Capstone Lectures
Capstone Lectures: Innovations in Ophthalmology
October 9 – 11, 2026 | Hilton New Orleans Riverside- Page 17
Join us for IJCAHPO’ s Capstone Lectures. These fast-paced courses will highlight key ophthalmic issues and new technologies. They will be held on Friday, October 9, from 8:00 a. m.– 10:00 a. m. in Ballrooms A-B.
Course Code: 01FR12 Credits: 2.00 Moderator: Michael Stewart, MD
Emerging Innovative Developments for Ocular Surface Disease
David Hardten, MD, FACS
Minnesota Eye Consultants Bloomington, MN 8:00 – 8:20 a. m.
Description: Ocular Surface disease( OSD) treatments, mechanisms, and diagnostics are essential for improving a patient’ s qualify of life. Advancements in therapeutics and pharmaceuticals focus on treating the underlying issues, not just masking symptoms. Innovative therapies such as“ living eye drops” to advanced inflammatories and state-of-the art devices and technologies, the Smartphone and AI, will redefine diagnostics and personalized care.
3D Implants / Technology in Ophthalmology
Andrea Tooley, MD
Innovative Ophthalmology Paducah, KY 8:20 – 8:40 a. m.
Description: This lecture will introduce the concept of 3D implants and emerging technology in Ophthalmology, how this technology is currently used, and what potential innovations we can look for in the future.
Beyond the Microscope: 3D Digital Imaging and Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Vitreoretinal Surgery
David Almeida, MD, MBA, PhD
Erie Retina Research and CASEx – The Centers for Advanced Surgical Exploration Erie, PA 8:40 – 9:00 a. m.
Description: This capstone lecture explores how three-dimensional, heads-up digital visualization is reshaping vitreoretinal surgery and how AI is being layered onto these imaging platforms to augment the surgical team. We cover how 3D digital systems differ from the conventional operating microscope, the ergonomic and educational advantages for surgeons and assistants, and the emerging role of AI in intraoperative tissue recognition, image enhancement and surgical guidance— with practical implications for workflow, training and patient safety as these tools move into everyday retina practice.
Spectrum of Conjunctival Tumors
Carol L. Shields, MD
Wills Eye Hospital Philadelphia, PA 9:00 – 9:20 a. m.
Description: We will address the main conjunctival tumors with information on how to identify and treat them, and the expected outcomes. Discussions will cover epithelial tumors including ocular surface squamous neoplasia and papilloma, melanocytic tumors like nevus, primary acquired melanosis, and melanoma. We will review lymphoid tumors, benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and lymphoma. Major conjunctival tumors and their clinical manifestations and management will be presented.
AI-Powered Workflow Efficiency in the Modern Ophthalmic Practice
Nitin Rai
MaximEyes Founder & Chairman, Portland, OR 9:20 – 9:40 a. m.
Description: This presentation will explore how AI-assisted technologies are helping ophthalmic practices improve clinical workflow efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and support technicians and providers with more streamlined documentation processes. Attendees will gain insight into practical applications of AI in the clinical setting and how emerging tools can enhance productivity while supporting quality patient care.
Oculomics: What the Eyes May Tell Us About Systemic Health
Michael Stewart, MD
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, FL 9:40 – 10:00 a. m.
Description: Oculomics, an emerging, non-invasive diagnostic field, uses artificial intelligence( AI) that expands ophthalmology to broader systemic health monitoring. With the advanced AI application to analyze high-resolution eye scans and tear proteins, the retina can become a window into the body ' s microvasculature system to detect cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and renal diseases— before traditional full-body symptoms appear. This evolving field may assess opportunities, challenges, and future directions of oculomics for translation into clinical use.