Join us to read the latest news and abstract highlights from ASCRS 2026
The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting returned to Washington, D.C. from April 10–13, bringing together cataract, refractive, cornea and anterior segment specialists from around the world for four days of innovation, practical education and thought-provoking discussion. From packed instructional courses and hands-on skills transfer labs to late-breaking scientific sessions and lively panel debates, ASCRS 2026 once again delivered the blend of surgical pearls, real-world practice insights and forward-looking technology updates that continues to make it one of the most influential meetings in ophthalmology.
Across the meeting, several themes stood out: the growing integration of artificial intelligence across diagnostics and workflow, continued refinement of refractive cataract planning, advances in robotics and surgical simulation, and an increasing focus on how innovation can be translated into better efficiency, precision and patient experience in everyday practice. Whether in the main stage sessions, subspecialty programming or informal hallway conversations, the message was clear: anterior segment surgery continues to evolve at pace, and clinicians are actively shaping what comes next.
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Expert perspectives
Reflecting on the innovations showcased across the meeting, Dr John Hovanesian highlighted artificial intelligence, next-generation IOL technology and the emergence of robotics as some of the most exciting themes shaping the future of cataract surgery.
“This was a particularly exciting ASCRS meeting because we saw real innovation, both incremental and quantum steps, from companies large and small. The future of cataract surgery is becoming more apparent, with even more advanced lenses from a growing number manufacturers. AI is going to help us in clinic, the business office, and in surgery. Femtosecond lasers are not going away, but surgical robots will be performing procedures in the near future. All of this will elevate the quality of results our patients enjoy. I’m looking forward to all of it.”
Reflecting on the strong emphasis on surgical education, personalization and next-generation refractive technologies at this year’s meeting, Dr Dagny Zhu highlighted the growing shift toward increasingly individualized surgical planning, hands-on skills development and the rapid adoption of technologies designed to enhance precision across refractive and cataract care.
“Grateful to reconnect with colleagues, share ideas, and contribute to a field that continues to evolve at an incredible pace. Moderating Refractive Day sessions on modern LASIK versus lenticule extraction and complex surgical cases, alongside co-instructing on the use of premium IOLs in imperfect eyes, highlighted how surgical strategies are becoming increasingly tailored to individual patient needs. Leading fully booked wet labs for Young Eye Surgeons, including the expansion to EVO ICL training, reinforced the importance of hands-on education in building confidence with newer techniques. It was also encouraging to collaborate on emerging innovations such as digital microscopy, next-generation IOLs and ray-tracing–guided excimer ablation, which continue to shape the future of refractive and cataract care.”
Featured content from ASCRS 2026
IOLs may not behave in space as they do on Earth
IOLs
As space medicine advances, understanding how ophthalmic implants perform in extreme environments is becoming increasingly important. Data from the International Space Station offer a unique opportunity to explore how intraocular lens materials respond to radiation, ultraviolet exposure and vacuum conditions beyond Earth.
In this Q&A, Morgan Micheletti discusses award-winning findings from the JAMES study presented at ASCRS Annual Meeting 2026, highlighting how commonly used IOL materials changed after direct exposure to space and what this could mean for future device handling, storage and surgery during long-duration spaceflight.
→ Read: What happens to intraocular lenses in space?
Regenerative therapies and faster treatments are reshaping the future of ocular surface care
Ocular surface disease
As we’ve come to expect, the ASCRS 2026 Annual Meeting delivered a strong mix of practical insights and emerging innovation across corneal and ocular surface disease.
This year’s programme highlighted clear progress in regenerative therapies, improved recognition and management of ocular surface pain, and a rapidly evolving dry eye landscape driven by novel mechanisms and faster-acting treatments.
→ Read: Corneal and ocular surface updates
AI is reshaping how cataract care is planned, delivered and managed
Artificial intelligence
At ASCRS 2026, artificial intelligence emerged not as a distant concept, but as a central theme shaping discussions across cataract and refractive care. This was underscored by the keynote presentation by Dr Kerry Solomon, Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology: Where We Are, Where We Should Go, and How to Get There Responsibly, which set the tone for a broader conversation around both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with AI adoption.
→ Read: AI begins to reshape cataract surgery from planning to follow-up
LASIK patients on Reddit focus on recovery, visual outcomes and the wider surgical journey
Refractive surgery
LASIK has transformed refractive surgery, offering rapid visual recovery and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses. But beyond clinical outcomes, patients often focus on the practical realities of recovery, visual quality and reassurance from shared experiences.
In this Q&A, Dhiresh Bandaru discusses findings from his ASCRS abstract analysing LASIK conversations on Reddit, highlighting the themes, symptoms and patient priorities emerging from real-world online discussions.
→ Read: What online patient conversations reveal about the LASIK experience
Refining outcomes, durability and real-world application in glaucoma care
Glaucoma
ASCRS 2026 highlighted a clear shift in glaucoma management, with a move beyond proving efficacy toward refining outcomes, durability and real-world application. Across surgical and medical approaches, the focus is increasingly on sustained intraocular pressure control, reduced treatment burden and integration into earlier stages of care.
→ Read: Glaucoma shifts from intervention to optimisation
OmniVu shape-changing IOL shows sustained performance at 36 months
Cataract surgery
At ASCRS 2026, 36-month data from the first-in-human study of the OmniVu Lens System suggest that modular shape-changing intraocular lens technology may deliver a durable solution for presbyopia correction following cataract surgery.
→ Read: OmniVu shape-changing IOL shows sustained performance at 36 months
Innovation is reshaping how surgeons deliver visual outcomes
Cataract surgery
Advances presented at ASCRS 2026 highlight a field continuing its transition from procedural success to precision-driven, patient-centred outcomes. Across cataract and refractive surgery, innovation is expanding the therapeutic toolkit, refining intraocular lens performance and improving surgical delivery, ultimately enabling more predictable, personalised visual results.
→ Read: Cataract and refractive innovation moves toward precision and personalization
Cite: ASCRS 2026: Key highlights and expert insights. touchOPHTHALMOLOGY. 1 May 2026.
Editor: Nicola Cartridge, Head of Content
Acknowledgments: This content has been developed independently by Touch Medical Media for touchOPHTHALMOLOGY. It is not affiliated with ASCRS. Views expressed are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Touch Medical Media.
