Fruitful interaction at WSPOS

This year the WSPOS Paediatric Subspecialty day offered insights into a variety of paediatric ocular issues which can affect the anterior segment, posterior segment and ocular motility. The Subspecialty Day comprised several symposia, some of which were conducted by experts in the field, and some of which were selected free papers moderated and presented by experienced ophthalmologists. The day kicked off with a session on Management of Rare Diseases that can affect the eye and there was an emphasis not only on aniridia, but also on ocular surface issues which increasingly are being recognised to affect children. Topics in this session included: Anaridia, a rare eye disease, How to manage cataract in uveitis in children, Complex ocular dermoids management, Update in Coats’ disease, The role of ocular surface disease on congenital aniridia and Paediatric crosslinking. The session on Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) brought together experience and expertise from all over the world and afforded discussion about the treatment options for this disease on an evidence-based platform. A wide range of topics were discussed including: Risk in ROP screening, Foveal vascular changes in preterm children and Clinical profile and treatment outcomes following laser monotherapy and combination therapy with bevacizumab in paediatric Coats’ disease. The day was punctuated by a lunchtime symposium generously supported by an educational grant from Zeiss where the use of integrated intraoperative OCT in paediatric ophthalmology was discussed. EXPERTISE FROM AROUND THE WORLD A unique aspect of the WSPOS key educational forums, such as the subspecialty day, is the gathering of expertise from all over the world. The Paediatric Cataract session drew on experts like Marie-Jose Tassignon, Ramesh Kekunnaya and Daniel Salchow who discussed a variety of aspects in this field. Perhaps, more unusually, there was a discussion about Visual outcomes in cataract surgery in children with congenital glaucoma from doctors from both India and Saudi Arabia. I also described a new banded technique for traumatic cataract during this session. The Strabismus session included lively topics such as: Complications of strabismus surgery, Results of the multicentre convergency insufficiency treatment trials, Latest advancements in minimally invasive strabismus surgery, Correcting vertical strabismus by operating horizontal muscles, Intermittent exotropia review and The case for non-absorbable sutures in strabismus surgery. Another very interesting topic during this session was a presentation on strabismic amblyopia undiagnosed by primary care in children younger than three years old. Naturally, we are unable to mention all the speakers on the subspecialty day, but with the calibre of speakers attending, the day was one of fruitful interaction and amazing discovery. I would also like to thank all the delegates who attended this year’s subspecialty day and also our Executive Bureau David Granet, Dominique Bremond-Gignac, Ramesh Kekunnaya and Richard Hertle for all of the work they did in helping to organise the programme. Dr Ken Nischal is a member of the WSPOS Executive Bureau and a Founding Co-Chair with Dr David Granet of WSPOS.

Tags: paediatric ophthalmology