A FANTASTIC EVENT

On behalf of the ESCRS and EuroTimes I am once again honoured and delighted to welcome friends and colleagues to Barcelona on this occasion of the XXXIII Congress of the ESCRS, writes Dr Jose Guell. medical editor of EuroTimes and past president of both ESCRS and EuCornea in his editorial in September EuroTimes.
I am also delighted to welcome delegates to the EuCornea and the World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus congresses. As in previous ESCRS congresses, there will also be a series of Glaucoma Day symposia, organised by the European Glaucoma Society. 
In addition, this year for the first time the International Congress on Ocular Infections will be held before the ESCRS congress. It has become standard to hold the annual ESCRS congress jointly with meetings of other ophthalmological societies. This is of obvious advantage to both the industry and attendees because it allows a wide variety of significant topics to be covered in a single meeting. 
And although, obviously, for some participants there will be some clash of activities, we still think that this is a fantastic, incredible event for attendees to be able to participate in all these activities in the same week. Although several ESCRS meetings have been held in Barcelona, this year we have a new venue, the Fira Gran Via. It is a new congress centre where many important international meetings have already been held with great success. 
This year’s meeting also brings EuCornea full circle and to the beginning of a new era. EuCornea was introduced and launched at the ESCRS congress in Barcelona in 2009. The first four presidents were the society’s founders, and during their time in office the society has expanded and improved and now it is moving into a more established and mature stage of its existence.
This year’s ESCRS congress will also see a continuation of the society’s dedication to young ophthalmologists that we have had in recent years, not only in our meeting programme but also in a significant number of courses and activities during the year. 
And don’t forget, while you are here, to sample the feast for the senses that is Barcelona - a lively city, rich in art, architecture and music, and delicious cuisine. We have a warm and unique climate and as it is September we will be expecting good weather. I would also heartily encourage participants to stay on for an extra day or two because, in addition to the many attractions this beautiful city provides at all times, September 11, the Friday following the meeting, is the National Day of Catalonia. 
It commemorates the region’s loss of autonomy in September 1714 following the siege of Barcelona. It was established as a national holiday as the first act of the government of Catalonia upon regaining its autonomy in 1979 and is marked by numerous celebratory and cultural events. So enjoy our congresses, sample the delights of our beautiful city, and look forward to meeting old friends and making new acquaintances.