Spotlight on research and education at ESCRS Congress

Professor David Spalton welcoming delegates to the XXXV ESCRS Congress The ESCRS will continue its mission to bring the very best in high-quality clinical research and education to its members in the coming years, David Spalton, ESCRS President told delegates at the official opening ceremony of the 35th ESCRS Congress in Lisbon. Welcoming more than 9,800 delegates from more than 120 countries, Prof Spalton said that this year’s Congress offered a first-rate scientific programme and a wide range of symposia, course and wetlabs covering most major fields of ophthalmology. “With 16 symposia, 492 free papers, 1,257 posters, 125 courses and 64 wet labs – together with a massive exhibition – I think we will all be able to return home with something that is hopefully going to change our practice, make us better surgeons and improve the care of our patients,” he said. He said that teaching and training would continue to feature at the heart of ESCRS action in serving the needs of its members and the wider ophthalmological community. The ESCRS already offers many educational opportunities to its members in the form of annual meetings, the “On Demand” presentation library, video of the month, “Eye Contact” interviews, a surgical technique library and the iLearn e-learning platform. Prof Spalton also cited special measures for trainee ophthalmologists such as free membership of the Society, bursaries to attend the annual congress, the Young Ophthalmologists Programme and an ongoing Observership Programme. The Peter Barry Fellowships, awarded for the first time this year, would further strengthen the Society’s commitment to young ophthalmologists. Speaking on behalf of the Portuguese Cataract and Refractive Surgery Group, Filomena Ribeiro said that her organisation was honoured that the prestigious ESCRS congress was taking place in Lisbon, a city that offered many attractions to delegates once the serious business of the congress was accomplished. She urged delegates to enjoy not just the scientific programme but also the cultural and gastronomic delights of Lisbon. As part of the opening ceremony, this year’s Binkhorst Medal Lecture on the topic of “Cataract Surgery in High-Risk Eyes: Lessons Learned” was delivered by Boris Malyugin from Russia. END