IN-DEPTH SPEAKERS
ACVO’s In-Depth series caters to more senior, experienced veterinary ophthalmologists who are seeking masters’ level education. The sessions are open to all attendees but target the needs of this registration group. They are included with general registration of all attendees.
András M. Komáromy
DrMedVet, PhD, DACVO, DECVO, FARVO
New Developments in Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in humans and animals. The primary approach to managing glaucoma involves lowering intraocular pressure through medical and surgical interventions. While these treatments can slow disease progression, they do not represent a cure since optic nerve degeneration continues in many patients.
To enhance treatment outcomes, several key strategies are being pursued, including (1) the development of early disease biomarkers so that treatment can be initiated earlier and more effectively, (2) the improvement of long-term intraocular pressure control, and (3) the introduction of neuroprotective strategies to preserve retinal ganglion cells and prevent optic nerve degeneration.
Dr. András Komáromy is a Professor of Comparative Ophthalmology at Michigan State University (MSU). He received his veterinary degree from the University of Zurich (Switzerland). Following his internship in medicine and surgery at MSU, he performed his PhD graduate work (glaucoma) and clinical residency at the University of Florida. Dr. Komáromy is a Diplomate of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO and ECVO) and a Gold Fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). He was President of the ACVO and is the current Editor-in-Chief of Veterinary Ophthalmology. As a clinician-scientist, he is particularly interested in studying glaucoma and its disease mechanisms and developing novel, more effective therapies. His laboratory is funded by government grants (U.S. & Australia), foundations, and the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Komáromy authored over 120 clinical and scientific publications and book chapters. He served on several National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections. He received numerous awards for his work, including the Shaffer Prize for Innovative Science (Glaucoma Research Foundation), the Carl Camras Translational Research Award (Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology ARVO Foundation/Pfizer Ophthalmics), the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence, and the MSU Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor of the Year Award.
Derick Whitley
DVM, DACVP
Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Diagnostics
Course description coming soon
Derick Whitley DVM, DACVP, is a veterinary pathologist, innovative leader, and entrepreneur with a passion for advancing animal health through innovation. After beginning his career in private veterinary practice, Derick pursued specialized training at Texas A&M University, becoming a board-certified veterinary pathologist. During his 8.5 years at Antech Diagnostics, he played a pivotal role in leading the first large-scale digital pathology conversion in veterinary or human health, revolutionizing diagnostic capabilities. As the former Chief Medical Officer of Vidium Animal Health, Derick guided the company to a successful exit in 2024. His leadership extends into consulting for multiple animal health companies and serves as a venture partner at Vetted Capital. Derick is deeply invested in exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, genomics, and other cutting-edge advancements in veterinary medicine. In parallel, he maintains ongoing academic roles as adjunct faculty at both the Translational Genomics Institute and Oklahoma State University.
Past In-Depth Speakers & Topics
Presentations have been recorded and are available to members through the online video portal.
