While the 2014 ASCRS meeting will bring experts together to discuss the latest technological advances in ophthalmology, visitors should also be sure to exit the convention center to take in city of Boston.
As a native Bostonian I am particularly biased towards this city, but survey upon survey also recognizes Boston as one of the top travel city destinations in the U.S. While the convention center is slightly separated from the rest of the city, overall Boston is very easy to get around using the ‘T’ public transportation system and also is very walkable for those who like to walk about. In this article, I’ll highlight some of the places and activities you should look out for during your stay.
To begin, there are more things to take in then a few days will allow, particularly if you plan to travel outside of the city. That said, there are many wonderful things to take in if you only have a short amount of time available.
The easiest starting point is the Freedom Trail. This path courses through many historical sites of Boston as well as fantastic local restaurants. For those who get tired of walking, trolleys that offer on-off service also are available so you can go at your own pace. Several places you may want to spend more time in include Faneuil Hall with its shops and street performers, the North End with its endless supply of outstanding Italian restaurants, and the Boston Common/Boston Garden for a relaxing break in the park. Should you desire high-end shopping, across from the Boston Public Garden you will encounter Newbury Street with all the high end retail stores.
For the sports fanatic, you should definitely try to take in a game at Fenway Park. The oldest baseball park in the US, you really can feel the history as you walk in the building. During ASCRS, the Red Sox will be playing the NY Yankees. A famous rivalry, you do not want to miss this event.
For the patron of the arts, there are multiple museums, including but not limited to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is also a fantastic sold-out performance. If your concierge cannot get you a ticket you may very well have luck if you line up for a last minute ticket at the night desk.
Of course, with the excellent training and events that occur with ASCRS it is often difficult to break away from the convention center. This year promises to be extremely exciting with the abundance of new scanning, imaging and laser technologies.
Iridex continues to show enhanced benefit to their micropulse laser technology for both glaucoma and retinal procedures. The Ellex Tango has picked up a lot of excitement with ophthalmologists looking to incorporate YAG and SLT technologies into their workplace with a nice footprint.
Though many clinicians focus on the improvements of multifocal and accommodating lenses, attention should also be placed on monofocal lenses. The new Bausch & Lomb enVista MX60 lens is a true zero spherical aberration lens allowing forgiveness of any angle kappa as well as increasing depth of focus.
Regarding presentations, you should try not to miss the presentation by Senator Rand Paul. With today’s ACA/EMR/SGR world, this session at 5 p.m. Friday April 25 will likely be the most provocative presentation of the meeting.
So while professional interests might make up the bulk of many of your schedules, those of you who can get away from the convention center to see and experience Boston will be well rewarded.