EDITORIAL - ESCRS GLAUCOMA DAY

    I am delighted to contribute this month’s editorial for EuroTimes. The issue has a special focus on glaucoma, and it is to be the point for announcing our Glaucoma Day later this year in Copenhagen at the ESCRS. Five years ago, in September 2011, the ESCRS held its inaugural Glaucoma Day in Vienna, in partnership with the European Glaucoma Society (EGS). This activity was born from the recognition of a common goal by both the EGS and ESCRS: to improve education and research, and suggest clinical solutions to the challenges that face ophthalmologists every day. In the strive for better outcomes, it is necessary to focus on what is relevant for our patients. One goal is to improve surgical skills, whereas another is to develop new drugs that will help patients’ quality of life. ALLOWING DISCUSSION Reading the latest research findings in peer-reviewed journals and news magazines such as EuroTimes is helpful, but there is no substitute for educational meetings. The development of new diagnostic techniques, advances in medicines and improvements in surgical techniques go hand-in-hand towards such goals. Glaucoma Day is aimed at delivering such an update, but also, most importantly, at allowing discussion among speakers and with the audience. The 2016 Glaucoma Day will be held on Friday, 9 September, immediately preceding the XXXIV Congress of the ESCRS, and will cover a wide range of topics related to glaucoma that will be of broad general interest to practitioners. This meeting is now firmly established as one of the highlights of the ESCRS Congress and we can look forward to another excellent programme in Copenhagen. Key topics will include imaging, visual function, neuroprotection, intraocular pressure measurement, and various aspects of surgery. We anticipate that the programme will be stimulating and will provide attendees with a useful update on glaucoma research, as well as practical advice on the clinical management of glaucoma. The EGS is to be commended for compiling what promises to be another stimulating and informative programme, while both the EGS and the ESCRS are to be thanked for having the vision to organise this event. I would also urge all attendees to give us with their feedback. This will help us to develop an even more exciting programme at the XXXV Congress of the ESCRS next year in Lisbon, Portugal.