A shortage of ophthalmic pathologists exists. This has resulted in a decline in the teaching of this specialty to residents, fellows, attending pathologists and ophthalmologists. Furthermore, opportunities to learn eye pathology at national and international pathology meetings are few. The purpose of this course is to present a spectrum of classical, common, and exotic ophthalmic pathology cases, from the cornea to the optic chiasm, and the course will benefit pathology residents, fellows, and attending pathologists.

The course comprises a brief introduction and overview of ophthalmic pathology, and eight main categories including: 1) Cornea; 2) Conjunctiva; 3) Eyelid; 4) Uvea; 5) Retina; 6) Diabetes, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration; 7) Orbit; and, 8) Optic Nerve. Each category will feature a classical ophthalmic pathology concept or diagnosis in the usual case presentation format. The cornea section will include the pathology of the everyday cornea specimens including cornea transplants, Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, and Descemet membrane specimens. The conjunctiva section will feature melanocytic lesions. The eyelid section will discuss sebaceous carcinoma. The uvea section will highlight uveal malignant melanoma. The retina section will spotlight retinoblastoma; and, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration will also be discussed. The orbit section will include pathology of the lacrimal gland, and cases of epithelioid hemangioma, inflammatory pseudotumor, and metastatic neoplasms. The optic nerve section will discuss gliomas and meningiomas of the optic nerve, and cases of optic nerve choristoma, sarcoidosis, neuromyelitis optica, and progressive external ophthalmoplegia.

Virtual slides of select highlighted cases will be available prior to the meeting. A syllabus including a bibliography of select cases and a handout of the PowerPoint slides will be available at the meeting. Participants will receive web access of the PowerPoint presentation following the course. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 1) recognize the characteristic histological features of some classical, every day, and exotic ophthalmic pathology diagnoses; 2) adequately handle ophthalmic pathology specimens and be familiar with the language of ophthalmology; and, 3) demonstrate insight into the remarkable world of ophthalmic pathology and become interested in keeping this often-neglected specialty relevant.

This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.