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. During this session, each group will discuss five cases selected by the relevant committee and presented by the Group Leader.
| World Café Session 1 | Cataract – Friday 6 March from 08:30 to 09:30 |
| World Café Session 2 | Refractive / Cornea – 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 Exhibition Tours
Join a guided exhibition tour led by members of the ESCRS Committees. 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.
Spotlight Session:
Company: Tarsus Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Date and Time: 6 March, 11:30 – 11:45
Speaker: Cathy Granitto
Title: Accelerating the Eyelid Health Movement
This presentation outlines Tarsus’ aim of becoming a global leader in eye care. It details the commercial performance of XDEMVY® in the U.S., the first FDA-approved therapy for Demodex blepharitis, along with its planned global expansion. The presentation will also provide an overview of Tarsus’ product pipeline, including potential treatments for ocular rosacea and Lyme disease prevention. Tarsus is committed to evidence generation, education, accessibility, and execution. This mission is supported by a leadership team with extensive experience in eye care and biotechnology.
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
Unconference Sessions
Experience the unique Unconference format, where you wield the power to shape sessions based on your interests. Dive into participant-driven discussions, ignite collaborations, and innovate within an open, dynamic environment.
Be at the forefront of the agenda-setting process, fostering an engaging and personalised experience.
The Unconference Sessions will be in the form of an open theatre presentation in the exhibition, accessible to all registered participants.
This format allows any delegate and industry member to take the podium and share ideas, trends, and expertise.
Unconference Session:
Company: Tarsus Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Date and Time: 6 March, 15:15 – 15:35
Speaker: Erik L. Mertens
Title: Demodex Blepharitis Impact on Eye Health
Demodex blepharitis (DB) is a common, often overlooked eyelid margin disease that may compromise ocular surface stability and visual quality. This session highlights the importance of recognizing and managing DB, especially in patients undergoing refractive surgery. Early detection, with attention to collarettes, is key to protecting lid and ocular surface health.
Unconference Session:
Company: Ophtec BV
Date and Time: 6 March, 12:00 – 12:20
Speaker: Prof. José Luis Güell
Title: Bridging the Presbyopia Treatment Gap: Artiplus Multifocal Phakic IOL for Young Presbyopes
Presbyopia remains one of the fastest-growing unmet needs in refractive surgery, particularly among younger, active patients who seek spectacle independence while preserving their natural ocular anatomy. Despite advances in presbyopia correction, a clear treatment gap persists for this demanding patient group. The Artiplus multifocal phakic intraocular lens has been specifically designed to address this gap, offering a novel surgical solution for young presbyopes with healthy eyes and high visual expectations.
In this session, Prof. José Luis Güell will provide a comprehensive overview of the Artiplus IOL as a tailored solution for presbyopia correction, highlighting its unique design, clinical rationale, and positioning within today’s presbyopia correction landscape. The presentation will focus on ideal candidate profiles, key clinical benefits, and expected visual performance, supported by clinical data and real-world case experiences. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how Artiplus can expand their treatment portfolio and meet the evolving demands of modern presbyopic patients.
Live Interpretation
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!