ESASO GATHERING

The International AMD and Retina Congress plays a pivotal role in establishing the standards of ophthalmology training and practice. The 2013 meeting, which takes place in Dublin, Ireland on October 25 and 26, will offer another platform for over 1,000 specialised ophthalmologists from 44 countries to come together and learn from each other in the fields of medical and surgical retina.

In light of the increasing therapeutic options for treating retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vascular occlusion (RVO) and disorders of the vitreomacular interface, the programme will examine the appropriate use of available therapies in the context of evidence from clinical trials and long-term clinical experience.

“The meeting will provide an educational forum for ophthalmologists to discuss the management of retinal diseases with a view to maximising outcomes for patients,” says Francesco Bandello, chairman of the Scientific Committee.

Innovative approaches
In addition, innovative approaches to the management of patients with vision impairment, including the use of stem cells and retinal transplantation as well as gene therapy and artificial vision, will be discussed. Delegates will participate in sessions on diabetic retinopathy and on retinal vascular occlusion. The sessions will start with

brief introductions of clinical cases on the state-of-the-art treatment and then leading experts will discuss these cases with the audience. There are sessions planned where the problems of the long-term treatment of wet AMD is faced and the three anti-VEGFs in use will be compared.

Spread over two days, the scientific programme includes several sessions, master classes, debates and posters. Master classes will provide delegates with the opportunity to obtain in-depth tuition on practical aspects of OCT and other imaging modalities, in addition to the use of sub- threshold laser. The emphasis will be on education through sharing of practical experience and expertise. “Expect the 13th international AMD and Retina Congress to be even more interactive and instructive,” said Prof Bandello.

New ideas
During the meeting of the Scientific Committee in Budapest in April, new ideas and activities were discussed which will be implemented during the upcoming meeting. For the first time, the congress will include selected experiences of specialised ophthalmologists within the main plenary sessions. These case studies will serve to share invaluable insights from the clinic with the ESASO audience, and will form part of the discussions during Session 4 of the main programme. Thus, critical discussions on comparative clinical cases will fire up the debates with the final aim to learn how to best use medications.

Needless to say, each congress stands and falls with its scientific programme. Still, it is important to mention that ESASO will be proud to welcome its delegates at the wonderful, friendly and warm Irish capital where they will not only discuss latest state-of-the-art technology, medicine and improvements, but where people from all over the world will gather to meet friends and enjoy a memorable Gathering.

ESASO looks forward to welcoming you in Dublin!