ESCRS Winter Meeting returns with a varied and compelling selection of programme highlights in 2026! Join us in Helsinki!
Building on the success of various initiatives from previous Winter Meetings, we will continue to revolutionise your Winter Meeting journey in 2026! As spaces are limited, secure your spot to ensure you don’t miss out on the networking and learning opportunities.
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.
ESCRS Projects
Delve into updates on ongoing ESCRS-supported projects and committee activities. Stay informed about the latest initiatives and contribute to shaping the future of our society.
Sauna Sessions
The Sauna Sessions are 60-minute sessions built around five clinical cases. Each case lasts nine minutes, followed by two minutes for transition to the next case. Every case is chaired by a different moderator, resulting in five moderators per session, and features two speakers presenting opposing viewpoints. These sessions do not need separate registration. They are part of the official Winter Meeting programme.
Case Structure
Each case follows a dynamic debate format:
| Three minutes | Hot Take (argument in favour) |
| Three minutes | Cold Plunge (argument against) |
| One minute | Hot Take reply |
| One minute | Cold Plunge reply |
| One minute | Audience vote |
| Two minutes | Transition to the next case |
World Café Roundtables
Participate in intimate roundtable discussions, offering the perfect setting to share your ideas, experiences, and expertise with peers on relevant topics.
The World Café Sessions will be located in the Registration Foyer at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre Messukeskus.
World Café attendance is included in the registration fee, but participation requires registering during the online registration process. Each slot lasts 60 minutes. Within this hour, each group will discuss for 20 minutes and then switch tables to discuss the next topic, until all participants have attended three discussion groups at the end of the hour.
| World Café Session 1 | Cataract – Friday 6 March from 08:30 to 09:30 |
| World Café Session 2 | Refractive – Friday 6 March from 11:30 to 12:30 |
| World Café Session 3 | Cornea – Friday 6 March from 17:00 to 18:00 |
BoSS Speed Mentoring
What is Speed Mentoring?
Speed mentoring is a dynamic and interactive session where mentees have the opportunity to engage with experienced mentors in short, focused conversations. This format allows for the exchange of knowledge, guidance, and networking in a time-efficient manner.
BoSS Speed Mentoring Timeslots (Location: Registration Foyer)
Reserved exclusively for ESCRS members, with spaces limited to four mentees per session.
- Friday 6 March from 10:00 to 11:00
- Friday 6 March from 14:00 to 15:00
- Friday 6 March from 15:30 to 16:30
- Saturday 7 March from 08:30 to 09:30
- Saturday 7 March from 10:00 to 11:00
- Saturday 7 March from 17:00 to 18:00
Why Participate?
Expert Guidance: Connect with a variety of seasoned professionals, including ESCRS leadership, industry leaders, key opinion leaders, ophthalmologists, and experts from outside the immediate world of ophthalmology. They can provide career advice, share their experiences, and offer insights on various sub-specialties within ophthalmology.
Networking Opportunities: Build your professional network by meeting mentors and fellow mentees, fostering connections that could benefit your career for years to come.
Tailored Advice: Get personalised feedback and answers to your specific questions and concerns in one-on-one discussions.
Career Advancement: Learn about the latest trends, research, and career opportunities in ophthalmology, helping you stay ahead in your profession.
Guided Tour
Join a guided exhibition tour led by members of the ESCRS Executive Board. Gain firsthand insights and knowledge from industry veterans while exploring the latest advancements – an ideal opportunity for young ophthalmologists to glean wisdom from seasoned professionals.
Enhance your experience and make use of this unique opportunity to meet senior ESCRS and industry representatives. The tours are included in the registration fee, but participation requires registering during the online registration process.
Spotlight Theatre: Cutting Edge Industry Presentations
Engage with exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations in an interactive Spotlight Theatre. Witness firsthand the advancements that are shaping the future of Refractive Surgery. These Spotlight Sessions will be in the form of an open theatre presentation accessible to all registered participants.
Industry participation is subject to a sponsorship opportunity. Please contact the ESCRS Sponsorship team for details or visit the Sponsorship page of the website.
Workshops and Seminars
The following sessions will take place during the Winter Meeting. These seminars and skills classes are included in the registration fee, but participation requires registering during the online registration process as seating capacity is limited to 30 persons per class.
- Beginner Writing Seminar
- Advanced Writing Seminar
- Podium Presentation Skills
- Review Masterclass
Greeting by the City of Helsinki
The City of Helsinki will be welcoming the ESCRS Winter Meeting delegates on Friday 6 March 2026, from 18:00 – 19:00 in the Exhibition. Join us for this welcome moment!