by Sumit “Sam” Garg, MD
Chief Medical Editor
Washington, D.C., here we come! The ASCRS Annual Meeting is fast approaching. We are preparing for a fantastic meeting once again. This is where surgeons learn surgery. For what we do, there is no better bang for your buck when it comes to high-quality education and camaraderie. There are too many great sessions and events to highlight —but I’ll try.
This year is the second SightLine at ASCRS. SightLine focuses on the business aspects of ophthalmology rather than surgical technique. It’s essentially the “business MBA day” of ASCRS—focused on reimbursement, policy, industry strategy, and the economic future of our field. SightLine is where we learn to survive and grow our practices.
Another highlight of the ASCRS Annual Meeting is Party for a Purpose. Make sure to show up on Friday evening for a night of fun and fundraising! This year, we celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a “Party in the USA” to raise awareness and support for the ASCRS Foundation.
Source: ASCRS
Also, don’t miss the named lectures on the Main Stage—Binkhorst, Kelman, and Lindstrom—with very deserving recipients, Kerry Solomon, MD, Sean Ianchulev, MD, and David F. Chang, MD, respectively.
Subspecialty Day is action-packed again with the best from our Cornea, Refractive Surgery, and Glaucoma Clinical Committees. Lastly, if you haven’t been to the ASCRS Film Festival, it is a must. There are so many great videos that will pique your interest, and you’ll surely be able to take home a pearl that you can implement right away.
In my experience, attending the ASCRS Annual Meeting is essential for maintaining clinical excellence and professional growth. The Annual Meeting offers value for the entire spectrum of surgeon skill and experience—from those just starting practice to the seasoned veteran. Our meeting provides firsthand exposure to the latest surgical techniques, technologies, and evidence-based research before they are widely adopted.
Beyond cutting-edge learning, the Annual Meeting fosters meaningful peer-to-peer exchange. Informal discussions often yield practical insights that cannot be gained from academic and trade journals alone. Networking strengthens referral relationships, encourages collaboration, and opens doors for leadership and mentorship opportunities. The Annual Meeting also reinforces professional identity, shared standards, philanthropy, and advocacy. Engaging in discussions about ethics, policy, reimbursement, and activism ensures we surgeons help shape the future of our specialty rather than react to it. Ultimately, attendance and participation demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning, collegiality, and achieving the highest level of patient care.
I would like to congratulate Francis Mah, MD, on a productive year as ASCRS President. The year was not without its challenges for us as an organization, but Francis’ steady and calm leadership proved to be key to leading us to reclaim a strong foundation and improved transparency across many facets of our organization. At the Annual Meeting, we will welcome Kevin M. Miller, MD, as our new ASCRS President. Dr. Miller is chief of the cataract service at UCLA and a prolific researcher, educator, and innovator, advancing modern anterior segment and refractive surgery worldwide.
The ASCRS staff and leadership are looking forward to seeing you in lovely Washington, D.C., in a couple of weeks!
