ASCRS News
Spring 2024
by Ellen Stodola
Editorial Co-Director
Source: ASCRS
EyeWorld: ASCRS is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. How did you first get involved with ASCRS?
Thomas Samuelson, MD: Early in my career, it became clear that the future of glaucoma surgery was increasingly becoming linked to cataract surgery. While standalone glaucoma surgery remains very important and relevant, improvements in glaucoma medications and lasers have helped control most patients until they develop a cataract. Meanwhile, evidence was accumulating that cataract surgery lowered IOP, and while the MIGS revolution was still years away, safer surgeries were in development. As a glaucoma surgeon, I thought it was essential to stay abreast of advances in phacoemulsification, IOLs, and anterior segment surgery technology. ASCRS is the premier organization specializing in anterior segment surgery.
EyeWorld: How did you start to take on leadership roles within the Society?
Dr. Samuelson: At the encouragement of Reay Brown, MD, and Brad Shingleton, MD, I joined the Glaucoma Clinical Committee. Brad was the chair of the Glaucoma Clinical Committee at the time, followed by Reay. I became chair after Reay, and that paved the way for further involvement at the Executive Committee level. Ultimately, I became president of the Society, one of the true highlights of my career.
EyeWorld: What led to you becoming Annual Meeting Program Chair? What are you looking forward to in this role?
Dr. Samuelson: I was at home on a Sunday afternoon and received a cold call from ASCRS Executive Director Steve Speares. He asked me if I would be interested in succeeding Edward Holland, MD, as Program Chair of the Annual Meeting. I was somewhat astonished, as I had not sought the position, nor was I aware that a successor had not been appointed. I was very aware of the esteemed individuals who had held the position previously. There were only four in the 50 years of ASCRS, Kenneth Hoffer, MD, Manus Kraff, MD, Roger Steinert, MD, and Dr. Holland. It is daunting and humbling to succeed this incredible group!
EyeWorld: Can you speak a bit about taking on this role after Dr. Holland? Did you get any advice from him or others?
“I am very excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASCRS while in Boston. This storied Society has much to celebrate, and the 2024 meeting will be one of the best ever.”
Thomas Samuelson, MD
Dr. Samuelson: Dr. Holland is one of the most hard working and creative educators I have ever encountered. His contributions to ASCRS are legendary. Going forward, I doubt that any one person could provide the time, work, and energy that Ed has dedicated to ASCRS as Program Chair. I plan to involve the abundant talent within the ASCRS Clinical Committees and the committee chairs to help maintain the foundation and build on the momentum that Ed and the prior Program Chairs have created.
EyeWorld: Looking ahead to the Annual Meeting, why do you think this is the meeting to attend in 2024? This meeting will formally kick off the 50th anniversary celebration; what does this say about ASCRS, its staying power, and its importance to ophthalmology?
Dr. Samuelson: First off, the Annual Meeting is back in April and in the fantastic city of Boston, Massachusetts. For several years and for reasons beyond our control, we were stuck with May dates, competing with Mother’s Day and graduations. April is a perfect month for our meeting, and we are very excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Society at the meeting.
ASCRS was built on the pioneering spirit of innovation. For example, ASCRS was instrumental in the development of modern cataract surgery, especially IOL technology. On a smaller scale, but one close to home for me, the ASCRS Glaucoma Clinical Committee was extremely important in the development of MIGS and the need for safer glaucoma surgeries to supplement our efficacious but higher risk traditional procedures. Knowing the talent and the makeup of our current Clinical Committees, there is no doubt in my mind that additional innovations are right around the corner. I would encourage clinicians to get involved and be part of this wonderful meeting.
EyeWorld: Are there particular topics that you’re excited to feature or hear more about throughout the meeting?
Dr. Samuelson: The latest developments in phacoemulsification and lens implant technology are always among the most popular topics at the ASCRS Annual Meeting. The Binkhorst Lecture, Innovators Symposium, and Lindstrom Symposium feature superb keynotes each year. From a glaucoma standpoint, I am anxious to hear how my colleagues are incorporating the new offerings in interventional glaucoma. We now have safe, procedural options to offer our patients. That said, coverage and reimbursement issues threaten to limit this hard-earned progress. Navigating our way through some of these issues will be an important matter in 2024.
EyeWorld: Many submissions are sent in; as Program Chair can you talk about relevance and how important that is for attendees?
Dr. Samuelson: I think the ASCRS staff and Program Committee do an amazing job at keeping the content of the meeting, as well as the mission of the entire organization, up to date and relevant in terms of scientific content and advocacy on behalf of ophthalmic surgeons.
About the physician
Thomas Samuelson, MD
Minnesota Eye Consultants
Bloomington, Minnesota
Contact
Samuelson: twsamuelson@mneye.com
