UK Paediatric Glaucoma Society
UKPGS 2022 Meeting report
Given the number of presentations it is impossible to summarise the entire meeting here. Selected highlights included AS-OCT descriptions of ‘intra-corneal cisterns’ in anterior segment dysgenesis and corneal sequelae of netarsudil anti-glaucoma treatment (Dr Gupta, New Delhi), a description of neonatal onset congenital ectropion uvea (Prof Kaushik, Chandigarh), OCT angiographic findings (Dr Pérez-García, Madrid) and an inspiring lecture from Professor Mandal showing excellent results from combined trabeculotomy, trabeculectomy (CTT) with very long periods of follow-up.
Mr Khan from Abu Dhabi showed good results with his series of deep sclerectomy patients. There were surgical tips and tricks in video presentations on GATT, CTT, 360 vs 180 suture trabeculotomy from various presenters including Dr Imamoglu, Istanbul and rescue approaches for failed glaucoma drainage devices (Dr Jorge Teixeira, Lisbon). Professor Grehn gave an overview from an entire career of the challenge of measuring glaucoma progression, in children in particular showing lessons learned from unilateral cases.
Mr Ken Yau from Manchester explained how the angle can be revisited with GATT after tube surgery successfully and Dr Areaux showed a nice result after combined cataract surgery with ab interno trabeculotomy in uveitic glaucoma and cataract. We heard of the efficacy of tube flushing from Dr Saravanan, Birmingham.
Meeting report by Mr Joe Abbott, UKPGS Co-Secretary
This year brought bigger numbers of delegates than ever before together for the 2022 UKPGS meeting. The meeting pulled together the global community of paediatric glaucoma teams more successfully, thanks in part to the virtual format.
The schedule was packed with fifty-two presentations in addition to three ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ lectures from international experts in the field; Professor Anil K Mandal (LV Prasad), Professor Franz Grehn (Mainz), Professor Alana L Grajewski (Bascom Palmer).
The meeting was accessed via the UKPGS website (www.ukpgs.org.uk) where the archive footage from the day is currently available to delegates. Crowdcomms did a fantastic job of AV hosting with logistical support from the meeting organiser Louise Richards (Healthology.eu). The team did a great job of seamlessly facilitating speakers and chairs for each session following their time zones across the world; beginning with speakers in India, Thailand, following the sun, through the Middle East, Europe and finishing with speakers from east coast, then west coast Americas.
The quality of the work presented was excellent. It is extremely unusual to have such a gathering of experts in the field; to share lessons learned and the challenges and rewards of looking after children with glaucoma. Each session had allocated time for live panel discussions with both presenters and the ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ lecturers to disseminate their learning over thousands of collective operations.
Given the number of presentations it is impossible to summarise the entire meeting here. Selected highlights included AS-OCT descriptions of ‘intra-corneal cisterns’ in anterior segment dysgenesis and corneal sequelae of netarsudil anti-glaucoma treatment (Dr Gupta, New Delhi), a description of neonatal onset congenital ectropion uvea (Prof Kaushik, Chandigarh), OCT angiographic findings (Dr Pérez-García, Madrid) and an inspiring lecture from Professor Mandal showing excellent results from combined trabeculotomy, trabeculectomy (CTT) with very long periods of follow-up.
Dr Peter Chang, Miami showed a series of 74 children with GATT, analysing risk factors for success and failure, Dr Bohnsack, Chicago showed her results with Ologen augmentation of aqueous shunts and explained how her practice has changed in light of this work.
Dr Archambault, Palo Alto reminded us of the utility of the Koeppe lens.
We finished the day with a trademark motivational, reflective lecture from Professor Grajewski, Miami; sharing lessons learned in running a children’s glaucoma practice and the value of teamwork, mentorship and persistence.
Professor Sir Peng Khaw, President of UKPGS presented the trainee awards to Dr Sandeep Choudhary (Chandigarh), Dr Robert Nutt (Belfast) and Dr Deema E Jomar (Riyadh), pictured below in order then closed a packed day; a whistle-stop, international perspective on the evolving field of paediatric glaucoma. All delegates were warmly invited to the UKPGS in early 2023.
