Military vision research symposium focuses on visual fallout from war

Eye injuries in war have changed – and increased in number – as weapons, tactics, technology and strategies have evolved. Today's soldiers face threats from explosive devices that cause extensive damage areas not protected by body armor. Military experts and ophthalmologists from the Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear will convene in Boston, Mass., on Sept. 18 to address these issues at the Fifth Military Vision Research Symposium.

The three-day symposium will focus on ocular and vision injury and will encompass a variety of topics, including an overview of military and civilian eye research, combat ocular readiness, vision funding, blast injuries and regenerative medicine.

Participants will hear from those who deal with trauma in other part of the body to see what lessons can be applied to care of the eye. Speakers include Bohdan Pomahac, M.D., (member of the face transplant/upcoming double arm transplant team) and Lee Goldstein, M.D., Ph.D. (concussion expert). U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano will discuss the congressional perspective in the opening session.

The symposium will be held Sept. 18-20, 2012, at the Starr Center, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Mass., 02114.

Provided by Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary