EURETINA President Frank Holz
EURETINA 2020 Virtual was officially opened by EURETINA President Frank Holz, who paid tribute to delegates for their support of the society’s new digital format.
“2020 will be remembered as a year like no other,” said Prof Holz. “I, like you, have been shocked to witness the devastation this pandemic has caused across the globe. I have also been heartened by the dedication of our medical teams, who continue to deliver care to our patients at great personal risk. I’ve been inspired by the passion and innovation deriving from the scientific community to better understand this virus and develop therapies, and a vaccine, that one day will allow us to come together again in person,” he said.
Prof Holz said the worldwide upheaval presented by SARS-CoV-2 has had a monumental impact on how we live our day-to-day lives and has and has also starkly affected how retina specialists conduct their professional development.
“We know that EURETINA plays an important role for many in this development and as such the Board has been committed to pursuing the Society’s goal; to pioneer education and support research in the field of retina, irrespective of the challenging environment in which we find ourselves,” he said.
“While this is the 20th Congress for EURETINA, it is certainly the first of its kind, and I must extend my sincere gratitude for your continued support of the meeting in this new, digital format,” said Prof Holz.
Prof Holz said the Congress boasts an exciting scientific programme; with world-class content streamed across three Channels from Friday morning through to Sunday lunchtime. EURETINA Sessions, Keynote Lectures, International Symposia and Instructional Courses can be streamed live by delegates or played back later. Industry-sponsored symposia will also feature daily, while on Saturday a fourth channel will be introduced to air the highest-scoring Free Papers.
Prof Holz also said that through the course of this year he had initiated with the Board of EURETINA a strategic RoadMap to outline plans and priorities for the Society over the next five years.
"A broad range of impactful projects have been identified, including as a priority the overhaul and development of the Society’s digital offerings. Research funding opportunities will be increased, while we will also expand the portfolio of benefits available to Young Retina Specialists, starting with the introduction of a EURETINA Mentorship programme," he said
A copy of Road Map 2025, a copy has been added to the virtual delegate briefcase, which delegates may download and review in their own time.
Concluding his address, Prof Holz said he hoped delegates would enjoy exploring the meeting platform from the comfort of their homes.
"On behalf of the Executive & Board of EURETINA, I wish you a wonderful and inspiring Virtual Congress,” he said.
