ASCRS YES Connect Newsletter October 2025

Get to Know Your YES Clinical Committee Member:

Andrew Johnson, MD, MBA
Eye Centers of Tennessee, Cookeville, Tennessee

Why did you go into ophthalmology?
I played football in college, so I had really only been exposed to orthopedics. I was convinced I wanted to be a hand surgeon until discovering the almighty eyeball. There is not a more fascinating subject to spend a career learning! We also get a great blend of surgical medicine with continuity of care in our clinics. The technological aspect of ophthalmology also appealed to me and has not disappointed. We have so many cool gadgets! I mean, we put new lenses in people’s eyes!

If you weren’t an ophthalmologist or even a doctor, what career would you like to try?
I would be the General Manager of an NFL team. The inter-workings of a salary cap with roster needs and team performance would be a fun challenge and like a real-life chess match. I love chess and sports, especially football, so to combine the two would be a blast—except the work hours!

What do you look forward to most at the ASCRS Annual Meeting?
The Annual Meeting is exciting because I experience fun cities with unique food scenes and new restaurants to try. Did I mention the food? Add that to catching up on the latest technology and seeing old friends makes for a can’t miss experience!

What place is still on your travel wish list?
I have to go with Italy. I love architecture and wine, so Italy checks both boxes! I also am a big history buff and seeing Italy, and Rome in particular, would be packed with fun things to do!

What’s your go-to movie theater snack?
I have to go with Sour Patch Kids. They are unbeatable, especially the cherry flavor! Just the right amount of sour and go great with a Dr. Pepper!

ASCRS Live! Continues Its 2025 City Tour
Next Up: Orlando—October 16

ASCRS Live! has two stops left in its 2025 city tour. This evening CME program offers an intimate setting focused on refractive cataract surgery, featuring:

CME-accredited education
Open discussion and networking opportunities
Dinner with colleagues

Open to both ASCRS members and nonmembers, this is a great opportunity to engage with peers, explore current topics, and learn about ASCRS.

According to recent surveys, 100% of attendees who responded said they learned something new and would recommend the program to a colleague.

Plan to Join us in Washington, D.C. for ASCRS 2026

Registration opens Monday!

We’re excited to welcome you to ASCRS 2026 in Washington, D.C., April 10–13! Registration opens Monday, so now’s the time to start planning your immersive experience.

🎥 Want to take the stage?

Video submissions are now open for select sessions—share your case and contribute to the conversation. This is a unique opportunity to present your personal experience to peers and leaders in anterior segment surgery.

Submit Your Video

👩‍⚕️ YES Programs & Pricing—Take Advantage!

ASCRS YES members enjoy discounted registration rates and access to exclusive programming, including:

Skills Transfer Labs
Networking luncheon
Two YES symposia
Mentor meetups
… and more!

🏨 Reserve Your Hotel Early

Hotel reservations are now available through onPeak, the official housing provider for ASCRS 2026. Book early to secure your preferred accommodations near the Convention Center.

Book Your Hotel

We can’t wait to see you in Washington, D.C. for another unforgettable Annual Meeting!

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 one place. Don’t miss your chance to win free housing for ASCRS 2026! Scan your badge at the booth to enter.

ASCRS Foundation Awards and Grants

🌟 Resident Excellence Awards Submissions Now Open

Deadline: November 14

The ASCRS Foundation is proud to support the next generation of ophthalmic leaders through its Resident Excellence Awards.

Each year, 10 outstanding ophthalmology residents are selected to receive funding to attend the ASCRS Annual Meeting. Awardees are recognized for excellence in one or more of the following areas:

🔬 Research

🩺 Patient care

🎓 Education

🧭 Leadership

Submissions are open September 1–November 14.

Learn more and apply today

This is a unique opportunity for young eye surgeons to gain national recognition and connect with the ASCRS community.

Take Advantage of These Educational Opportunities with ASCRS

ASCRS Grand Rounds: Click here to see the most recent episode of ASCRS Grand Rounds, presented by Eastern Virginia Medical School. This episode covered a case of keratoplasty for prior acute hydrops, presented by Maxwell Levi, MD. A second case, “Under the Sea, into the Eye,” discussed a rare cause of corneal ulcer and was presented by Diego Arias, MD. Kamran Riaz, MD, and Aakriti Garg Shukla, MD, chaired the session, with moderator Albert Cheung, MD, and panelists Gabe Rand, MD, and Aazim Siddiqui, MD. Watch the episode, which is eligible for CME, here.

EyeWorld: Have you read this? The latest issue of EyeWorld is available now! Content in this issue focuses on going beyond the routine. Flip through the issue.

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!