UMass Ophthalmology Physicians and Technicians head to NEOS

On Friday September 30th, 2016 several members of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences team headed to Boston for the New England Ophthalmological Society's’ 27th annual meeting.

While our Chair Dr. Shlomit Schaal and Dr. George Asdourian (Director of Education) attended a full days’ lecture next door, Stacey Lewis, COA  and myself, Katlyn Champagne, an ophthalmic photographer, headed into the ballroom where the technicians would hear a wonderful array of speakers covering many topics to expand our knowledge. The day began with a talk by Darrin Landry, CRA, OCT-C. Titled “OCT Angiography: The Next Frontier”, we got a sneak peek into the exciting world of OCT angiography.

Previously, in my early career, I had a very early preview of OCT angiography. Now, years later, this was more in depth and hit closer to home. UMass is getting out very own OCT Angiography capable machine and I am thrilled and very excited. We saw many different examples of how OCT Angiography will be the next frontier in diagnosing and treating different pathologies in the eye. For many years fluorescein angiography has been the gold star standard, but with OCT angiography we are going deeper and gathering more information than we have ever been able to before. It really is quite exciting, and our team is thrilled to be able to join the new frontier.

 We also heard talks about ultrasounds, the best way to complete a patient work up, medical treatments of retinal diseases, retinal surgical options- with amazing videos of surgeries performed using such techniques, and even a discussion about a library specifically for patients with low to no vision, courtesy the Perkins school for the blind.

 After a delicious lunch, we were back and heard further talks including one about glaucoma surgical options- now and in the future, glaucoma diagnostics and their role in early detection, and corneal topography for cataract and refractive patients.

 It was an exciting day and we felt so lucky to have been a part of it.

Katlyn Champagne (left) and Stacey Lewis