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"For the first time, the Midwest Ophthalmologic Symposium will offer Continuing Education (CE) credits under updated compliance requirements. As a result, a Fair Market Value (FMV) registration fee is required only for attendees who wish to claim CE credit. Attendance without CE credit will remain complimentary. The FMV fee applies solely to CE participation and supports the administrative and accreditation costs associated with offering CE. We appreciate your understanding as we implement this change and remain committed to keeping the meeting accessible and educational for all attendees." 

Agenda at a Glance

7:00 AM – Registration & Breakfast
8:00 AM – Welcome – Kevin J. Blinder, MD
8:15 AM – Seslen Lecture: Advancing Gene Therapy for AMD: How Close Are We? – Lejla Vajzovic, MD
9:20 AM – DMEK in Vitrectomized Eyes – Christopher Sales, MD, MPH
9:50 AM – Pediatric Retinal Disease: Lessons That Shape Adult Retina Care – Lejla Vajzovic, MD
10:20 AM – Scleral-Fixated Iris Prosthesis – Christopher Sales, MD, MPH
10:50 AM – Morning Break
11:05 AM – Don't Miss These: Retina Diagnoses That Change Management – Lejla Vajzovic, MD
11:35 AM – Lessons Learned: OMIC Symposium – Gaurav Shah, MD

Midwest Ophthalmologic Symposium

The Retina Institute in conjunction with the Retina Research & Development Foundation is pleased to present and sponsor The Midwest Ophthalmologic Symposium featuring The 42nd Visiting Professor Lecture Series. This live in-person conference will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis. MO. 63105.

This year’s Visiting Professor will be Lejla Vajzovic, MD, Ophthalmologist, Pediatric Retinal Specialist, Retinal Surgeon. Dr. Vajzovic is a vitreoretinal surgeon and tenured Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University School of Medicine with expertise in adult and pediatric retinal diseases and surgery. 

Also joining the program will be Christopher Sales, MD. Dr. Sales is a board-certified ophthalmologist, internationally recognized eye surgeon, surgical innovator and coach — now serving patients in Connecticut.

In addition, Gaurav Shah, MD - Retina specialist at West Coast Retina, San Francisco, California and OMIC committee member will be participating in this year’s program. 

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Missouri State Medical Association (MSMA) through the joint providership of Institute for International Medicine and The Retina Institute. The Institute for International Medicine is accredited by the MSMA to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Institute for International Medicine designates this Live activity for a maximum of 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM.. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.