ESCRS Copenhagen, Denmark 2016

The XXXIV Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) took place in the beautiful city of Copenhagen, Denmark this year at the remarkable Bella Center.

This annual event is a key gathering of ophthalmologists and businesses associated with eye care including Abbott who manufacture the lasers we use at The David Gartry Eye Clinic for our LASIK and LASEK procedures. Many emerging technologies in the field of ophthalmology were on display from the exhibitors at the congress – the latest advances in eye scanning equipment through to the pioneering use of virtual reality in laser eye surgery were all keenly discussed by industry professionals attending.

I was one of two UK surgeons invited to the private pre-launch viewing of the nex tiDesign system from Abbott. Technology is always improving in the field of cataract and refractive surgery and it is great to be privy to these advances in order to make informed decisions for our patients.

The programme this year was varied with speakers discussing many different aspects of laser eye surgery and cataract surgery including updates on research and new product development. Over 200 instructional and surgical training courses were on offer as well as a dedicated ‘poster village’ where interactive sessions took place for surgeons and their colleagues. It is always a pleasure to catch up with fellow surgeons and additionally meet the engineers and teams responsible for producing the ‘tools of the trade’.

The ESCRS congress is also a place for up and coming surgeons and their ‘YO’ (Young Ophthalmologists) section was especially inspiring for those wishing to gain more knowledge in the field.

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons was founded in 1991 but took shape from a far smaller group known as the European Intraocular Implant Club which was set up in 1981. It is now based in Dublin, Ireland and caters for over 5000 members in 100 countries.

The Copenhagen Opera House

The Bella Conference Centre with spectacular design award winning Bella hotel in the background.

David with colleagues from Abbott at an exclusive presentation of the company’s latest advances in laser technology. Mr Steve Morton, Refractive Sales Manager UK & Ireland, Ms Jasmine Phan, Manager Marketing Refractive Business Europe / Middle East / Africa and Jean-Claude Dubacher, Divisional Vice-President, Commercial Operations, Europe / Middle East / Africa.

Mr. Andy Verstraeten, Application Support Manager / Middle East / Africa and myself with a new patient chair/bed between us! Mr. Verstraeten is an applications specialist for the Catalys femtophako laser which has revolutionised cataract surgery.

The harbour at Nyhavn, Copenhagen – perhaps one of the most photographed streets in the world?