 200
books and scientific publications on retinopathy of
prematurity, retinal disease and other topics, Dr. Tasman
served as Editor, Transactions of the American Ophthalmological
Society and held appointment to the Editorial Board
of the Archives of Ophthalmology and the Survey of Ophthalmology.
Currently, he is Editor of Duane's Clinical Ophthalmology
and Duane's Foundations of Clinical Ophthalmology. In
ophthalmic organizations, Dr. Tasman's positions have
included Chairman, American Board of Ophthalmology;
Annual Meeting Secretary, American Academy of Ophthalmology;
and Council Member, American Ophthalmological Society.
In 1999, Dr. Tasman was elected President, American
Ophthalmological Society and President, American Academy
of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Tasman and his wife, Alice Lea Tasman, bring
honor and distinction to the Academia Ophthalmologica
Internationalis.
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