From May 1st to May 5th, more than 11,000 people attended the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2016 Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA. Eye and vision researchers from more than 75 countries presented their current research, discussed emerging technologies, and strategized ways to overcome the current challenges facing ophthalmology and vision science. Harvard Ophthalmology was well-represented at the meeting, and faculty and trainees contributed 247 posters and presentations this year.
Conference Highlights
National Eye Institute Audacious Goals Initiative: Town Hall Meeting
This town meeting focused on ocular diseases and disease states affecting photoreceptor cells and/or retinal ganglion cells that could be potential targets for regenerative medicine. Following two introductory talks, attendees and four expert panelists engaged in an open discussion. Panelists included Lois E. Smith, MD, PhD, of Boston Children’s Hospital; HMS Ophthalmology alumnus Don Zack, MD, PhD, of Johns Hopkins University; and Joan W. Miller, MD, of Mass. Eye and Ear/HMS Ophthalmology.
Outbreaks: The Global Ophthalmic Threat of Ebola, Zika and Other Viruses
Moderated by James Chodosh, MD, MPH, (HMS Ophthalmology), and Steven Yeh, MD, (Emory Eye Center), this session focused on emerging infectious diseases, and emphasized the importance of developing a better understanding of disease mechanism and treatments. Additionally, speakers communicated the urgent need for improved ophthalmic screening and care. Speakers highlighted the current understanding of infectious eye diseases as well as the importance of strengthening vision health systems globally. Featured guest speakers included Paul Farmer, MD, PhD, (HMS and Partners in Health); and Ian Crozier, MD, (World Health Organization).
Intravitreous Plasma Kallikrein (PK) Inhibition for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Phase 1 Study of the Novel PK Inhibitor KVD0
Jennifer K. Sun, MD, MPH, of the Beetham Eye Institute at Joslin Diabetes Center, presented data from a phase I, open-label ascending dose study of a novel, intravenous plasma kallikrein inhibitor (KVD001). Based on early findings, KVD001 shows promise for treating diabetic macular edema, potentially by preventing blood vessel leakage and thickening of the retina. The Ophthalmologist published a conference brief about this work: DME Therapy with Plasma Kallikrein Inhibitor Showing Promise.
HMS Ophthalmology Reception
More than 300 faculty, trainees, and alumni from all over the United States, Japan, and Brazil attended the HMS Ophthalmology Reception at the Arctic Club. Joan W. Miller, MD, and Pat D’Amore, PhD, MBA, kicked off this social networking event with a brief department update and highlights of the numerous awards bestowed on HMS Ophthalmology physicians and researchers—at ARVO and throughout the past year. According to one attendee, the cocktail reception was a “warm and wonderful event,” that “facilitated spirited conversation among friends.”
ARVO/Alcon Keynote Series: Genetics of Vision: Problems and Solutions
An expert panel provided critical insight into genetic technologies, monogenic eye diseases, complex eye diseases, and future challenges of vision genetics. Panelists included Janey Wiggs, MD, PhD (HMS Ophthalmology); Jay Shendure, MD, PhD, (University of Washington, Genome Sciences); Anneke den Hollander, PhD, (Radboud University Medical Center Ophthalmology and Human Genetics); and Debbie Nickerson, PhD, (University of Washington, Genome Sciences).
Faculty Awards and Honors
Alcon Research Institute Award
Eric Pierce, MD, PhD
Pfizer Ophthalmics Carl Camras Translational Research Award
Demetrios G. Vavvas, MD, PhD
ARVO Gold Fellow, Class of 2016
David A. Sullivan, PhD
BrightFocus Foundation Awards
Meredith Gregory-Ksander, PhD (Thomas R. Lee Award for Glaucoma Research)
Petr Baranov, MD, PhD
Kip Connor, PhD
Daniel Sun, PhD
New Dowling Society Member
Patricia A. D’Amore, MBA, PhD
Trainee Recognition
ARVO "Hot Topic” Poster Award
Miin (Irene) Roh, MD - Factors influencing patient reported visual function in patients with bilateral age-related macular degeneration
ARVO Foundation/Knights Templar Travel Grant
Charles Cai, BS
Sophie Cai, MD
ARVO Foundation/Retina Research Foundation/Joseph M. and Eula C. Lawrence Travel Grant
Neda Baniasadi, MD
Pavlina Tsoka, PhD(c)
National Eye Institute Travel Grant
Daniel Diaz-Aguilar, MD(c)
Lindsay Grotting, MD
Jing Hua, MD
Hajirah Saeed, MD
Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society Travel Grant
Yang Liu, MD
Arsia Jamali, MD
HMS Ophthalmology Alumni Awards and Honors
Friedenwald Award
Shigeru Kinoshita, MD, PhD
New Dowling Society Member
David L. Epstein, MD (deceased)
ARVO Gold Fellows, Class of 2016
Natalie Afshari, MD
Paul Bernstein, MD, PhD
Paul Lee, MD, JD
ARVO Silver Fellows, Class Of 2016
Ron Adelman, MD, MPH, MBA
Junko Hori, MD, PhD
Philip Rosenfeld, MD, PhD
Click here to access a PDF directory of HMS Ophthalmology presentations at ARVO 2016
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Abstracts
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Events
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Trainee Participation
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