Join the Academy in San Francisco for our fourth Joint Meeting with the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO). The meeting will take place at the Moscone Center from Oct. 24 to 27. It will be preceded by Subspecialty Day, Oct. 23 and 24.

2009 Scientific Program

This event is the largest, most extensive scientific meeting in ophthalmology, covering all topics for both comprehensive ophthalmologists and subspecialists. It is the ideal place to further your clinical education and meet colleagues from all over the world.

Earn CME credits during the Joint Meeting, which offers more than 2,000 hours of peer-reviewed scientific presentations and 100 hours of free programming, plus:

• PAAO sessions - PAAO-sponsored courses and symposia of special interest to physicians practicing in the Western hemisphere.
• Subspecialty Day - Arrive one or two days early for in-depth meetings in several subspecialties.
• Practice Management/AAOE Program - Courses in human resources, coding, marketing and more.
• Exhibition - The world's largest ophthalmic exhibition, with over 500 companies participating.

Registration for the 2009 Joint Meeting will open to members on June 24, 2009.

Call for Abstracts

The abstract submitter for instruction courses and new Skills Transfer labs and didactics is open until Jan. 13, 2009. Read guidelines and submit your abstract at Presenter Central.

New Entry Procedures for VWP Countries

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
On Jan. 12, 2009, the Department of Homeland Security will enact the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This new entry program requires nationals from a Visa Waiver Program country to register before traveling to the U.S., and will replace the I-94W form previously used by some travelers.

In order to obtain an ESTA, travelers will need to submit information including their name, birth date, passport number, flight number and U.S. destination address. Each ESTA will be valid for up to two years and will allow visitors unlimited travel to the U.S. during that period. Note that ESTAs will not be issued to any traveler whose passport will expire within six months of the application for an ESTA. Obtain an ESTA now.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program was expanded in October 2008 from 27 to 34 countries. Nationals of these countries can travel to the U.S. without a visa for stays of fewer than 90 days:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

More Information
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. State Department

Weather

In late October, San Francisco has average highs of 69°F (21°C), and average lows of 54°F (12°C), making it a great time to visit. Get the San Francisco 10-day weather forecast.

City Highlights

Enjoy San Francisco's beautiful scenery, famous attractions and delicious cuisine.  Stay tuned for details; or visit Only in San Francisco.