First impressions last

It’s hard to say what was most impressive the first time I attended an ESCRS Congress. Was it the size and scale of the event? I had attended different kinds of events in a personal and professional capacity over the years, but seeing the huge pavilions in use at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa was truly eye-opening. The scientific programme filled two of these pavilions, as well as making use of the adjacent MEO Arena (now the Altice Arena), a venue I excitedly learned would also host the 2018 Eurovision. Then there was the exhibition, which filled even more space in these pavilions, Was it the number of delegates? The 35th Congress of the ESCRS had a then record attendance of 9,800 delegates. As a newcomer to the world of ophthalmology, coming from the more general world of medical reporting, these figures were astounding. Nearly 10,000 people, gathered from around the world to talk about eyes! Not just eyes, but cataract and refractive surgery? This was a new world for me. This year in Paris I’m much more prepared. I know which sessions I want to attend, I’ve got some meetings lined up on the exhibition floor and I’ve studied the Congress Plan carefully so I know where I’m going. Speaking from a non-clinical perspective, I’m particularly interested in Prof David Spalton’s Heritage Lecture, on The Origins of Cataract Surgery tomorrow morning. Ahead of the ESCRS Winter Meeting in Athens, I wrote a piece about Classical approaches to ophthalmic problems, so I’m intrigued to hear Prof Spalton’s wide-ranging lecture that will cover even more ground. There’s also the Surgeons Under Stress Symposium today, which will go into the specifics of surgery as well as offering general tips for dealing with tricky situations. It’s also important to step back and take in the Congress centre itself. The Paris Expo Porte de Versailles is a wonderful new venue, and Dominique Perrault’s Great Sail at Pavilion 1 is a stunning structure. Paris Expo is also attempting to bring about an “environmental revolution”, with some 52,000 sqm of vegetation planted on the site’s roofs. The grounds are also surrounded by a 1.7km green zone, creating a visual and sonic barrier between the venue and nearby neighbourhoods. These sound like the perfect place to take a break from the enormity of the event. Putting on a Congress of this scale takes some work, so it’s important to mention the people behind it. The staff at Agenda Communications in Dublin spend months putting it together, working with the programme committees to ensure a fascinating and relevant series of speakers. The exhibition and marketing teams work to fill those huge halls with the latest in technology from the industry. I consistently marvel at the hours put in by staff at registration desks and throughout the Congress centre, so be nice to everyone you see in those blue ESCRS t-shirts! It’s always enjoyable to come to Paris, even more so when there’s so much to enjoy at an event like this. Even if you don’t get to everything you’ve planned then you’re sure to have learned something along the way. Aidan Hanratty is the Content Editor of ESCRS EuroTimes

Tags: congress reflections