Position paper on multiuse phacoemulsification supplies released by the major multinational societies of cataract and refractive surgeons
The four regional multinational societies of cataract and refractive surgeons have jointly endorsed a position paper on the importance of multiuse phacoemulsification cassettes to safely reduce unnecessary surgical waste. Calling this a major unmet need in cataract surgery, the position paper calls on industry to prioritize development of multiuse supply options for every phacoemulsification machine platform and for regulatory agencies to facilitate review and approval of these products.
This is the first time that the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS), and Latin American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (LATAMSCRS) have collaborated on a joint position paper—in this case speaking to industry and policy makers with a unified voice on behalf of cataract surgeons worldwide. The paper was developed in conjunction with EyeSustain, a global coalition of 55 ophthalmology societies collaborating to advance sustainability in eyecare through education, research, innovation, and advocacy. ASCRS is a founding co-sponsor of EyeSustain, whose website is a central educational resource for ophthalmologists and facilities worldwide.
Stop by and See ASCRS in Orlando
Are you attending the AAO Annual Meeting in Orlando? ASCRS will be onsite, and we’d love to connect with you! Join us for special events where you can gather with fellow ophthalmologists, experience the ASCRS community, and explore the benefits of membership firsthand. Here’s where you can find us:
- Thursday, Oct. 16—ASCRS Live! Dinner
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse | 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Faculty: Kendall Donaldson, MD, Francis Mah, MD, Cathleen McCabe, MD
This intimate dinner is designed to target a smaller audience to foster meaningful discussion and networking. Membership not required to attend.
Free to attend—Save Your Seat
- Saturday, Oct. 18—YES Dinner (Young Eye Surgeons)
The Oceanaire Seafood Room | 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: AbbVie
Residents and fellows are invited to connect with ASCRS leadership and industry partners and explore unique educational topics.
Reserve Your Spot
- All Weekend, Oct. 18–20—Visit Us in the Exhibit Hall (Booth #3560)
Stop by to confirm or update your membership status, register for the Annual Meeting at early-bird rates, and get answers about upcoming programs—all in oneplace. Don’t miss your chance to win free housing for ASCRS 2026! Scan your badge at the booth to enter!
Show Support This National Sight Week
The ASCRS Foundation’s domestic charitable cataract surgery program, Operation Sight, is celebrating National Sight Week, which began Sunday, October 5, and runs through Saturday, October 11.
Here are 5 ways to support the sight-restoring work of the ASCRS Foundation during National Sight Week:
- Make a tax-deductible donation and join the Lindstrom Legacy Gift Club.
- Include ASCRS in your DAF (donor-advised fund) and/or planned giving.
- Become a local Operation Sight volunteer.
- Follow the Foundation on social media and be part of the conversation.
- Share the gift of sight and help inspire happy patients or coworkers—spread the word about Operation Sight and the $25 in 2025 campaign on social media or within your network.
ASCRS CME Activities
Three satellite CME activities from the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting are now available on the ASCRS CME Education Catalog.
Refractive Options for Patients with Irregular Corneas
This activity will cover topography and tomography for at-risk and irregular corneas, available refractive surgery options for patients with irregular corneas, advances in crosslinking, and strategies for patients with keratoconus.
By completing this activity, you will earn 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
Phaco Fundamentals: Phacodynamics for Challenging Cataracts
This program will review principles for adjusting and optimizing phaco machine settings and techniques for both routine and complex cases. Special attention will be given to surgical strategies for rock hard cataracts and complicated cases. Videos will include cases being performed with four different phaco machines.
By completing this activity, you will earn 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Refractive Surgery in the Glaucoma Patient
This activity is a joint venture between the Refractive Surgery and Glaucoma Clinical Committees. Attendees will learn about refractive management in patients with glaucoma including preoperative assessments, intraoperative strategies, and postoperative refractive considerations in patients with glaucoma.
By completing this activity, you will earn 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
Whether you want a couple of CME hours or to increase your knowledge in certain subspecialty areas, the ASCRS CME 24/7 Education Catalog has a wealth of content to meet your educational needs.
Use this resource to filter by CME/non-CME, clinical topic, or by ASCRS program. Once logged in, you will also be able to access the Education Tracker to keep tabs on your progress and courses of interest.
Important Resources
- ASCRS Live!: A dinner series bringing education and networking to U.S. cities. Learn more about the 2025 program.
- ASCRS Annual Meeting: April 10–13, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
- CME 24/7: Your source for the latest online CME from ASCRS; member login required
- Calculators and Tools: Essential tools for your practice
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