I was particularly excited to attend this year’s conference for the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) after tough 2 years we have all endured fighting against the Covid-19 pandemic. There is no substitute for a face to face conference: catching up with old friends, exploring the new gadgets and immersing yourself in the lectures from the world’s best known eye surgeons.
I had never visited Milan. As a fairly amateur Serie A football fan and geographer, I expected to see the San Siro and the Duomo di Milano respectively. I did not expect to fall completely in love with the city: what a place! I adored the vibe, the noises, the buzz, the driving, the food! The list goes on. La dolce vita!
After a fairly frustrating flight out there and a less than smooth taxi transfer, I arrived at the Milano Convention Centre. Almost immediately I caught up with colleagues from the local area and before you know it, was watching live surgery being performed by Ike Ahmed (Toronto, Canada). The ESCRS always provides the opportunity to meet some inspiring individuals and this year was no exception.
I had the specific intention of finding out more about the evolving lens technologies now available for us to use. I am very excited about continuing to use the Alcon Vivity lens and can certainly see a place for the Rayner EMV, in my practice. The lens market, now more than ever, is changing rapidly. It was reassuring to discover my use of lenses mirrors, very closely, that of very eminent internationally recognised eye surgeons.
The video sections are always great fun, often informative and sometimes, mildly horrifying. You certainly do learn what to do and what not to!
Sustainability was a key theme this year. It was clear every exhibitor had tried there upmost to go paperless, reduce the provision of single use plastics and provide compostable cups! I am sure we will achieve a carbon neutral meeting in the not-too-distant future.
ESCRS 2023 is in Vienna, I will surely attend but can’t help but feel I will miss Milano!
Ciao!