Prague welcomes delegates to 16th ESCRS Winter Meeting

I would like to thank the members of ESCRS and readers of EuroTimes for giving me the opportunity of welcoming you to Prague for the 16th ESCRS Winter Meeting.

I believe this meeting is a major landmark for ophthalmologists in our country and also in our neighbouring countries.

We have experienced many changes since 1993 when the Czech and Slovak Republics were established as independent countries and we have faced, and continue to face, many challenges.

But with every challenge comes a new opportunity and I am delighted to say that the practice of ophthalmology in our countries is continuing to develop as we closely follow the latest trends in ophthalmology worldwide.

It is very important that we are able to discuss new ideas with our colleagues from Europe and the rest of the world and that is why it is very important that the ESCRS has decided to hold this prestigious meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Prague.

Because of our economic situation, it is not always possible for us to attend international meetings outside of the Czech Republic so by bringing the winter meeting to our capital city, the ESCRS is helping us to learn about new technologies while saving us the expense of having to travel long distances.

We are also very grateful that the ESCRS agreed to a reduced fee for members of the Czech and Slovak societies which will make the meeting more accessible.

Already, there has been a lot of interest in this meeting from national delegates and as we also expect many other delegates to join us from outside the Czech Republic, we are looking forward to a very successful meeting.

The ESCRS Winter Meeting is a very important educational event and while my more experienced colleagues will have a lot of information to share, the meeting also offers our young ophthalmologists the opportunity to benefit from discussions at the meeting.

On a personal level, I look forward to the main symposia that will discuss Lens Surgery in Glaucoma Patients, Anterior Segment Complications, Correction of Irregular Astigmatism and the Evaluation of Visual Performance.

Other attractions include the Annual Cornea Day on Friday 3 February organised by ESCRS and EuCornea and didactic courses in Basic Optics, Cataract Surgery, Refractive Surgery and Cornea.

On Saturday 4 February, Live Surgery, organised by the Czech Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, will be transmitted from The Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady and the Department of Ophthalmology at the Central Military Hospital, Prague.

The meeting will conclude on Sunday 5 February and one of the highlights on our final day will be the Czech and Slovak Society Session which will feature presentations from some of our leading ophthalmologists.

As you will see from our programme, we have a very busy schedule but I also hope that our visitors and guests will spend some time before and after the meeting exploring our historic city.

February is a time of year when you can see Prague at its best so please visit our theatres and concert halls, our cafes and restaurants and make a wish as you walk across the Charles Bridge.

To conclude, I wish you a very warm welcome to our meeting and hope that you enjoy our hospitality and friendship.