ASRS Annual Scientific Meeting shining in the heart of Texas

The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) will host its 39th Annual Scientific Meeting from October 8-12, 2021, at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas. ASRS said meeting participants are required to comply with all applicable regulations imposed by federal, state, and/or local health authorities and government mandates. ASRS COVID-19 safety and health protocols also mandate that all meeting attendees be vaccinated. ASRS will accept proof of vaccination with US or internationally approved vaccines.

According to ASRS, its 2021 scientific program offers attendees innovations in retina science, clinical practice, and surgery with 148 papers, 165 posters, 46 papers on demand, and 69 films, as well as a wide range of networking opportunities and the chance to exchange ideas and perspectives with peers. The event will kick off with a welcome reception from 7 to 10 PM Friday, October 8.

ASRS 39th Annual Scientific Meeting schedule

Saturday, October 9

Judy Kim, MD, Program Chair

Sessions will kick off with opening comments from Program Chairwoman Judy Kim, MD, at 8 AM. The Diabetic Retinopathy 1 Symposium will be held from 8:05 to 9:30 AM. After a short break, the Diabetic Retinopathy 2 Symposium will be held from 10:10 to 11:55 AM.

The afternoon will include a Pharmacology Symposium from 1:10 to 1:50 PM, followed by a Pediatric Retina ROP Symposium from 1:50 to 2:35 PM. The afternoon sessions will conclude with the Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases Symposium from 3:15 to 4:25 PM.

The 2020 Awards Ceremony will be held from 4:25 to 5:35 PM and a Scientific Poster Question and Answer Session and Exhibit Hall Reception will be held from 5:35 to 6:35 PM. The FIT & Resident Reception will be held from 6:35 to 7:35 PM.

Sunday, October 10

Carl C. Awh, MD, ASRS President

Opening remarks will be presented by ASRS President Carl C. Awh, MD, at 8 AM, followed by the Complications of Anterior Segment Surgery Symposium from 8:05 to 8:40 AM. Sunday morning sessions also include a Socioeconomic/Practice Management Symposium from 8:40 to 9:35 AM, followed by a COVID-19 Symposium from 9:35 to 10:10 AM.

Sessions also include Retina PractiCare 2.0 at 10:50 AM and Health Policy Panel at 10:55 AM. The 2021 Awards Ceremony will kick off at 11:10 AM.

Sunday afternoon sessions include PAT Survey and Global Trends at 1:35 PM and the Surgical Techniques and Maneuvers Symposium at 1:50 PM. The Imaging, Digital, Angiography Symposium will be held at 3:45 PM, followed by the WinR Case Conference at 5:15 PM.

Monday, October 11

Sessions kick off with the Wet AMD 1 Symposium at 8 AM and Dry AMD Symposium at 10:10 AM. The Wet AMD 2 Symposium will begin at 11:05 AM.

A Macular Surgery Symposium will be held at 1:40 PM, with afternoon sessions also including an Ocular Oncology Symposium at 3:25 PM, Instrumentation and Devices Symposium at 3:55 PM, and an AMD Panel at 4:25 PM. The ASRS Gala Dinner will be held from 7 to 10 PM.

Tuesday, October 12

Tuesday’s Retinal Detachment Symposium will start at 8 AM, followed by a Retinal Vascular Disease Symposium at 10:10 AM and Late Breakers at 11:15 AM. Kim will offer closing remarks at 11:35 AM.

Pandemic’s impact

As the pandemic continues to create concern, with the Delta variant of COVID-19 driving a spike in cases, ASRS announced that it remains committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its upcoming annual meeting, including hosting some activities outdoors when possible. Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the meeting space and attendees will be encouraged to wash their hands frequently.

Hotel protocols

According to its website, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa is operating at normal business levels, with contactless options available for luggage transportation and in-room dining delivery. As of August 30, the hotel’s website noted that fully vaccinated attendees are not required to wear masks or practice social distancing. However unvaccinated attendees are required to wear face coverings and adhere to social distancing measures.

The hotel also has increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection, particularly in high-traffic areas including restrooms, elevators, and escalators. Moreover, staff will wear personal protective equipment based on the work they are doing as well as on local guidelines. The hotel also is utilizing enhanced technologies, including electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectants, to support its current cleanliness protocols.

Rooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between guests, and disinfectant wipes are available in rooms. Housekeeping will be provided upon request to limit potential contact between guests and associates. For more information on the ASRS 2021 annual meeting, visit their website.

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