Come One, Come All to the ICSC!

The International Congress of Scleral Contacts (ICSC) is a 2-day meeting solely dedicated to scleral lenses. Both beginner and expert practitioners are welcome at this unique, interactive meeting. The passion, expertise, collaboration, and interest of scleral lens practitioners in the future of these lenses is astonishing. Below are some highlights from last year’s meeting and a brief rundown of what to expect this year.

ICSC 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

At last year’s ICSC meeting, we were honored to have two knowledgeable keynote speakers. Simone Visser, OD, PhD, FSLS, of the Netherlands lectured on her contributions toward understanding scleral shape and lens design, and Brian Tompkins, BSc (Hons), FCOptom, FBCLA, of the United Kingdom, entertained us with a live cooking demonstration (Figure, inset).

There were participants from 25 countries and the largest vendor participation to date. The 2022 meeting offered best practices for patients, practitioners, and industry, including an opportunity to learn the latest technological advancements with Industry Moments, a series of nine 10-minute presentations throughout the meeting.

We also partnered with Black Eyecare Perspective to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Members from the group attended ICSC and contributed excellent presentations, knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm to the meeting. (Visit bit.ly/ICSC-BEPto read more about this collaboration.) We look forward to their return this year.

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2023

This year, ICSC is partnering with YoungOD Connect, a membership-based community and educational platform to help new and soon-to-be optometrists practice the highest level of optometric eye care.

We have an impressive and knowledgeable organizing committee (Figure) that is deeply involved in designing a program sure to satisfy attendees regardless of their level of expertise. Practitioners from more than 15 countries around the world will gather to tackle the most perplexing challenges and broach emerging scleral lens trends.

New for 2023, ICSC will include two simultaneous tracks (4 total hours) tailored to the practitioner’s level of proficiency.

The Foundations Track

Led by experienced practitioner Brooke Messer, OD, FAAO, FSLS, this track is geared toward practitioners who are in the early stages of scleral lens fitting. It is a genuine “how to” for those starting out or those early in their scleral journey. All staff who are interested in scleral lenses are welcome to attend this track.

The Masters Track

This track offers advanced information for experienced practitioners to refine and expand their scleral lens knowledge. Led by the two of us, it provides a deep dive into more complex cases for practitioners who routinely fit scleral lenses.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN SCLERALS AT ICSC

We are in a historic phase of scleral lens growth, and there is no better time to embrace scleral lenses if you don’t already offer them in your practice. We want to personally invite you to ICSC 2023 at a new location—the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort—July 28-29, 2023. This larger, more luxurious hotel will provide additional meeting space and an expanded exhibit area. For more information and to register, visit www.icscmeeting.com.