ASCRS YES Connect Newsletter May 2025

Get to Know Your YES Clinical Committee Member:
Dilru Amarasekera, MD
Glaucoma Specialist, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Twitter: @dilrucheryl | LinkedIn: Dilru Amarasekera

Why did you go into ophthalmology? I think it’s somewhat unique in medicine to have the opportunity to both be a patient’s surgeon and follow them clinically over many years, developing a long-term relationship. This perfect mix of clinical and surgical practice is what drew me most to ophthalmology. I was also so fascinated by all the gadgets we use and thought (and still think!) that it is amazing that we can actually look inside of the eye and identify pathology.

If you weren’t an ophthalmologist or even a doctor, what career would you like to try? Ever since high school I’ve thought that owning a hair/makeup/nail salon would be an incredibly fun and stimulating career. I used to put a lot of time into learning how to style hair and create intricate nail art designs. Back in high school and college, I was often the friend that did everyone’s hair and makeup for prom and formal. I am constantly in awe of my hairdresser, and I think it would be so cool to be able to do what she does. I haven’t dabbled in beauty in years since I keep my nails clean for the OR and my hair is always ruined by my indirect, but I would love to get back into it!

What do you look forward to most at the ASCRS Annual Meeting? My favorite part of the ASCRS Annual Meeting is reconnecting with my former co-residents and colleagues. I think it’s great that the meeting brings together my friends from comprehensive ophthalmology, complex anterior segment, cornea, and glaucoma in one place, since I don’t get to see colleagues outside of my specialty very often at conferences. ASCRS is also a chance for me to learn a little bit about what’s new and upcoming in specialties outside of glaucoma.

What place is on your travel wish list? I grew up spending my summers in Sri Lanka and was fortunate to visit many different countries during these summers abroad. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit Africa, however, and I would love to do a safari in a country like Tanzania or see the gorillas in Rwanda.

What’s your go-to movie theater snack? I love those chocolate-covered cookie dough bites that seem like they are only ever for sale at concession stands. They’re the perfect mix of sweet and salty so I don’t get bored of them during the movie. I also love popcorn because movie theater butter is unparalleled.

ASCRS Live! Is Back
Next Up: Chicago

ASCRS Live!, an educational dinner and networking program for ophthalmologists, is back on the road. The first event of 2025 held March 6 in Miami was a success with 45+ ophthalmologists attending.

This evening CME program is targeted for a smaller audience, with discussion focusing on refractive cataract surgery. In addition to complimentary dinner and CME education, there will be ample time for open discussion and networking.

Next stop: Find the full 2025 city lineup here.

According to surveys, 100% of attendees who responded said they learned something new in the program and would recommend attending ASCRS Live! to their colleagues.

Don’t Forget About ASCRS On Demand

ASCRS On Demand, a post-meeting resources that captured more than 200 sessions, is available for YES members who registered and attended the ASCRS Annual Meeting.
Learn more about ASCRS On Demand and how to access content here.

Thank you to all who attended the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting. We hope to see you in Washington, D.C., for ASCRS 2026 April 10–13! Sign up for early information about the 2026 meeting here.

Book your hotel for 2026! Hotel reservations are now available through the official housing provider of the ASCRS Annual Meeting, onPeak. Reserve early to ensure you get your preferred hotel.

Take Advantage of These Educational Opportunities with ASCRS

YES Connect Webinars: In “Introduction to Finance: Basic Stock Market & Financial Planning,” Andrew Johnson, MD, MBA, Casey Nickels of Providence Wealth Systems, and Erik Bergvin, Investment Analyst at AIA, begin a dive into the interpretation of financial terms and principles, creating a broad overview of finance.
ASCRS Grand Rounds: The latest episode of Grand Rounds covers cataract surgery in a patient with keratoconus and a case involving cosmetic iris implants.
ASCRS Cornea Clinical Committee Webinar: In “Antibody Drug Conjugates—An Emerging Class of Cancer Therapeutics Which Pose Risks to Corneal and Anterior Segment Health,” moderators Naveen Rao, MD, and Winston Chamberlain, MD, along with speakers Kamran Riaz, MD, Stella Kim, MD, and Farooq Asim, MD, discuss just what antibody drug conjugates are and what they’re used for. The faculty then reviews the possible complications and adverse reactions within the anterior segment that are associated with these drugs. They also provide a communication algorithm with the oncologist, including considerations for dose or frequency changes.

Helpful Links and Resources

Remember you can always find additional information and resources on our website.

Want to get involved with YES activities? Send us an e-mail and let us know!