Sustainability, artificial intelligence and economic considerations are hot topics at this year’s meeting
From 20 to 22 June, the 36th International Congress of German Ophthalmic Surgery (DOC) will convene in Nuremberg, at the Nuremberg Convention Center, NCC East. Attendees can partake in a series of wetlabs, educational symposia and discussion seminars, as well as social events. Industry exhibitors will be on-site to educate practitioners about recent pharmaceutical research. During all three days of the meeting, simultaneous translation will be available in Tokio Hall at the Convention Center.
In a welcome letter, Armin Scharrer, MD, President of the DOC, addressed his colleagues1 and provided a brief preview of the programme. He said that the goal of the main symposia is to elevate the “gold standards” of eye surgery, and provide comprehensive, practice-oriented training for those in the audience.
Furthermore, Dr Scharrer spoke to the breadth and depth of topics that will be addressed in the surgical courses. “In addition to master class courses, which provide an excellent overview in a condensed form of a sub-area of ophthalmology/eye surgery, the surgery courses are also continuously being expanded,” he wrote. In surgery courses, participants will undergo a step-by-step walkthrough of each surgical procedure, supplemented by best practices for postoperative care.
Video live surgery, presented this year in conjunction with the Singapore National Eye Centre, will be a significant component of the congress, Dr Scharrer wrote. The videos will showcase “modern surgical techniques in difficult initial situations,” he said.1 In other sessions, speakers will discuss and debate divisive topics in ophthalmic surgery, headed by symposium chairs. “The task of the chair of a meeting is to actively shape the controversial discussion,” Dr Scharrer said. “The subjective, personal opinion of the chair is also of interest to the audience.”
He shared a list of topics that are new for 2024, which include the following: "Sustainability in ophthalmology and eye surgery,” “artificial intelligence [AI] in ophthalmology” and the professional policy session, "Do we need more or less economy in the healthcare system in Germany?" The congress will feature several different educational opportunities in the realm of practice management. Dr Scharrer noted that the meeting is not exclusive to those with medical degrees, but also offers a comprehensive programme for ophthalmological assistants in clinics and practices.
Information about the meeting, the participant portal, digital access and a help desk can be found at the DOC website: https://www.doc-nuernberg.de/index-e.php