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Press Release - August 17th 2004, Dublin. "The ESCRS expects record attendance at its XXII Annual Congress in the Palais des Congrès, Paris 18th-22nd, September 2004" August 17th 2004, Dublin - the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons is holding its XXII annual congress in the Palais des Congrès, Paris from September 18-22, 2004. The expected attendance of 4,000 plus delegates from over 100 countries demonstrates the growing importance of ESCRS and its annual congress. The accompanying industry exhibition boasts a record 160 exhibitors this year. The highly-rated ESCRS congress programme takes place over 5 days and includes 6 major symposia, 500 free papers, 44 wet labs, 87 instructional courses and 550 posters. The symposia topics include; Paediatric Cataract Surgery, New Trends in Cataract Surgery, Using WaveFront Technology to Maintain the Physiology of the Cornea, New Biomaterials in Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Corneal Disasters and a Clinical Research Symposium. The topics covered in the Clinical Research Symposium include; Imaging Techniques of the Anterior Segment of the Eye, Night Vision after Refractive Surgery, Non-Penetrating Corneal Transplantation and Accommodation and IOL's. A breaking news session will highlight the most recent advancements. Professor Marie-José Tassignon, the current president of the ESCRS, commented; " the ESCRS runs an excellent and varied programme with internationally renowned faculty. It also offers a unique forum for discussion and learning that ensures that expertise is shared by ophthalmologists on a global basis. A special workshop on Visual Optics provides a welcome new addition this year." The ESCRS is also pleased to incorporate a symposium from SAFIR, (Société de l' Association Française des Implants et de la Chirurgie Réfractive) the French national cataract and refractive society. SAFIR's symposium explores new research and techniques in cataract and refractive surgery in France . The symposium will be conducted in French but simultaneous translation (French - English) will also be provided. In addition, an extensive series of s atellite education programmes (Industry-sponsored CME events) will be held outside of official congress programme hours. Another highlight of the congress is the video awards ceremony. Winners are selected in 5 individual categories from over 100 submissions. Delegates will have the opportunity to not only view but to test the latest new developments and technology being offered from 160 companies, located in over 3,000 square meters of exhibition space. The ESCRS notes that exhibitor numbers have more than doubled over the past four years. The ESCRS congress is supported by a number of leading ophthalmic companies including Alcon Laboratories, Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) and Bausch & Lomb. "We believe a strong local contribution is essential for the success of the congress and so have created a number of special initiatives to attract French ophthalmologists to the congress", said Professor Tassignon. "Simultaneous translation (English to French) will be provided in the main lecture theatre. We are also offering reduced registration fees exclusively for French ophthalmologists. The full conference registration fee has been reduced from €450 to €350 and day registration is also available for €150 per day." Ophthalmic nurses and technicians will also be catered for by the 2 day programme run by the European Society of Ophthalmic Nurses and Technicians (ESONT). Founded 2 years ago and growing rapidly, ESONT is the only pan- European organisation of its kind. Simultaneous translation (English to French) will be provided for the main didactic programme and reduced registration fees are also available for French nurses. About the ESCRS Founded in 1991, the ESCRS is Europe 's leading organization for cataract and refractive surgeons and is at the forefront of developments in anterior segment surgery. The society currently has 3,500 members from over 90 different countries worldwide. The ESCRS offers a unique forum for the discussion and learning that are essential for progress, and ensures that international expertise is shared by ophthalmologists all over Europe. For further information please visit http://www.escrs.org Press enquiries In France : International:
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