Proliferative diabetic retinopathy remains one of the most complex and unforgiving areas of vitreoretinal surgery. This course will focus on practical surgical decision-making in real-world PDR, from non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage to combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Through expert case discussions and high-quality surgical video, the faculty will address the key questions faced in everyday practice: when to operate, how to optimize the eye preoperatively, how to approach membrane dissection safely, and how to manage complications and recurrence. Rather than revisiting standard concepts, this session will highlight modern strategies, technical pearls, and common pitfalls in complex PDR surgery. The aim is to provide attendees with actionable lessons that can improve confidence, safety, and outcomes in diabetic vitrectomy.

Moderators: Marion R. Munk (Switzerland) and Quan Dong Nguyen (USA)

The prevalence of myopia is rapidly growing and is an epidemic in many parts of the globe. Due to advances in imaging, there have been a number of novel insights in recent years regarding the pathophysiology and progression of this disorder. These insights provide avenues towards novel therapeutics which may improve the outlook and prognosis for patients with this disease. This course brings together a number of global experts on this topic to prevent the latest advances in our understanding of pathophysiology that have been informed my multimodal imaging.

The process of medical decision-making in retinal laser and the best approach to an individual laser treatment strategy is important for achieving the best clinical outcomes. This course will discuss treatment strategies in retinal diseases with a focus on both common and special cases. Cases will include typical applications of retinal laser such as central serous chorioretinopathy, while also exploring emerging approaches for conditions such as intermediate AMD. After an introduction to the current role and standardization of retinal laser and its future potential, faculty presentations will cover current indications, outcomes, and new laser strategies in macular diseases, followed by a practical case-based session.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing the future of vitreoretinal surgery, from disease prediction and surgical planning to image analysis, intraoperative support, and automation. Despite this rapid progress, many ophthalmologists and researchers still lack practical training in AI and are uncertain how these technologies can be integrated into everyday vitreoretinal practice. This course is designed as a practical crash course for clinicians and researchers who want a clear and accessible introduction to AI in vitreoretinal surgery. It will cover the fundamentals of machine learning and neural networks, and then explore key clinical and surgical applications, including AI for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, predictive modelling, no-code algorithm development, and real-time computer vision in the operating theatre. It will also look ahead to the evolution from generative AI to agentic AI and its potential role in the development of surgical intelligence. Through clinically focused examples and practical discussion, the course will provide attendees with a structured overview of how AI can be applied in vitreoretinal surgery today, what its current limitations are, and where future opportunities are likely to emerge.

The aim of this course is to present a cutting edge update on imaging and therapeutic hot-topics in the retina space, as well as the application of AI and robotics in clinical practice. Different retinal diseases will be addressed, including the ROP.

The topic is retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. In this course we will describe the main risk factors, the genetic predisposition and the vitreoretinal surgery of PVR, with the need or not of scleral buckling, lensectomy associated to vitrectomy in PVR, the surgical steps, the dissection of the proliferative tissue using PFCL and different stainings to improve the identification and dissection of the membranes, the importance of ILM dissection to prevent macular PVR, how to manage pediatric PVR, how to dissect the posterior hyaloid in these patients. We will also discuss the indications and technique of relaxing retinotomy, the best endotamponade agents. Traumatic PVR will be extensively explained, and the use of a combined technique of viscodissection and PFCL to open closed funnels. We will also discuss the different methods to prevent recurrent PVR, including Metotrexate. Some clinical cases will be presented and the audience will know the opinion of all the instructors, which will explain how to manage them, which surgery to employ. We will present didactic talks with scheduled questions and answers managed by the course director, discussion among panelists and with the audience, clinical cases of proliferative vitreoretinopathy with panel discussion, and a final summary with the take home messages of each presentation. The main objective of this course is that in conclusion of the talks of the proposed instructors and the discussion that attendee will be able to understand the process of PVR, the new surgical techniques employed and the prognostic factors of success. We want an interactive course with participation of the audience.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) remains a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults, yet its management continues to evolve rapidly with advances in imaging, pharmacotherapy, and personalized care. This instructional course provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of contemporary DME management in 2026, integrating pathophysiology with practical treatment strategies. Participants will review the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), inflammation, and systemic factors in DME development, alongside the latest diagnostic approaches including OCT biomarkers and multimodal imaging. The course will emphasize individualized treatment paradigms, highlighting first-line anti-VEGF therapies, emerging longer-acting agents, and the expanding role of corticosteroid implants in selected patients. Through case-based discussions and practical algorithms, attendees will gain actionable insights into tailoring therapy, improving visual outcomes, and minimizing complications. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with up-to-date knowledge and clinical tools to deliver personalized, efficient, and durable care for patients with DME in modern practice.

The choroid is a central anatomical structure, particularly important for the nourishment and metabolic support of the outer retina, including the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Therefore, it is likely to play a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In recent years, advances in imaging technologies—especially enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) and swept-source OCT—combined with artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis have substantially improved our understanding of the choroid and its complex involvement in AMD. These developments allow for a more precise visualization and quantification of choroidal thickness, vascular structure, and biomarkers such as pachyvessels or choriocapillaris alterations. As a result, distinct choroidal patterns can now be associated with different AMD phenotypes, including Geographic Atrophy, pachychoroid spectrum diseases, and neovascular AMD. This course will focus on the interpretation of choroidal OCT findings and their relevance across various AMD subtypes. Particular emphasis will be placed on how these insights may refine our understanding of disease mechanisms and support more individualized treatment strategies, including anti-VEGF therapy and emerging therapeutic approaches.

This course provides a roadmap for shifting the AMD paradigm from reactive treatment to proactive prevention and early detection. Leading experts will dissect the evidence for novel strategies, including home-based monitoring, systemic and dietary interventions, AI-powered risk stratification, and functional testing. The session will equip clinicians with a practical framework to identify at-risk patients earlier and implement strategies to delay or prevent the transition to advanced AMD.

While AI tools for geographic atrophy are rapidly emerging, few clinicians know how to implement them in daily practice. This course provides a practical, patient-centered framework for integrating AI throughout the GA management pathway—from differential diagnosis to treatment monitoring. Through live demonstrations and real-world cases, experts will show clinicians which tools are available now, how to use them, and how they transform patient care and shared decision-making.

Managing posterior uveitis, autoimmune retinopathies, and their sight-threatening complications requires a multifaceted approach, combining rapid diagnostics, targeted systemic therapies, and precise surgical interventions. This 60-minute instructional course provides a highly dynamic, comprehensive update on the medical and surgical management of complex intraocular inflammation. To maximize the breadth of knowledge shared, the session features a rapid-fire format, gathering nine esteemed international experts to deliver concise, high-yield insights. The course begins by exploring the latest advancements in diagnostic modalities and pathophysiology. Attendees will learn the support multimodal imaging and OCT angiography to monitor subclinical disease activity, identify the elusive clinical hallmarks of autoimmune retinopathies, and review the inflammatory biomarkers driving retinal vasculitis. Following this, the focus will shift to clinical assessment, emphasizing the critical steps required to distinguish infectious from non-infectious etiologies and addressing the unique, high-stakes challenges of managing posterior segment inflammation in the pediatric population. The middle segment of the course dives into modern therapeutic paradigms. Experts will present the latest evidence on systemic immunosuppression, the optimal timing for biologic agents, and emerging pharmacotherapies that are currently reshaping the landscape of intraocular inflammation management. Finally, the course addresses the unique surgical challenges inherent in the inflamed eye. Presenters will share technical pearls for navigating vitreoretinal surgery in uveitic patients, managing complications such as tractional retinal detachment and severe macular edema, and mitigating postoperative inflammatory rebound. Through strictly timed 6-minute presentations, this course ensures an engaging, fast-paced learning experience. Participants will leave equipped with practical, evidence-based medical and surgical algorithms to optimize visual outcomes for patients of all ages.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a multifaceted retinal disorder with evolving understanding of its pathophysiology and management approaches. Recent advances in artificial intelligence-enhanced imaging, novel biomarker identification, and innovative therapeutic strategies are reshaping our comprehension of this condition. This symposium explores current and alternative concepts that challenge traditional paradigms in CSCR. Topics include AI-enhanced algorithms, outer retinal morphological patterns, the role of ocular perfusion pressure, scleral and corneal imaging, and emerging treatment modalities. These insights offer practical implications for clinical decision-making, risk stratification, and therapeutic intervention in routine practice.

This course provides general insides into ophthalmic oncology by short didactic cases presented by an expert panel. The audience can test and apply their knowledge.

Showcase of complex vitreoretinal surgeries, surgical decisions, and complication management from top experts globally.

The course will cover how to perform a suprachoroidal buckle as a minimal invasive approach to treat retinal Detachment, and show the steps to create a safe buckle, it will also discuss the materials and devices used. How to avoid difficulties and Video guide step by step will be used. The use of the technique in different case scenario will be discussed including use as a seldom approach, vitrectomy with SCB support for breaks, as well as minimal invasive office approach.

The subject of this course is the progression of intermediate AMD to advanced AMD. This is a hot topic in the retinal community. Indeed, thanks to the introduction in the clinical practice of new high-resolution imaging tools, several predictors and biomarkers were recently reported. It would be of great relevance to be able to identify high-risk iAMD patients to change the follow-up of the patients and start treatment as soon as possible. Furthermore, new clinical trials are investigating new treatments for intermediate AMD that could reduce the probability of iAMD progression to advanced AMD (i.e. neovascular AMD or geographic atrophy).

This course explores the continuum from advanced retinal imaging to vision rehabilitation in patients with macular diseases. Through expert presentations, attendees will learn about diagnostic imaging biomarkers, the role of microperimetry in structural-functional assessment, current vision rehabilitation techniques, innovative low-vision technologies such as smart glasses, and recent developments in the understanding of Charles Bonnet Syndrome. The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of diagnostic and rehabilitative strategies to improve patient care and quality of life.

This course will present selected surgical video clips to highlight the key steps of vitreoretinal procedures. The goal is to closely examine surgical techniques, instrument handling, and decision-making during surgery, allowing participants to better understand both the technical details and the overall surgical strategy. The near-live format enables the faculty to pause, review, and discuss critical moments that are often difficult to appreciate during live surgery. A panel of experienced vitreoretinal surgeons will analyze each case, share practical tips, discuss alternative approaches, and explore how they would manage challenging situations. The session is designed to promote interactive learning, open discussion, and the exchange of ideas, helping participants refine both their surgical skills and clinical judgment.