Scientific Programme Topics

The SOE 2025 Scientific Programme Committee is constructing an innovative and stimulating scientific programme. It will include Keynote speakers, high-level update sessions, round tables, mystery cases and debates as well as scientific symposia and instructional courses. The Programme will cover sessions on the following topics: 

● Cataract and Refractive surgery
The Cataract and Refractive Surgery sessions at SOE 2025 will cover several important topics, including innovations in surgical techniques and technologies aimed at improving outcomes in cataract and refractive procedures. The challenges of performing cataract surgery in patients with corneal pathologies will be discussed, emphasizing tailored approaches to these complex cases. Optimal preoperative examination and surgical planning will be discussed, as well as the significance of floaters on visual quality and appropriate treatment strategies. Additionally, a video session will demonstrate methods for managing complications that may arise during cataract surgery, providing valuable insights for ophthalmologists.

 ● Cornea and External eye
Details to follow.

● Electrophysiology
A User-friendly Guide to Visual Electrophysiology
A short course designed for clinicians new to the tests but which will also refresh more experienced practitioners. There will be an update of the Standards and Guidelines of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV). The ‘big 5’ tests will be described: EOG, full-field ERG, pattern ERG, multifocal ERG and VEP, the FST introduced, and acronyms explained. Talks will include interactive, illustrative cases.

Visual Electrophysiology in Clinic and in Clinical Trials
Leaders in the field will show how electrophysiology can facilitate diagnosis and management in the clinic and update delegates on the use of visual electrophysiology and the FST in clinical trials.

● Glaucoma
Summary of SOE – EGS Glaucoma activities
The workshops and sessions focus on advancing glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. Key workshops include “Glaucoma Diagnosis,” which covers various diagnostic tools, and “Glaucoma Surgery,” discussing appropriate surgical interventions and complication management. The sessions address emerging innovations in glaucoma care, evaluating the efficacy of new technologies like AI and slow-release medications, and exploring treatment options—balancing laser, drops, and surgery.Additionally, a session on “Angle-closure in 2025” emphasizes accurate terminology, diagnosis methods, and contemporary treatment strategies for angle closure, including who should receive phacoemulsification or laser peripheral iridotomy.

● Oculoplastics and Orbit
Symposia involving the American, the Asian and the European Ophthalmic Plastic Societies will focus on the latest developments in the field. The EUGOGO Symposium on Graves’ orbitopathy is offering insights into modern management and cutting-edge treatments. Courses cover fundamental techniques in basic eyelid surgery and practical guidance and tips for successful blepharoplasty surgery. An interactive orbital clinic introduces appropriate imaging techniques and practical management strategies for patients with orbital diseases.

● Multi-disciplinary sessions (Allied Health)
The multidisciplinary stream will include a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, the Janet Marsden Symposium aimed at enhancing ophthalmic education, and the global myopia epidemic addressing its causes and prevention. Additional discussions may focus on challenging medical and surgical retina cases, paediatric ophthalmology concerns such as congenital disorders and amblyopia, and strategies for improving patient satisfaction after cataract surgery. Each session emphasizes collaboration, innovative treatments, and best practices in the field.

● Neuro-Ophthalmology
The Neuro-Ophthalmology Program at the SOE2025 Conference in Lisbon promises to be an unmissable event, featuring pivotal presentations on critical emergencies such as GCA, transient visual loss, aneurysmal CN3rd palsy, Horner’s syndrome, and Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Engage in in-depth discussions on the differential diagnosis of swollen optic discs, encompassing conditions like papilledema, optic neuritis, and NA-AION.

Our sessions will also delve into strategies for managing acute persistent vision loss, anisocoria, and diplopia. Gain practical insights with tips for conducting optic disc, pupillary, and ocular motility exams, as well as interpreting visual fields.

Don’t miss the highlights on complex eye movements such as nystagmus and cranial nerve palsies, the latest updates on visual snow syndrome, innovative treatments for thyroid eye disease, and cutting-edge OCT/OCTA diagnostics. Discover advancements in mitochondrial disease treatments, venous sinus stenting for IIH, solutions for stroke-related visual issues, and ground-breaking new diagnostic methods for GCA.

● Oncology and Pathology
Ophthalmic oncology and pathology sessions will cover hot topics in the diagnosis and treatment of intra- and periocular neoplasia both from clinical and histopathological aspects. The sessions are held in conjunction with the Ocular Oncology Group and the European Ophthalmic Pathology Society. 

● Paediatric and Strabismus
Details to follow

● Retina
Details to follow

● Uveitis
The Uveitis sessions will cover comprehensive strategies for managing both infectious and non-infectious uveitis. Topics include how to manage non-infectious posterior uveitis, with a focus on rationale, treatment options, and strategies, as well as recognizing infectious etiologies. The sessions also delve into balancing risks and benefits of systemic corticosteroids, when to initiate conventional immunosuppression, and the use of biologics. Local therapy options are explored, alongside essential diagnostic and management steps for infectious uveitis, including viral anterior and posterior uveitis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, and emerging infections.

●Suturing and Wet Lab courses
Details to follow

● YO sessions and YO Lounge
VitBuckle Society and SOE YO: Challenging (surgical) retinal cases
This session focuses on complex scenarios in retinal pathology (and surgery), providing attendees with practical insights and up-to-date techniques. The speakers will present interesting cases, such as recurrent retinal detachments, severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy, intraoperative haemorrhages, or complications from previous surgeries, showcasing how they approached diagnosis and treatment. The session will include short challenging videos and practical interactive discussion about different surgical approaches and strategies to better treat patients and minimize complications.

Neuro-ophthalmology and Imaging – A Guide 
The eyes are a window to the brain, as many central nervous system disorders manifest through visual signs or symptoms. It is therefore crucial for ophthalmologists to recognize these signs and understand the intricate relationship between the brain and the eyes. Neuroimaging plays a pivotal role in neuro-ophthalmology, but how well do we truly know how to select the appropriate modality and interpret the results? This session on imaging in neuro-ophthalmology offers practical insights, complementing the broader array of neuro-ophthalmological topics featured at SOE 2025. Equip yourself with the knowledge to enhance your understanding of this fascinating field and its diagnostic tools.

Prevention of Myopia Pandemics
Myopia – is an eye focusing disorder. It is estimated that by 2050 nearly half the people in the world will have near-sightedness. Prevention of Myopia Pandemic is a crucial for the eye and brain proper development. Vision loss related to pathologic myopia is of great clinical significance as it can be progressive, irreversible and affects individuals during their most productive years.

Sustainability and Global Ophthalmology
Whilst our core mission as healthcare professionals is to improve public health, this mission is paradoxically threatened by our global impact on the climate crisis, with the healthcare sector amongst the largest greenhouse gas polluters globally. Climate change, environmental strains and an ever-growing demand is impacting and influencing our working practices in an unprecedented manner. There has never been a more critical time to raise awareness on the importance of decarbonising our own clinical and surgical footprint, whilst maintaining the highs standards we have set. The YO lounge session on sustainability aims to promote and disseminate guidance on the actions ophthalmologists can take to support other members of the wider ophthalmic in delivering and leading projects sustainably within the workplace. In 2022, the Young Ophthalmologists for Sustainability (YOFS) was founded, highlighting further the trans-generational impact the climate crisis can have and the desire to work sustainably for the future. Join us in this year’s YO lounge to listen to thought provoking talks on how we too can help fight against this climate crisis and make healthcare delivery better and greener.”