Major Invited Presentations at the World Ophthalmology Congress in Tokyo

The World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC), a bi-annual international meeting bringing researchers and clinicians together from around the world, was held in Tokyo, Japan from April 2 – 6, 2014.  Dr. Gregg Kokame and Dr. James Lai from Retina Consultants of Hawaii participated in the World Congress.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology invited Dr. Kokame to speak at its major symposium on age related macular degeneration.  Specifically, Dr. Kokame spoke on the different appearance and frequency of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, a leaking blood vessel growth under the retina, in different ethnic groups around the world.  The research into the response of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy to the newest management options and doses of different intravitreal medications from research performed by Retina Consultants of Hawaii was presented.  Dr. Kokame dedicated this lecture to Dr. Yasuo Tano, the major leader of vitreoretinal surgery in Japan and the initial driving force to bringing the World Congress to Tokyo, who unfortunately passed away in January 2009.

The Retina Society invited Dr. Kokame to present a surgical video in its program on Retinal Surgical Dilemmas.  Dr. Kokame presented on a difficult to manage problem with scleral buckle intrusion into the eye after previously successful repair of retinal detachment.  The video led to much discussion, and interest from surgeons from many countries, who had not encountered this problem.

Drs. Lai and Kokame met with surgeons from around Asia and the world.  The beauty of the sakura (cherry blossoms) happened just before the Congress started and was enjoyed by the Congress attendees.