FRANK B. WALSH 
 

History of The Walsh Meeting
 

The Frank Walsh Society’s origins began in 1969 when the first Neuro-Ophthalmic Pathology Symposium was a held at the Wilmer Eye Institute. In 1979, the group adopted the name Frank B. Walsh Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. In 1992 the Walsh Society merged with NANOS and the Walsh meeting became a one-day event occurring on the Sunday immediately preceding the annual NANOS meeting.

The format has always been and continues to be case presentations with requisite pathology and genetic diagnostic tests have been permitted to replace pathologic material when appropriate.  An invited Neuro-radiologist and Neuro-pathologist review the cases in advance and provide commentary on each case during the meeting. The complete listing and abstracts from all Walsh meetings dating to 1969 can be found on the NANOS website on the members home page, "Novel." You will also find recordings of some of the Walsh Presentations. 

In the past the Walsh meeting was hosted by volunteers who held the meeting at their institution. With the merger of the Walsh Society and NANOS, the Walsh meeting now takes place in the same venue as the NANOS meeting. The Walsh Meeting hosts are volunteers from the NANOS membership. The hosts review and select the cases to be presented in addition to selecting the neuro-radiologist and neuro-pathologist who participate.  We encourage everyone to consider becoming part of the Walsh Meeting legacy by hosting a meeting!

Call for 2027 Frank B. Walsh Meeting Hosts

NANOS is accepting applications to host the 2027 Frank B. Walsh Meeting. 

• Venue: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, California
• Date: TBD (likely March 20 or 21, 2027)
• Application Form: Download PDF
• Deadline: June 2, 2025
• Submit completed applications to: meetings@nanosweb.org

The Walsh Committee is here to help every step of the way. You can even submit a joint application with another institution. 

Please note: While the 2026 Walsh Meeting is confirmed for Saturday, March 21, the specific date for the 2027 meeting has not yet been determined. It may take place on Saturday (March 20, 2027), Sunday (March 21, 2027), or another day, and this decision will be made following the 2026 NANOS meeting.

Make your mark on this seminal event and become a part of the Walsh legacy! Your participation will not only shape the event's success but also contribute to its enduring impact, leaving a lasting imprint for generations of neuro-ophthalmologists to come.

Questions? Contact Edina McAllister at the NANOS Executive Office.

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