On behalf of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, I would like to sincerely thank all participants, faculty, partners, and industry colleagues for contributing to the success of the 30th ESCRS Winter Meeting in Helsinki.
Over more than 2.5 inspiring days, over 1,000 participants from 72 countries gathered in Helsinki to exchange ideas and expertise and to further advance our field. The scientific programme offered attendees a rich and engaging experience through various activities such as symposia, surgical skills courses, free papers, mentoring sessions, and innovative discussions.
The central theme of this year’s Winter Meeting, ‘Presbyopia,’ gave the event its distinctive character as a premier Meeting for refractive and cataract surgery, uniting leading eye surgeons and specialists to discuss the rapidly evolving field of Presbyopia Correction. The newly designed Focus Wet Labs for Presbyopia Correction using Excimer and Femtosecond Laser Technology were highly popular and received excellent feedback from attendees.
The scientific programme also reflected ESCRS’s strong commitment to balance and inclusion, with a faculty composed of 47% female and 53% male representatives. This aligns fully with the Society’s initiative and its broader sustainability goals, reinforcing ESCRS’s dedication to representing excellence and diversity across our community.
Helsinki was an exceptional host city that shone in the sunshine throughout the event. The memorable ESCRS City Walk offered a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of this remarkable city together. Our sincere thanks also go to our Finnish colleagues and hosts, who were as warm and welcoming as ever.
The Finnish concept of Sisu, perseverance and determination, was embodied in our community’s enthusiasm and commitment. Inspired by Jean Sibelius’s legacy, we integrated the pursuit of scientific excellence with harmony and creativity. Naturally, the uniquely Finnish idea of Sauna Sessions, alongside other innovative tools like world cafés, mentoring sessions, and unconferences, offered unparalleled opportunities for open dialogue and collaboration.
Most importantly, the Winter Meeting once again emphasised what makes ESCRS special: a vibrant, international community of surgeons dedicated to innovation, education, and the pursuit of excellence in cataract and refractive surgery.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this meeting so inspiring and enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you again at the 44th Congress of ESCRS in London from 11-15 September 2026, as we continue the dialogue and shape the future of cataract and refractive surgery together.
With heartfelt appreciation,
We are thrilled to invite you to join us for the 30th ESCRS Winter Meeting, taking place from 6-8 March 2026 in the vibrant Nordic capital of Helsinki, Finland. A first in ESCRS history!
This special edition will be held in collaboration with the Finnish Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (FSCRS) and promises to be a dynamic, face-to-face gathering that brings together ophthalmologists, researchers, and industry leaders for a uniquely interactive and engaging experience.
Building on the success of our 2025 Winter Meeting in Athens, this year’s programme will not only continue our popular immersive learning tracks in Corneal and Intraocular Refractive Surgery, but will also feature – for the first time – a dedicated focus on Presbyopia. This expanding field offers exciting opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
We look forward to working with you to make this 30th edition a truly memorable and impactful event.
See you in Helsinki in early March 2026!
Warm regards,
ESCRS President
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