SAN FRANCISCO—AAO 2015, the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s (AAO) 119th annual meeting showcasing vision research, innovation and education will take place Nov. 13 to 17, 2015 at the Sands Expo/Venetian in Las Vegas.

“The Academy provides its member eye physicians and surgeons with innovative and collaborative educational opportunities year round,” said David W. Parke II, MD, CEO of the AAO. “All these programs converge in one pinnacle event that is our annual meeting. I look forward to seeing our members share knowledge to strengthen our collective resources in the fight against preventable blindness.”

According to organizers, this year’s program will feature the latest scientific breakthroughs in medical and surgical eyecare. Major topics and events include the Big Data Revolution and the IRIS Registry, which will examine data science and its impact on eyecare. Academy president-elect William L. Rich, III, MD, will report on the first-year progress of the Academy’s IRIS Registry, the country’s only comprehensive registry of eye diseases and conditions. Anne L. Coleman, MD, PhD, a renowned ophthalmology researcher and professor at UCLA, will give attendees a first glimpse at initial insights on cataract surgery outcomes from the IRIS Registry.

Additionally, two symposia will explore nearsightedness, a growing global health issue. Top researchers will present data on emerging treatments and leading theories on prevention. Also, a symposium will explore how collaborative research has advanced the treatment of lazy eye and other childhood vision problems in a joint session between the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Optometry.

Another joint symposium between the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association of Ophthalmic Oncologists and Pathologists will address the use of nanotechnology in eyecare and the treatment of common eye diseases.

Various papers, posters and courses will cover the latest developments in overcoming diseases that damage the retina and optic including gene therapy and prosthetic retinal implants. There will also be an update on a blinding eye condition called uveitis associated with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from survivor and American physician Ian Crozier, MD, who will join John Fankhauser, MD, founder of an Ebola survivors clinic in Liberia, to discuss long-term treatment strategies.

Experts will also discuss what physicians and practice managers need to know to stay on top of the forthcoming changes to Medicare payments, incentives and penalties at a special session covering Medicare’s new merit-based incentive payment system and other payment changes for 2016 and beyond. In addition, several other sessions will focus on government activities in the eyecare field, with representatives from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Association of Veterans Affairs Ophthalmologists and the Society of Military Ophthalmologists on hand.

Lastly, the Academy’s Museum of Vision will debut its new exhibit, "Great Thinkers and Great Insights in Ophthalmology" featuring eye physicians and surgeons responsible for seminal changes in their field.

Known as the place "Where all of Ophthalmology Meets,” a full list of program offerings can be found here. Attendees looking to plan their schedule in advance can visit, for complete Subspecialty Day and AAO 2015 program information.

Those unable to attend this year’s meeting in person can stream a total of 20 selected hours of educational content live online for free from Nov. 13 to 17. To learn more and sign up go to www.aao.org/virtual-meeting.