Winterthur, Switzerland welcomes second annual Winterthur Ophthalmology Symposium
After a successful inaugural WOS in 2024, the congress will feature new lectures and wetlabs in its sophomore year
Keynote lectures will focus on the history of gene therapy in ophthalmology and new gene therapies for macular diseases.
On Friday, the second Winterthur Ophthalmology Symposium (WOS) commenced at the Casinotheater Winterthur in Winterthur, Switzerland. The WOS held its first meeting in 2024, and the 2025 session runs on 14 and 15 March.1
The opening day begins with a session on presbyopia and retina, followed by sessions in four categories. The first session is medical and surgical retina (with a focus on diabetic retinopathy), followed by glaucoma news, corneo-plastics and neuro-ophthalmology.2 Frank Goes, MD, who serves as an Ophthalmology Times Europe editorial advisory board member, will deliver a keynote lecture called "The history of gene therapy in ophthalmology." Hendrik Scholl, MD, MA, PhD, will also deliver a keynote lecture, "Update on gene therapy for macular diseases." The second day of the congress will feature two sessions, both themed around "presbymania," which will focus on presbyopia and also address refractive and cataract surgery topics.
Wetlab topics include basic cataract surgery, basic and advanced vitrectomy courses, implantable collamer lens implantation, PreserFlo Microshunt implantation. The three workshop courses will focus on intensive pulsed light, visual field in practice and theory and excimer laser for glaucoma.
In a letter on behalf of the scientific committee, Josef Guber, MD, extended warm welcomes to attendees.3 “This year again, we have organised various wetlabs where young, budding ophthalmologists and surgeons will have the opportunity to learn the first steps in cataract surgery in a 1:1 teaching session. For more experienced ophthalmic surgeons who wish to continue their training, subspeciality training will be provided in ICL Implantation and basic vitreo-retinal surgery,” he said. “I wish you an enriching and scientifically superior congress. We look forward to seeing you at the 2nd WOS Congress in the beautiful and vibrant city of Winterthur.”
An industry lunch symposium, sponsored by OFTAMEDIC, will provide information on the JETT Plasma device for treatment of dry eye disease and the Lucidis advanced refractive EDOF IOL.2
The venue, the Casinotheater Winterthur, is known for its art deco interior, and will be the location of the "Night for Sight" gala on Friday featuring food and entertainment in the ballroom. During the scientific programme, the ground floor will be used for registration, the first floor for the exhibition hall and dining area, and the second floor for the congress centre and wetlabs.
References
WOS Congress homepage. Winterthur Ophthalmology Symposium. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://www.wos-congress.com/index.html?
Main programme. Winterthur Ophthalmology Symposium. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://www.wos-congress.com/programme/main-programme
Guber J. Welcome to the 2nd Winterthur Ophthalmology Symposium 2025. Winterthur Ophthalmology Symposium. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://www.wos-congress.com/index.html?
