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Innovator’s session shows off ophthalmology’s hottest developments
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| Dr. Kelman (center) receives a standing ovation for his work in cancer innovation. |
SAN DIEGO – One of the biggest events at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting every year is the Innovator’s Session, and this year was no different. A packed house filling three ballrooms witnessed this year’s best-of-the-best showing off what could be the standard of treatment in a few years.
Among the several presenters, new ASCRS president I. Howard Fine, MD, showed off his ongoing research into sonic phacoemulsification for cataracts; surgeons today typically rely upon ultrasonic models of phaco. Dr. Fine believes the fact that sonic forces generate significantly less heat will protect the eye better during phaco.
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| Dr. Peyman, ASCRS's newest Innovator, addresses the audience. |
Charles Kelman, MD, presented information regarding the use of a two piece phakic IOL that utilized separate haptics and optics. However, Dr. Kelman received a standing ovation when he announced that he had developed a procedure for removing 2 mm cancer deposits in the human body, usually too small to be removed. He developed a technique where he freezes a 5 mm area around the cancer area and creates an ice ball and then emulsifies the frozen tissue for a simple removal. Dr. Kelman’s work has been appraised and approved by several thoracic surgeons, and has even secured financing from Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates to make the technology available to under-developed countries.
The newest member of the Innovator’s cast was introduced this year as well. Gholam Peyman, MD, presented his information regarding the use of telescopic IOLs in low vision patients and his perspective on refractive surgery. Dr. Peyman said he has often considered himself a “closet refractive surgeon.”