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Show The 25th Reunion of CLAN, the Latin American Neuro-Ophthalmology Club Since 1988, a group of Latin-American neuro-ophthalmologists has met annually in various cities, primarily on the continent of South America. The 25th reunion of CLAN was held on the 6th and 7th of September 2013 in Santiago, Chile, at Hotel Neruda. Thirty-four members participated in this meeting, includ-ing ophthalmologists, neurologists, and radiologists. All were united by a common interest in neuro-ophthalmology, creating a stimulating professional conference dealing with the complexity of neuro-ophthalmic patients. The annual conference of CLAN allows colleagues in the region to review topics of interest, discuss clinical cases, and compare management options and outcomes. This year we had participants from Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Cuba, Mexico, the USA, and Chile (Fig. 1). Dr. Veronica Fernandez-Salgado, the General Secretary of CLAN, orga-nized the meeting, which was both educational and enter-taining. In addition to the usual members of CLAN, there were several fellows in training in neuro-ophthalmology, especially from Chile and Argentina. The meeting was open to all colleagues interested in neuro-ophthalmology, includ-ing residents in training. One hundred twenty additional professionals apart from the CLAN group attended. The sessions for the meeting were organized to update attendees on the management of inflammatory diseases, including infectious diseases, demyelinating disorders, and vascular and infiltrative diseases especially involving the optic nerve. Neuro-ophthalmic pathology of pregnancy, neuro-rehabilitation and ocular motor disorders also were presented. There was ample time for lively discussion and comments especially regarding the clinical cases. CLAN has led to creation of strong friendships among members including couples and families constituting the so-called Ami-CLAN or friends of CLAN who help and actively participate in events involving the social program. This year we had dinner at the home of Dr. Fernandez with musical entertainment, and there was a closing lunch in a vineyard nearby Santiago, which allowed for camaraderie in a relaxed atmosphere. We successfully concluded another of many wonderful CLAN meetings as we shared and learned with input from everyone to advance the development of neuro-ophthalmology in Latin America. Veronica Fernández-Saldago Thomas R. Hedges, MD Tufts University, Boston, MA FIG. 1. Attendees of the 2013 CLAN Meeting (Latin American Neuro-Ophthalmology Club). Fernández-Saldago and Hedges: J Neuro-Ophthalmol 2014; 34: e3 e3 Neuro-Ophthalmology News Section Editor: Kathleen B. Digre, MD Copyright © North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. |