Calling all eyecare professionals (ECPs): The International Keratoconus Academy (IKA) is heading South this December to kick off its 4th annual symposium in Dallas, Texas.
How exciting! Let’s start with a look at IKA.
This nonprofit, global organization was founded in 2013 by (and for) ECPs dedicated to advancing education, research, and clinical management of keratoconus and other corneal ectatic disorders.
Its co-founders:
Also worth noting: IKA includes both an ophthalmology and optometry medical advisory board of clinical professionals.
And what are its focus areas?
With a vision—and goal—to “reduce preventable vision loss and improve quality of life for patients throughout the world,” IKA’s operations are built on eight strategic pillars.
- Education and professional development
- Research and scientific discovery
- Early detection and prevention
- Pediatric keratoconus
- Interventional keratoconus
- Innovation and future technologies (including artificial intelligence)
- Global collaboration and advocacy
- Patient-centered care and quality of life
Click here to read up on each.
Now let’s discuss the symposium.
IKA’s flagship meeting is presented as a single-day, in-person, live continuing education (CE) opportunity designed to help clinicians “enhance their use of diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients across the spectrum of keratoconus severity.”
The program chairs include Drs. Morgenstern and Eiden as well as Kathryn Hatch, MD.
Her credentials:
- Director of Refractive Surgery Service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear
- Assistant professor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School
And the focus for this year?
IKA will spotlight two major topics: interventional keratoconus care and epi-on CXL.
But more specifically: It’s reflective of the IKA’s overarching mission: providing a comprehensive understanding of keratoconus—while also “highlighting the multidisciplinary collaboration required to provide the best possible patient outcomes,” according to Dr. Morgenstern.
- The event “bring(s) together many of the world’s leading experts to translate the latest scientific evidence into practical action steps attendees can immediately incorporate into their practices,” he added.
The program’s keynote speaker: William Tullo, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO.
… did I hear mention of CE as well?
Indeed you did. Education sessions are expected to center around topics such as early disease detection, advanced corneal imaging, corneal biomechanics, corneal crosslinking (CXL), specialty contact lens management, surgical decision-making, postoperative care, and future innovations.
Per IKA: CE credits will be provided by Global Learning Collaborative (GLC) and available through COPE and CME accreditation.
To note, however: The number of credits to be offered is not currently public.
And who will be presenting these sessions?
Quite the lineup of 13 faculty members from both sides (OD and MD) of the eyecare aisle.
How about a look at the agenda?
Attendees are invited to an evening reception with exhibitors (we’ll get to those later) on Dec. 11.
The program officially begins bright and early on Dec. 12 with a non-CE sponsored breakfast symposium, a keynote session from Dr. Tullo, and multiple 15-to-30-minute presentations within four session categories:
- Morning session 1: Understanding keratoconus
- Morning session 2: Early detection
- Break for a non-CE sponsored lunch symposium
- Afternoon session 1: Corneal CXL
- Afternoon session 2: Translating evidence into practice
See here for a full list of topics.
Now, let’s talk registration and fees.
The symposium will be held at the Grand Hyatt DFW from 7 am to 4:30 pm local time.
- See here for hotel room pricing.
As for registration: Click here. The fee: Varies depending on the attendee.
- This fee includes access to all education sessions, breakfast, and lunch as well as appetizers and drinks during the evening reception.
And who can register?
Registration is open to ODs, MDs, administrators / technicians, active duty military / veterans, residents, students, and industry members.
Also take note: There is no registration fee for residents and students.