5th Annual Doheny-UCLA International Retina Symposium
Join us for the 5th Annual Doheny-UCLA International Retina Symposium on January 23, 2027. This is an essential gathering for general ophthalmologists and retina specialists alike. The program features international keynote speakers Bart P. LeRoy, MD, PhD (Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Belgium), and Daniel F. Martin, MD (Emory University School of Medicine).
Doheny Eye Institute designates this activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Complimentary Breakfast 7:30 – 8:00 AM
Meeting 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Doheny Eye Institute
150 North Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Needs Assessment
The proposed educational need for this symposium is to strengthen clinicians’ ability to translate evidence on retinal imaging, medical and surgical treatments, and emerging technologies into individualized patient management strategies. The program addresses clinical decision-making across age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal disorders, retinal vascular disease, myopia, and vitreomacular conditions.
In medical retina, the educational focus includes evaluating evidence for photobiomodulation and emerging dry AMD therapies; interpreting real-world anti-VEGF outcomes; and determining how home OCT, treatment-durability predictors, and implanted drug-delivery systems may inform monitoring and treatment decisions. The inherited retinal disease sessions address RPE65-related disorders and the evidence, limitations, and clinical implications of gene therapy.
Additional educational needs addressed by the proposed program include interpreting emerging imaging and artificial intelligence applications, evaluating systemic vascular implications of retinal findings, and selecting management strategies for myopic complications and macular surgical conditions. Sessions on cancer-related vision loss and ophthalmic care delivery extend the discussion to patient communication, treatment burden, and access to care.
The activity is designed primarily to strengthen knowledge and clinical competence. Short lectures, dedicated question-and-answer periods, and two moderated panels will provide opportunities to evaluate evidence, compare management approaches, and apply learning to clinical cases.
Target Audience
Retina specialists, comprehensive ophthalmologists, ophthalmology fellows and residents, and other healthcare professionals involved in the evaluation and management of patients with retinal disease.
Educational Goals
- Strengthen participants’ ability to critically evaluate established and emerging approaches to retinal diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.
- Improve clinical decision-making through the application of imaging findings, research evidence, and case-based discussion.
- Support individualized retinal care that considers visual prognosis, systemic health, treatment burden, patient preferences, and access to care.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Evaluate evidence for established and emerging therapies for AMD and retinal vein occlusion to guide individualized treatment and monitoring.
- Assess RPE65-related inherited retinal disorders and gene therapy evidence to inform referral and patient counseling.
- Interpret retinal imaging and systemic vascular findings, and evaluate home OCT and artificial intelligence applications, to guide diagnosis, monitoring, and referral.
- Apply case-based evidence to manage myopic complications, macular holes, and complications of macular surgery.
- Incorporate patients’ goals, psychosocial concerns, treatment burden, and access barriers into shared decision-making.
Educational Format and Expected Outcomes
The symposium will combine focused presentations, question-and-answer periods, and moderated case-based panels. These formats are intended to support critical appraisal and application of evidence to clinical decisions.
The primary expected outcome is improved clinical competence, demonstrated by participants’ ability to select and justify appropriate diagnostic, monitoring, treatment, or referral strategies in representative cases. Evaluation will also identify intended practice changes and anticipated barriers to implementation.
Accreditation Statement: Doheny Eye Institute is accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Designation: Doheny Eye Institute designates this activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Course Co-Directors
Michael Ip, MD
Gavin S. Herbert Endowed Chair for Macular Degeneration
Professor of Ophthalmology
David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA
Medical Director, Doheny Imaging Reading Center
Doheny Eye Institute
Giulia Corradetti, MD
Health Sciences Clinical Instructor
David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA
Scientist, Doheny Eye Institute
International Guest Lecturer
Bart P. LeRoy, MD, PhD
Full Professor of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Genetics
Head, Department of Ophthalmology
Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital
Ghent, Belgium
National Guest Lecturer
Daniel F. Martin, MD
M. Louise Simpson Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology
Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs
Emory University School of Medicine
Network Chair, DRCR Retina Network