AECOS® (American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery) was pleased to sponsor a leading accelerated cross-linking study, ACOS-KXL-001, in which 83 clinical sites offered accelerated cross-linking throughout the US. AECOS received approval from the FDA to initiate the phase 3, multicenter, randomized, controlled evaluation of the safety and efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking in eyes with keratoconus or corneal ectasia after refractive surgery. The study exclusively utilized Avedro’s riboflavin and KXL system for accelerated cross-linking.  Patients with keratoconus and corneal ectasia were recruited nationwide to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of three treatment regimens for corneal collagen cross-linking performed with Avedro’s riboflavin and KXL System for reducing corneal curvature. Corneal collagen cross-linking has been commonly used as the first-line method to restore corneal stability in keratoconic and corneal ectatic eyes in Europe and throughout the world for many years.  The AECOS study was concluded in June 2016 with very favorable results.  It is the largest body of corneal cross-linking data in the world.

Principal Investigators: AECOS Corneal Cross-Linking Clinical Sites:

Dec 19 2023. Recognizing that the vast majority of ophthalmologists and optometrists wish to conduct their practices in a compliant manner, and the need for guidance that addresses co-management of non-covered services, AECOS published this document to assist practices operate in a compliant manner.

AECOS has formed very active committees in both the Americas and Europe to promote sustainability in the ophthalmic workplace.  In Europe, the committee established the Green Working Group to lead this effort and published “Paper waste from instructions for use brochures in cataract surgery implant packaging in Europe and the US” in 2024, Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

AECOS participates as a valuable partner in the EyeSustain Global Initiative. This is a global coalition of eye societies, organizations and ophthalmologists focused on promoting sustainable eye care practices.

AECOS is very proud to be a sponsor of Challenge Aspen – an organization dedicated to “Making Possibilities for People with Disabiities.”

Challenge Aspen provides recreational, educational and cultural opportunities for those challenged with physical and mental disabilities. These activities include an annual ski festival for the visually impaired, mono-ski camp and rock climbing for paraplegics and amputees, adaptive and therapeutic recreation for wounded veterans, and numerous other programs. With a small, committed full time staff, and a large number of volunteers, Challenge Aspen serves more than 400 participants each year, helping those with disabilities to gain the self esteem and confidence required to lead productive and rewarding lives.

Published: Clin Ophthalmol. 2023; 17: 1993-2001. AECOS conducted a study among 18 practices to compare time and effort required to care for a postop multifocal AT-IOL patient compared to a standard monofocal lens patient. This study showed that patients receiving AT-IOL implants receive more frequent and more intensive post-operative treatment than patients who elect to undergo monofocal IOL implants. The study supports the concept that practices and co-managing physicians who provide postoperative care for AT-IOLs are entitled to additional compensation for those services. The full article can be found at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10361271/.

The “Eye on Washington” report provides AECOS members with quarterly updates on key political developments affecting ophthalmic surgery, including Medicare regulations, election cycle insights, and health policy changes. This exclusive content keeps members informed on legislative actions and trends impacting patient care and the ophthalmic field. 

AECOS is honored to participate in the FDA/CDRH Network of Experts. The program is designed to provide a rapidly accessible virtual network of scientific experts for the CDRH (Center for Devices and Radiological Health) and other staff within the FDA. This collaboration enables an efficient exchange of knowledge that will streamline the resolution of an issue, complaint or the evaluation of a complex medical device. It is meant to supplement existing areas of expertise within the CDRH, and accelerate the availability of safe and innovative medical products. Participants receive no compensation for their services.

The ICO helps ophthalmologists to enhance their skills and clinical knowledge in order to provide high-quality eye care in every country in the world. The Council advocates decision makers for increased resources for eye care and collaborates with organizations to advance the eye health of all people. The ICO provides ophthalmologic societies and leaders with the resources and skills to effectively lead, communicate, and advocate.

AECOS also participated in the development of guidance on Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery. On November 16, 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published guidance entitled “Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery and CMS Rulings 05-01 and 1536-4.” The guideline addresses when physicians and facilities may charge Medicare beneficiaries for the use of a femtosecond laser when performing cataract surgery with the implantation of premium IOLs.

On December 17, 2012, AECOS hosted a webinar and live Q & A: “CMS Guidance on Femtosecond Lasers: What it means to physicians and facilities.”

We are delighted to present the AECOS newsletter, a quarterly digest to disseminate some of the latest developments, best practices, and cutting-edge techniques shaping the landscape of ophthalmic surgery. 

Sponsored by STAAR Surgical. In early 2024, AECOS conducted a retrospective study to enhance our understanding of the characteristics of patients coming into AECOS member practices for vision correction procedures. The study, sponsored by STAAR Surgical, was also designed to analyze how age, refractive error, and anatomical characteristics determine the choice of refractive procedure. Additionally, the study provides insights regarding procedure site of service. 19 AECOS member sites participated, and results are currently being analyzed. A final manuscript will be prepared for peer-reviewed publication.

AECOS is a member of the Refractive Surgery Council, an organization that harnesses the country’s leading clinical and technology expertise and develops educational and informative programs and content for consumers considering their vision correction options.

6 August 2018

Purpose: To present an overview of contemporary methods and metrics used to measure near vision, intermediate vision, and accommodation.

Methods: A search in PubMed was performed with the following key phrases: near vision, intermediate vision, objective and subjective methods for the measurement of accommodation. For subjective methods, we included only those that are most widely used, had a scientific evidence of its outcomes, and have an easy availability at the doctor’s office. For objective methods, we included those aberrometers or autorefractometers that have been proven to give good repeatability and reproducibility in the study of changes in optical power of the eye along the accommodative process.
Results: Near vision should be tested at 40 cm and intermediate vision at 63 or 80 cm. Accommodation should be measured with objective methods such as autorefractometers or aberrometers.

Veronica Vargas, MD, Wolfgang Radner, MD, Bruce D. Allan, MD, FRCOphth, Dan Z. Reinstein, MD, MA(Cantab), FRCSC, DABO, FRCOphth, FEBO, H. Burkhard Dick, MD, PhD, FEBOS-CR, Jorge L. Alio ́, MD, PhD, FEBO

From Near vision and accommodation committee of the American-European Congress of Ophthalmology (AECOS)