Congress of the South-East European Ophthalmological Society held at ”Nicolae Testemitanu” University

Specialists in the field of ophthalmology and optometry from eleven countries gathered in Chisinau at the Congress of the Ophthalmological Society from Southeast Europe, the 19th edition, to discuss current topics in the pathology of the cornea, retina, optic nerve, glaucoma, surgery cataracts, etc. Participants had the opportunity to learn innovative techniques in ophthalmic treatments and develop professional relationships in the field, with the aim of improving patient care services.

The inauguration was attended by Minister of Health Ala Nemerenco, rector of Nicolae Testemitanu University Prof. Emil Ceban and foreign experts, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between health professionals for the development of ophthalmic treatments, especially in the current context when prolonged exposure to technologies and screens has an adverse impact on eye health.

The Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova emphasized that the forum represented an extraordinary platform for the exchange of experience, as the 21st century is characterized by the evolution of digital technologies. Ala Nemerenco has stressed that although technologies bring many benefits, challenges related to eye health remain significant. "Eyes are the light of our lives, and their importance cannot be underestimated. We use advanced technologies and the pressure on the eyes is increasing with the use of screens. At the same time, technologies are coming to develop this field more and more so that we can restore the sight of those who have lost it and improve it. We are happy that we have many operations which restore visual normality for people", said the health official.

The Rector noted the essential role of medical education and research in improving ophthalmological practices, highlighting the international dimension of the event as an opportunity to expand scientific cooperation. Emil Ceban expressed his confidence that the information presented at the congress would bring valuable contributions and have a positive impact on the quality of ophthalmic medical care for patients. In the context of integration into European educational structures and world scientific communities, the rector emphasized that this event would facilitate new collaborations, urging young doctors and researchers to deepen their studies in the field. Finally, he expressed gratitude to the partners for their continuous support in joint projects both in ophthalmology and in other fields.

According to Eugen Bendelic, head of the Department of Ophthalmology, the congress represented one of the most important scientific events in the field of ophthalmology in the region and brought together internationally renowned speakers: Prof. Camelia Bogdanici and Prof. Daniela Selaru, Romania; Prof. Nadiya Bobrova, Ukraine; Prof. Vesna Dimovska, Macedonia; Prof. Natasa Vidovic, Dr. Polona Zaletel Benda and Dr. Ana Ursula Gavrić, Slovenia; dr Edita Files Bradarić, Montenegro; Prof. Mahmut Kaskaloglu, Prof. Tansu Erakgün, Prof. Baha Toygar and Prof. Cuneyt Karaarslan, Turkey; Prof. Vincenzo Ferrara, Italy; Prof. Gazmend Kacaniku, Kosovo; Prof. Linda Zangwill, USA; Hugo Pena Verdeal, Spain; and Dr. Cahid Shazbazov from Azerbaijan. The special guest of the event was Wolfgang Gindorfer, regional president of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness in Europe.

The scientific forum was organized by the Department of Ophthalmology of Nicolae Testemitanu University in collaboration with the Association of Ophthalmologists from Moldova, on October 18 and 19, 2024.