The 39th Annual North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society Meeting at Snowbird, Utah, February 9–14, 2013

The North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society held its 39th annual meeting at Snowbird, Utah from February 9–14, 2013. The week was filled with outstanding educational venues advancing our knowledge in neuro-ophthalmology. Valérie Biousse, MD, from Emory University, chaired The Frank Walsh Session. Pat Hudgins, MD, Professor of Neuroradiology, and Daniel J Brat, MD, PhD, Professor of Neuropathology, also from Emory University, provided expert opinions on neuroradiology and pathlogy. The session had 2 new educational features: an expert panel comprised of Steven Galetta, Andrew Lee, and Neil Miller; and following each section specific teaching points were presented. The best Walsh case was presented by Chantal J. Boisvert, MD (Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles) for: “OMG, I can't C.” A variety of symposia highlighted the meeting. “Journal Club” featured recent clinical trials in retina, thyroid eye disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular disease, and migraine. In another session, recent advances were outlined in the treatment of giant cell arteritis, neuro-ophthalmic sarcoid, neuromyelitis optica, and stem cell therapy. An update of the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension covered visual loss, weight loss, and headache management as well as reviewed the surgical treatment options including cerebrospinal fluid diversion (shunts), optic nerve sheath fenestration, and cerebral venous sinus stenting. A session dedicated to improving diagnostic capabilities discussed distinguishing retinal disorders from optic nerve dysfunction, newer techniques to distinguish pseudo-papilledema from other optic neuropathies, the best techniques in viewing/measuring retinal nerve fiber layer, and not allowing diagnostic techniques to lead us astray. The final symposium helped us to understand the direction and potential impact of telemedicine in neuro-ophthalmology. The optional symposia were excellent, as well. A neuroimaging symposium featured Pat Hudgins, MD (Emory University) along with Anne Osborn, MD and Karen Salzmann, MD (University of Utah). Topics included imaging of the optic nerve, cranial nerves and central nervous system lymphoma. Amin Kassam, MD (Ottawa) performed live endonasal endoscopic cadaveric prosection, demonstrating various approaches to reach the pituitary and other cranial nerves. Sue Vicchrilli COT, OCS (Salt Lake City and the American Academy of Ophthalmology San Francisco) discussed the perils and pitfalls of medical coding. The scientific platform and poster sessions reflected active neuro-ophthalmologic research. The best presentation by a fellow was given by Kimberly Winges, MD (University of Iowa): “The Ganglion Cell Layer Across the Vertical Meridian in Hemianopsia: I Get No Respect!” The resident awardee was Cynthia Yu-Wai-Man, MBBS, FRCOphth (Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom) who discussed “Extraocular muscle atrophy and central nervous system involvement in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia—a structural and spectroscopic magnetic resonance study.” The medical student prize went to Ali S. Saber Tehrani (Johns Hopkins University) for: “Quantitative video-oculography for diagnosing stroke at the bedside in acute vertigo: an ‘ECG’ for the eyes.” Robert A. Avery, DO, presented “Hand-held optical coherence tomography during sedation detects visual acuity and visual field loss in young children with optic pathway gliomas.” He received the 2013 Thomas and Susan Carlow Young Investigator Award. The 2013 Jacobson Lecture entitled “Neuro-Ophthalmology at Iowa” was presented by H. Stanley Thompson, MD (University of Iowa) (Fig. 1).FIG. 1: Stan Thompson and his wife Delores stand next to long-time colleagues, James Corbett, Michael Wall, and Randy Kardon. Former fellows, faculty, and residents from the University of Iowa, Department of Ophthalmology stand behind them.There were 415 registrants for this North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS) meeting representing 24 countries. Janel Fick and her outstanding staff hosted a very well-organized meeting. We are already looking forward to next year's meeting in Puerto Rico (March 1–6, 2014)—it will be NANOS’ 40th anniversary!

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