ASO Annual Conference Chicago 2016

The ASO (American Society of Ocularsits) Annual Conference held in Chicago this year, October 2016, covered topics such as Surgical Correction of Enophthalmos, by Thomas Johnson, MD, Medical Advisory Seminar, discussion on benefits of Therapy animals in a medical setting, signs of Orbital recurrence of Ocular Tumors Post- Enucleation – a must for any Ocularist, management of floppy eyelid syndrome in the Anophthalmic Patient, Implant Pegging, friend or foe and Subluxed and Extruding Orbital Implants to name only a few.

Highlights were of course given by Randy Trawnik and Dr James Merritt on Fitting techniques for Congenital Anophthalmos and Microphthalmos and Surgical Correction of the Micro-orbit. Insight on a more defined glossary of terms was given when referring to the catch all term – “Clinical Anophthalmia”.

Another highlight was the joint Scientific Session with the AAO. This is where Ocularists and Ophthalmologists have the opportunity of sharing their concerns to obtain more insight into each profession regarding socket (and eye where phthysical eye or microphthalmia is involved) management. The concensus is that a young patient MUST be seen ASAP post enucleation for the fitting of a conformer and ocular prosthesis to avoid contraction of socket and fornices. Also, that aggressive –type expanders are not the preferred choice for children born with micro-orbitism and anophthalmos. A gradual expansion method is far more successful in obtaining soft tissue expansion.

More on a local note, please take a look at a personal account and story of a patient who lost an eye on our Facebook page, “The loss of an Eye: Count your Blessings” Testimonials with photos are also found on our Facebook page.

Support groups are often requested for those recently involved in trauma or Anophthalmos of any sort. If you are able to help these patients/parents deal with this traumatic experience, please contact us via E-mail: reception@vidat.co.za.