Exclusive: Key Events at ESCRS 2024

The 42nd of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) is poised to offer a dynamic array of events and initiatives in 2024, featuring a mix of educational programs, commemorative milestones, and new insights into key areas of ophthalmology.

Key Events

1. Cornea Day:

Cornea Day is one of the standout events of ESCRS 2024, providing a comprehensive look at the latest advancements in corneal transplantation. This year’s program will cover both anterior and posterior lamellar techniques, offering attendees in-depth discussions led by leading experts. Expect to gain valuable insights into new technologies and surgical techniques that are revolutionizing corneal care and improving patient outcomes.

2. Glaucoma Day:

Coinciding with World Glaucoma Week, Glaucoma Day will focus on the prevention and management of this prevalent eye condition. The agenda will include presentations on cutting-edge research findings and innovative approaches to treatment. This event aims to equip attendees with the latest strategies and insights to tackle glaucoma effectively and enhance patient care.

3. Focused Friday:

Focused Friday is dedicated to delving deep into specialized topics within cataract and refractive surgery. This day will feature sessions on recent advances and clinical best practices, offering actionable insights for improving surgical techniques and patient outcomes. It’s a valuable opportunity for professionals to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in these critical areas of ophthalmology.

4. Global@ Active Monday:

Global@ Active Monday is designed to foster international collaboration and highlight global perspectives on eye care. This initiative will offer networking opportunities for professionals from around the world, reinforcing ESCRS’s commitment to global knowledge exchange. Attendees can expect to engage with peers and experts, sharing insights and experiences that transcend geographical boundaries.

Global@ Active Monday session will include:

● CSCRS Symposium: A comprehensive session hosted by the Cataract & Refractive Surgery Congress, focusing on cutting-edge research and practices.
● Main Symposium – Telemedicine in Ophthalmology: Explore the role of telemedicine in transforming ophthalmic care and its implications for the future.
● Digital Session: Participate in sessions covering digital advancements and their applications in ophthalmology.
● Arena – Training Across the World: Attend interactive sessions and demonstrations on global training methods and practices.
● Evergreens: Gain insights from enduring topics and classic techniques in eye care.
● Surgical Video Session: Watch and discuss high-impact surgical videos showcasing innovative techniques and case studies.
● Practice Management Days: Focus on strategies for optimizing practice management and enhancing operational efficiency.
● Heritage Medal Lecture: The prestigious lecture by Dr. Richard Packard will reflect on the evolution of cataract surgery and its future directions.

In addition to these sessions, Global@ Active Monday will feature collaboration with several international societies and organizations, including American Academy of Ophthalmology, CSCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery & Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons), Ophthalmology Foundation, Orbis, Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology, World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, JCRO (Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Online Case Reports).

These collaborations underscore ESCRS’s commitment to fostering global knowledge exchange and enhancing the practice of ophthalmology worldwide.

5. 75th Anniversary of IOL Implantation:

ESCRS will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the pioneering first implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) by Sir Harold Ridley. This milestone will be commemorated through the “75th IOL Anniversary Experience,” which brings Ridley’s remarkable story and the evolution of IOL technology to the Annual Congress in Barcelona.

Attendees are invited to visit the Exhibition Hall for the “75th IOL Anniversary Experience,” where they can walk through Ridley’s office and operating theatre. This immersive experience will showcase how the idea of implanting a lens originated, the design and implantation of the IOL, and the broader professional reactions to this transformative change in cataract surgery.

The experience will also cover the evolution of IOL technology since Ridley’s first implantation, highlighting contributions from industry partners who have advanced IOL design and manufacturing since 1949. The exhibit will feature an IOL Evolution Timeline Wall, Infographic spots, and a Tunnel Museum with selected historical pieces, providing a comprehensive view of IOL development and a glimpse into future innovations.

Find more about 75th IOL Anniversary Experience.

6. Heritage Lecture:

The Heritage Medal Lecture will be delivered by Dr. Richard Packard, focusing on the pivotal history of phacoemulsification. Dr. Packard will present “High Wire Act to the Standard of Care – Charlie Kelman and the History of Phacoemulsification,” reflecting on the development and impact of this transformative surgical technique.

Dr. Richard Packard retired as a senior consultant at Arnott Eye Associates in London in 2022. He previously served at the Prince Charles Eye Unit in Windsor, England. A prominent figure in ophthalmology, Dr. Packard began performing phacoemulsification in 1979 and was the first to describe the use of a folded soft lens in cataract surgery in 1981. He has been involved in teaching, developing new IOLs, and lecturing globally, having served on the ESCRS board and chaired the ESCRS Video Competition Judging Panel.

7. Ridley Medal Lecture 2024

Dr. Abhay Raghukant Vasavada will deliver the Ridley Medal Lecture on "Late Decentration of IOLs — An Enigma." Dr. Vasavada, a distinguished surgeon, research scientist, and mentor, has been instrumental in establishing phacoemulsification as the standard for cataract treatment worldwide.

With over 40 years of practice, Dr. Vasavada completed his Masters in Ophthalmology in 1975 and was awarded the Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (F.R.C.S.) in 1980. He is the Founder Director of Raghudeep Eye Hospital (REH) and Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Center (ICIRC) in Ahmedabad, India.

Dr. Vasavada has developed several techniques and contributed significantly to both adult and pediatric cataract surgery. His numerous honors include the Binkhorst Gold Medal in 2011, India’s Best Researcher Award, and the Dr. B.C. Roy Award. He has also received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Pécs, Hungary.

For a detailed schedule and more information on the ESCRS 2024 program, including additional events and registration details, please visit the official ESCRS programme page.

As we look forward to the 42nd ESCRS conference, it is clear that 2024 will be a year of significant advancements and valuable learning experiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with leading experts, explore new technologies, and connect with peers from around the world.