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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 Opens/Continental Breakfast

8:00 am: Welcome and Introductions - Kevin J. Blinder, MD

8:15 am: Seslen Lecture: Gene Therapy for Common Retinal Diseases: How Close Are We? - Lejla Vajzovic, MD, FASRS

9:15 am: Introductions - Thanos Papakostas, MD

9:20 am: MEK in Vitrectomized Eyes - Christopher Sales, MD, MPH

9:50 am: Vision for Safety: Insight from Closed Retina Cases (OMIC Symposium) – Gaurav Shah, MD 

10:50 am: Morning Break – 15 minutes

11:05 am: OCT Background and Unlocking Retinal Pathophysiology, Lejla Vajzovic, MD, FASRS

11:35 am: Scleral Fixated Iris Prosthesis - Christopher Sales, MD, MPH

12:05 pm: Pediatric Retinal Disease: Lessons That Shape Adult Retina Care - Lejla Vajzovic, MD,

12:35 pm: Closing Remarks

*(Titles and Times Subject to Change)

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 Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint-providership of the Institute for International Medicine and The Retina Institute. The Institute for International Medicine is accredited by the Kentucky Medical Association 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.