Meeting Review

Berlin, 19–22 September 2013 - the 111th Congress of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) closed on 22 September in Berlin with over 4500 attendees. Under the motto 'Excellent Vision - Vision of Excellence', ophthalmologists from 76 countries discussed the latest findings in diagnostics and therapy, and also issues of promoting the next generation of young ophthalmologists. Aside from the scientific highlights such as the Keynote Lectures, the new practice-oriented compact programme 'DOG Update - State of the Art 2013' proved very popular. The courses on business administration and human resources management were also fully booked. In total, there were a good 10% more attendees than in the previous years.

True to the congress motto, we introduced a series of innovative session formats to promote the younger generation of scientists. It is imperative we make efforts to gain the best minds through appropriate and up-to-date measures. Hence this year's DOG Congress opened with 'Skill Building' on the programme for the first time, a course imparting basic knowledge of scientific work targeted at physicians in further training. Another new feature was the symposium 'Excellence needs Education und Examination', which introduced the various national and international training and examination models for young doctors. In addition, a symposium on basic research provided information on 'German Research Foundation (DFG) Promotion of Young Scientists'. There were also development opportunities for staff in managerial positions, including courses on business administration and human resources management. These courses enjoyed excellent attendance and response to the new proposed courses was very good.

Yet another innovation was the compact further training programme 'DOG Update - State of the Art', which the congress organizers created especially for doctors in private practice and clinicians. On Saturday and Sunday, in 12 sessions of 45 minutes each, experts presented the most important publications to appear in the last 12 months, including the placement of findings and recommendations in a practice-oriented context. Attendance at these updates was excellent right to the very end. This is reflected in the figures: More than 4500 attendees visited the DOG Congress 2013, over 450 more than last year - corresponding to an increase of more than 10%. The congress organizers were particularly pleased to see a rise in the number of our colleagues from private practice at the congress.

On an area of 1904 square metres, 94 exhibitors presented their products in the Industry Exhibition. Fourteen industry symposia and four workshops also took place. Lastly, the social fringe programme provided focal points of a social, cultural and sporty nature, such as 'DOG Clubbing' in the legendary Berlin cinema Kosmos, 'DOG in Concert' and the traditional benefit marathon, the 'Eye Run', creating a successful balance to the specialist content.