Department of ophthalmology presents annual Gifford-Truhlsen Alumni and Residents Day

The UNMC department of ophthalmology will serve as host to its annual Gifford-Truhlsen Alumni and Residents Day on Friday, May 30, at the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.

The objectives of the program are to provide attendees with a description of current trends, issues and research in ophthalmology, as well as an evaluation of the potential risks and benefits of new drug therapies and surgical treatments of various ocular conditions and diseases, and a discussion of prospective areas for research.

The program will begin at 7 a.m. with registration and a continental breakfast, followed by a welcome address and overview by Carl B. Camras, M.D., professor and chairman, UNMC department of ophthalmology. The schedule is as follows:


  • 7:30 a.m. – Welcome and overview
    LI> 7:45 a.m. – “Prevention of Diabetic-like Retinopathy in the Galactose-fed Rat Model,” presented by Gerry Robinson, Ph.D., senior investigator, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health
  • 8 a.m. – “Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy in Dogs with Aldose Reductase Inhibitors,” presented by Peter Kador, Ph.D., professor and chairman, pharmaceutical sciences, UNMC
  • 8:15 a.m. Clinical Studies of Diabetic Complications and Aldose Reductase,” Yoshio Akagi, M.D., Ph.D., professor, ophthalmology, Fukui (Japan) Medical University
  • 8:30 a.m. – “Human Lens Epithelium and Oxidation,” Venkat Reddy, Ph.D., senior research scientist, ophthalmology and visual sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan
  • 8:45 a.m. – “Antioxidant Protein 2 (AOP2) in Lens: Evidences for Prevention of Cataractogenesis,” Dhirendra P. Singh, Ph.D., associate professor, ophthalmology, UNMC
  • 9 a.m. – “Stress-tolerance in Age Related Cataract,” Toshimichi Shinohara, Ph.D., professor, ophthalmology, director, Truhlsen Laboratory, UNMC
  • 9:15 a.m. – “Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) in Cataract Research,” Martin Lizak, Ph.D., staff scientist, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Health
  • 9:30 – Break
  • 9:45 a.m. – “In Vitro Generation of Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs): A Model for Understanding and Treating RGC Degeneration,” Iqbal Ahmad, Ph.D., associate professor, ophthalmology, UNMC
  • 10 a.m. – “Use of Pentoxifylline (Trental) in the Treatment of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAAION),” Charles Chiang, M.D., house officer III, ophthalmology, UNMC
  • 10:15 a.m. – “Contemporary Thoughts on Anophthalmic Sockets and Implants,” James W. Gigantelli, M.D., assistant professor, ophthalmology, UNMC
  • 10:30 a.m. – “Multifocal Choroiditis, Vitritis, and Retinal Vasculitis in Association with West Nile Virus Infection,” Scott A. Limstrom, M.D., vitreoretinal fellow, ophthalmology, UNMC
  • 10:45 a.m. – Truhlsen Lecturer: “What is Our Role in the Reduction of World Blindness?” Bruce Spivey, M.D., clinical professor of ophthalmology, Cornell and Columbia Universities, secretary general, International Council of Ophthalmology
  • 11:30 a.m. – Lunch
  • 12:30 p.m. – Grand Rounds, Case Presentations, UNMC Residents, and “Discussion of Grand Rounds Patients,” Richard Lindstrom, M.D., managing partner, Minnesota Eye Consultants, clinical professor of ophthalmology, University of Minnesota
  • 1:15 p.m. – “Diagnosis and Treatment of Normal Pressure Glaucoma,” Martin B. Wax, M.D., senior director and head, ophthalmology discovery research, Pharmacia
  • 1:45 p.m. – “Introduction to the Mini-trab for Glaucoma,” Dan Eisenberg, M.D., Shepherd Eye Center
  • 2 p.m. – “Aqueous Humor Dynamics in Pigmentary Dispersion Syndrome,” Laura Teasley, M.D., house officer III, ophthalmology, UNMC
  • 2:15 p.m. – “The Effect of Central Corneal Thickness on IOP Measurements Using Applanation and Pneumatonometry,” Jill Grennan, M.D., house officer IV, ophthalmology, UNMC
  • 2:30 p.m. – Break
  • 2:45 p.m. – “Endophthalmitis and Clear Cornea Incisions in Cataract Surgery,” Kerry Leslie, M.D., house officer IV, ophthalmology, UNMC
  • 3 p.m. – “Adventures and Misadventures in Refractive Surgery,” William R. Schlichtemeier, M.D., clinical associate professor, ophthalmology, UNMC
  • 3:15 p.m. – “Visual Outcomes and Complications of Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation after Pediatric Cataract Removal – a 7 Year Review,” Carol Drake, M.D., clinical instructor, ophthalmology, UNMC
  • 3:30 p.m. – Gifford Lecturer: “The Correction of Presbyopia with Intraocular and Intracorneal Lenses: A Surgeon’s Perspective,” Richard Lindstrom, M.D., managing partner, Minnesota Eye Consultants, clinical professor of ophthalmology, University of Minnesota
  • 4:15 p.m. – Questions and Answers
  • 6:30 p.m. – Cocktails and Dinner

The cost for the program is $85, which includes handout materials, breakfast and lunch, refreshment breaks, dinner at the Plaza Club and other amenities involved in providing a pleasant learning experience.

Spouses or guests attending dinner at the Plaza Club will be assessed an additional $35 charge. Attendees can register on the day of the program. In addition, the Center for Continuing Education designates this educational activity for a maximum of seven category 1 credits toward the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award.

For further information, call Diane Frost at (402) 559-5145 or e-mail your question to conted@unmc.edu. People interested in attending may also register online at www.unmc.edu/coned