ESCRS IS LEADING HIGH-QUALITY EXPERT-LED EDUCATION FOR OPHTHALMOLOGISTS OF ALL LEVELS

Education and clinical research will continue to be at the heart of ESCRS action in serving the needs of its members and the wider ophthalmological community, president Roberto Bellucci told delegates at the official Opening Ceremony of the XXXIII Congress of the ESCRS in Barcelona yesterday.
“Education and clinical research are the two pillars of the ESCRS. As a dynamic, forward-thinking and well-resourced society, I believe that in these times of information overload the society stands out as a leader in the provision of high-quality, expert-led education for ophthalmologists of all levels of experience,” he said.
The ESCRS is proud to offer a scientific arena to all of its members, delegates, supporters and the industry, said Dr Bellucci. “Together we form a community in the interests of science and to the advantage of our patients,” he added.
Dr Bellucci noted that the ESCRS already offers many educational opportunities to its members in the form of the annual congresses, the ESCRS On Demand presentation library, and online courses through the iLearn e-learning platform.
New initiatives such as Video of the Month and Eye Contact also underscore the society’s desire to continue to provide the best in educational opportunities to its members. He also cited special measures for trainee ophthalmologists such as free membership of the society, bursaries to attend the annual congress, and an Observership Programme for young ophthalmologists, which enables them to gain valuable experience.
The ESCRS would also continue its support for important research activities, said Dr Bellucci. “The ongoing funding of clinical research is a primary activity of the society and we hope to continue this commitment with the funding of further projects by the end of this year,” he said.
Dr Bellucci’s address at the Opening Ceremony was followed by brief presentations by José Alfonso, president of the Spanish Society of Implant-Refractive Ocular Surgery (SECOIR) and ESCRS board member Jose Guell, who urged delegates to enjoy not just the scientific programme of the congress but also the wonderful city of Barcelona.
This year’s Binkhorst Medal Lecture on the topic of “The Evolution of the Capsulotomy: From Crude Forceps to Precision Laser” was delivered by Dr Richard Packard from the UK.
• A full report of Dr Packard’s lecture will appear in an upcoming edition of EuroTimes