Karpecki’s Corner #3: Maui Meeting of Excellence

Meeting Chair Paul Karpecki, O.D., describes his experience at the 2011 Maui Meeting of Excellence, June 23-26.

The meeting was wonderful.  It is hard beat 80 degree weather with a constant sea breeze and sunny skies for five days.  The meeting was also a great success.  What makes this meeting so wonderful is the energy that is unique to the Maui Meeting of Excellence.  The attendees are typically some of the best in the country and from some of the most successful practices.  They attend because the meeting is very interactive with participation throughout the talks.  There are a number of social opportunities and all the speakers were extremely approachable and able to answer questions on clinical presentations, patients and practice pearls.  Some courses included audience response systems so that attendees could participate in various multiple choice questions throughout the talks.  The lecturers and attendees wear hawaiian casual wear to lecture (no suits or ties here), there are various breaks with speakers, sponsors and attendees as well as receptions with exceptional food, beverage and camaraderie.

It is truly one of my favorite meetings of the year and one that every OD should consider attending.

Speakers Blair Lonsberry OD and Louise Sclafani OD

Maui Meeting of Excellence Catamaran Trip

Attendees enjoy interactive sessions in casual Hawaiian wear.

A typical Maui sunset at the Meeting of Excellence.

Meeting speakers Dr. Karpecki and Dr. Kabat before a joint lecture featuring Grand Rounds in Allergic Eye Diseases.

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Karpecki’s Corner #2: Recognizing Preseptal Cellulitis

Dr. Paul Karpecki

This child presented with a conjunctivitis that was treated, but the preseptal cellulitis was not recognized at the time. The patient returned in significant pain and distress. Note the significant reddish sheen around the eyes and bridge of the nose. The patient was diagnosed with preseptal cellulitis although a cellulitis could not be ruled out given the pain that appeared to be present with eye movement. The patient was referred to a pediatrician and admitted to the hospital.

The key pearls to this case are the need to go beyond conjunctivitis in children. Pathogens such as h.flu and s. pneumo can often cause more serious sequelae such as preseptal cellulitis. Look for a reddish sheen around the eyes, ask about co-morbidities such as otitis media, significant malaise, an URI, fever, etc. All of these indicate a systemic component which warrants more than topical therapy.

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