International Scientific Symposium 2026 expands focus on ophthalmic imaging

The 22nd International Scientific Symposium (ISS) on Ophthalmic Imaging will convene on 18–19 September 2026 in Singapore, attracting ophthalmologists, retina specialists, and retinal surgeons from Europe and around the world.¹

The symposium—previously known as the International SPECTRALIS Symposium—reflects a broader scientific remit under its updated name while maintaining its longstanding focus on ophthalmic imaging.¹ Over the past 2 decades, the event has facilitated scientific exchange in imaging-driven clinical practice and research, and ISS 2026 aims to continue that tradition while highlighting emerging technologies and clinical applications.¹

Expanded scientific scope and programme

Under the theme Imaging that Inspires, the programme will include sessions on multimodal imaging in neovascular age-related macular degeneration and geographic atrophy; the imaging and management of myopia; high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT); artificial intelligence applications in ophthalmology, and next-generation ocular imaging technologies, according to organisers in a news release.

The symposium will be jointly directed by Prof Tock Han Lim, senior consultant at the NHG Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and Prof Leopold Schmetterer, scientific director and head of ocular imaging at the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore National Eye Centre.

“Ophthalmic imaging has become a central pillar of both research and clinical practice,” said Schmetterer. “ISS 2026 provides an excellent opportunity to discuss not only technological innovation, but also how imaging can truly empower clinicians by translating data into meaningful clinical insight.”

Lim added: “Imaging continues to play a central role in the management of retinal disease. ISS 2026 will examine how imaging contributes to clinical decision-making by providing detailed and actionable information.”

Venue and international exchange

ISS 2026 aims to bring together international experts for in-depth discussions, reflecting the symposium’s history of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in ophthalmology.¹ The programme will include lectures, panel discussions, and case-based sessions designed to engage clinicians in practical applications of advanced imaging methods.

The event will take place at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa in Singapore, offering a dedicated environment for professional networking and scientific dialogue. The 2026 symposium underscores the role of imaging not only in understanding retinal disease but also in guiding treatment strategies and improving patient care outcomes, according to organisers.

Last year’s 21st International SPECTRALIS Symposium was held in Heidelberg, Germany, and included a scientific programme with 35 lectures and keynote sessions on remote imaging during spaceflight.² Sessions also covered fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy, ocular biomarkers for systemic disease, and emerging imaging technologies including holographic OCT and corneal confocal microscopy.

References

1. International Scientific Symposium 2026 marks a new chapter in ophthalmic imaging. News release. Heidelberg Engineering. February 12, 2026. Accessed February 12, 2026. https://www.heidelbergengineering.com/en-US/news/iss-2026-pr

2. Hayes H. Recap: The future of imaging is out of this world. Ophthalmology Times Europe. August 14, 2025. Accessed February 12, 2026. https://europe.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/the-future-of-imaging-recap-heidelberg-iss-international-spectralis-symposium