PIE POST @EURETINA 2023, Issue 1

by Nick Eustice

Whether you’re attending this year’s conference in person at the RAI Convention Center in beautiful Amsterdam in the Netherlands, following virtually by watching the live broadcasts worldwide, or just catching up on the highlights of this year’s conference, we’re glad you’re with us to explore some of the most exciting news in posterior segment.

For the past two decades, EURETINA’s Annual Congress has showcased highlights and advances in the field that have far-reaching impact not just in Europe, but across the world. More than ever, the eye care industry is seeing a growth in connectedness. Where advances made in one part of the world were once localized, today we are seeing the exciting breakthroughs introduced at the EURETINA

Congress make an immediate splash across the globe.

Kicking things off early with EURETINA Innovation Spotlight

In recognition of the speed of progress and the growing strength of global networking among retina specialists and ophthalmologists in general, EURETINA has decided to get the ball rolling a day early with the EURETINA Innovation Spotlight (EIS).

This 6-hour afternoon event featured 5 sessions, each chaired by members of the EURETINA board. Each session consisted of short presentations by speakers on new, cutting-edge breakthroughs in treatment modalities, imaging and AI, retinal surgery, and investing in retina.

With these panel discussions and talks by thought leaders in the industry and innovators in biomedicine along with the contributions of regulators and members of the investment community, EIS hoped to create new networking opportunities that inspire collaboration and communication between diverse areas of the retinal innovation space.

Following the speakers’ brief presentations and discussions, a reception was held to allow participants to further explore new ways of working together.

Headlining lectures and award presentations

Hot on the tails of the EIS preEURETINA event, Dr. Bertil Damato will present the event’s official opening keynote lecture at today’s Opening Ceremony (Thursday 5th October 16.15 – 17.15 CEST, Grand Auditorium). An expert specializing in ocular oncology, Dr. Damato has published more than 300 scientific articles and authored or co-edited several textbooks.

Dr. Damato’s lecture, entitled OncoVR – a New Subspecialty? promises to explore fascinating new directions in the treatment of cancers of the eye, and the new technologies that may

allow for pathways which have never been explored before.

Main events will continue throughout the weekend, with three major keynote speakers taking the stage on Saturday.

Dr. Maximillian Pfau of the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology in Basel, Switzerland will present this year’s Ophthalmologica Lecture, entitled Beyond Atrophy: Investigating the Leading Disease Front on Saturday afternoon.

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) will present its annual Kreissig Award, recognizing excellence in improving outcomes in retinal surgery. This year’s recipient, Dr. Shwu-Jiuan Sheu, the director and professor of ophthalmology at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, will present the Kreissig Award lecture, entitled Uveitis: Management with vitreoretinal surgery?.

In the last of these keynote addresses, Dr. Cynthia Toth of Duke University (USA) will explore the growing use of OCT imaging in this year’s Gisbert Richard Lecture, entitled OCT at the Point of Care, A Surgeon’s Perspective

With keynote speakers from around the world in addition to their thought-leader colleagues in Europe, EURETINA’s global reach and impact are sure to bring the medical community closer and closer together for the benefit of all.

Forums and symposia abound… and remember to visit us at our booth!

Beyond these headlining events, EURETINA 2023 has something for everyone in every specialty. While there are too many fascinating events to mention all of them, with topics ranging from the future of continuous drug delivery for retinal disease to the emulsification of silicone oil, to the general issue of patient well-being, there is so much information that you may find you just don’t have enough time to see it all.

With all these events, we hope those of you who are able to make it to EURETINA 2023 in person will have time to visit some of the many, many booths for industry and innovation.

And with that in mind, we’d like to invite you to drop by and see us at the Media MICE Booth #12.442! We always look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones at events like EURETINA 2023. Plus, we’ll have these daily Congress updates (digital PIE Post) and the newest issue of PIE magazine, hot off the press, and featuring our EURETINA 2023 preview!

Here’s wishing you all a great EURETINA 2023, sharing knowledge with colleagues and building an ever stronger global networking community in eye care!

What’s New in Retinal Disease Management?

by Tan Sher Lynn

From biomarkers for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) to retinal dystrophy treatment, artificial intelligence (AI) and mystery cases, the 23rd EURETINA Congress (EURETINA 2023) promises to be a treasure trove of retinal treats. Go ahead and take a bite, and if that’s not enough to satisfy, make sure you devour them all on 5-8 October at RAI Amsterdam.

AI to the rescue

Defining DME Phenotypes by Artificial Intelligence by Dr. Marco Lupidi (Italy)

(Part of Symposium Session 01: Diabetic Macular Edema: The Precision Medicine Approach)

5 OCT 2023, 11:12 - 11:20 CEST

Room: Auditorium

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize ophthalmology with its applications in all segments, including the management of diabetic macular edema (DME). Due to variable clinical characteristics and a host of different phenotypes, DME can yield unpredictable results. With the help of AI, we may finally find out how these different phenotypesreact to different treatment, thus saving time and cost while enhancing treatment outcomes.

Latest developments in retinal therapeutic intervention

What’s New in Retina and EVICR.net Developments in the Treatment of Retinal Dystrophies by Dr. Hendrik Scholl (Switzerland)

(Part of Symposium Session 8: Evicr. Net — European Multinational Clinical Research in Retina

6 OCT, 15:18 - 15:25 CEST Room: Elicium 2

Over 270 genes have been identified to contribute to retinal dystrophies. An understanding of how these genes work will pave the way towards effective treatments and management of this debilitating disease that was once thought untreatable.

Can you solve these mysteries?

Symposium Session 13: Medical Retina Mystery Cases

7 OCT 2023, 15:30 - 16:30 CEST Room: Auditorium

Who doesn’t enjoy a dose of mystery? While rare cases might shake up your clinical routine a bit, they also help to polish up your diagnostic skills. In this session, experts from Europe, the USA and Singapore entreat you to play detective and see if you can solve not one, but seven mystery cases.

Retinal biomarkers — new frontiers in AMD, DR and DME

Symposium Session 17: Exploring the Spatial Distribution of Retinal Biomarkers Provides Novel Insights into the Cellular Bases of AMD and DR

8 OCT, 9:00 - 10:00 CEST

Room: Elicium 2

Be sure to catch this exciting session on transformative technology. Harnessing the strengths of spatial biomarkers can give researchers a deeper understanding of disease complexity, help to identify new therapeutic targets, and forge the path towards more targeted and efficacious therapies. Not-to-be-missed presentations during this symposium include:

• Using Human Photoreceptor Topography to Inform Agerelated Macular Degeneration Mechanisms and Outcomes (Dr. Christine Curcio, USA)

• Topography and Connectivity of Bipolar and Ganglion Cells in the Retina (Dr. Ulrike Grünert, Australia)

• The Difference in the Regional Distribution of Exudative Biomarkers in Neovascular Agerelated Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema (Dr. Bilal Haj Najeeb, Austria)

The Gems of Surgical Retina Abound at EURETINA 2023

by Tan Sher Lynn

The 23rd EURETINA Congress (EURETINA 2023) happening in Amsterdam from 5 to 8 October is packed with informative sessions on surgical retina, such as vitrectomy technology, trauma management techniques, and real-world management of difficult cases. Here’s some hand-picked sessions that are not-to-be missed to help you navigate the event with ease…

Innovations in vitrectomy technology

Symposium Session 14: RetinaTECH

7 OCT, 15:30 - 16:30 CEST

Room: Elicium 2

As ongoing advancements in vitrectomy technology continue to improve the safety and efficacy of the procedure, keep yourself at the forefront of it all. In this session, attendees will gain priceless knowledge on vitrectomy flow control (from Dr. Mario R. Romano, Italy), quantifying the field of fluidic effect of vitrectomy cutters (from Dr. David Steel, United Kingdom), and pressure control during pars plana vitrectomy (from Dr. Grazia Pertile, Italy). Also, learn about using virtual reality technology to replace the operating microscope from Dr. Omer Trivizki (Israel).

What’s up in APMPPE?

APMPPE – Unexpected Findings through Multimodal Imaging (Dr. Andreas Pollreisz, Austria)

(Part of Symposium Session 15: JVRS Symposium)

7 OCT, 17:11 - 17:19 CEST

Room: Auditorium

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a rare cause of sudden painless vision loss in young healthy adults. Even though a viral prodrome has been reported in up to one-third of

cases, the precise etiology of this inflammatory condition remains unknown. Learn more about this rare condition from Dr. Pollreisz as he presents his discoveries during his talk.

Pearls for managing posterior segment trauma

Symposium Session 19: Posterior Segment Trauma: From A To Z

8 OCT, 10:15 - 11:15 CEST

Room: Elicium 2

Improvement in microsurgical techniques has created opportunities for vision and eye-saving interventions for traumatic injuries to the retina, choroid and optic nerve. Thanks to advancement in microsurgical techniques, many eyes that would have otherwise been lost can now be saved and meaningful vision restored. Gain insights into expert techniques and tricks for dealing with posterior segment trauma during this session. Specific talks to look out for include:

• Posterior Scleral Tear Repair: Nuances to the Best Outcome by Dr. S.P. Chaudhary (India)

• Post Traumatic Complex Retinal

Detachment by Dr. Daraius Shroff (India)

• Beyond Routine: Tackling Retinal Incarceration/Subretinal Hemorrhage by Dr. Parveen Sen (India)

Strategies for tackling complicated cases

Symposium Session 20: ESASO Symposium: Real-World Management of Challenging Cases of Vitreoretinal Surgery

8 OCT, 11:30 - 12:30 CEST Room: Elicium 2

Having to face diverse complex situations and complications are part and parcel of being a vitreoretinal surgeon. Nevertheless, these cases are what make the career so exciting and fulfilling. And what better way to tackle such complex cases than to learn from fellow surgeons? In this session, attendees will hear about epiretinal membrane (ERM) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) peeling with the new fully-digital surgical visualization system SeeLumaTM (from Dr. Siegfried Priglinger, Germany), learn how to manage large macular holes with the ‘puff and tuff’ technique and digital image enhancements (from Dr. Alan Franklin, USA), and learn about using the 27G Hypervit and Finess Reflex in complex retinal detachment (from Dr. Pierre-Raphael Rothschild, France). Also, there will be a panel discussion on chromo-vitrectomy, so be sure to catch this symposium!

Welcome to Amazing Amsterdam!

by Chow Ee-Tan

Whether you’re exploring its centuries-old canals, admiring world-class art – or simply savoring a Dutch stroopwafel in one of the city’s charming squares – Amsterdam will never cease to amaze you. Even if you are here for the 23rd EURETINA Congress (EURETINA 2023), that doesn’t mean you are not allowed to fully enjoy your stay in this remarkable city…

The city is famously bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and bike rental shops scattered throughout. Another great way to orient yourself to the city is with a walking tour, where tourists can explore Amsterdam’s endless canals and world-famous sights. Amsterdam has a couple of well organized and fun walking tours, a few of which are free. If you would like to travel out a bit further, the city also offers convenient public transportation options such as trams, buses and the metro.

The traditional high season in Amsterdam ends in September, so October is the first month of the low season, which stretches until May. With less number of tourists than in summer, it’s relatively easier to find flights and accommodations and there are also less queues at the city attractions. October is characterized by the cool and breezy autumn atmosphere, and the weather makes it perfect for visiting the city’s museums or enjoying a hot coffee in one of its al fresco cafés. There are also many festivals and celebrations awaiting the intrepid traveller that are unique to October.

Top 8 must-dos and mustvisits in Amsterdam

The beautiful Dutch capital is one of the most popular and most visited European destinations. With its picturesque canals, historic architecture, world-class museums and a vibrant café and art scene, Amsterdam exudes great beauty and vibes, and promises an adventure like no other to visitors.

The city’s allure lies in its seamless blend of rich history, art and culture with its signature touch of modernity. Tranquil canals are flanked by the Dutch capital’s iconic narrow and colorful residential homes, buildings of magnificent architecture, vintage shops and cafes of eclectic design.

All of this make it easy to fall in love with Amsterdam – there always seems to be something going on for everyone. But perhaps it is best appreciated for its museums and galleries – from the Van Gogh Museum to Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House. On the other side of the spectrum, Amsterdam comes alive after dark with a vibrant nightlife scene. Visitors and locals alike can be seen exploring the various bars, clubs, and live music venues in areas like Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein –and of course sampling local favorites like genever (Dutch gin).

When in Amsterdam, the best way to explore the city is on foot or by bicycle.

A canal cruise is a fantastic way to see the city while taking in the autumn colors. Thanks to the orange shades of autumn and the many trees along the banks of the canals, cruising the canals at this time of year is a real treat – especially for those who love photography.

This is not as advisable to do it at night when the temperatures drop, but an evening cruise with dinner on the canals can still be quite magical.

2. Van Gogh Museum

This ever-popular museum pays tribute to the great artist Vincent Van Gogh and has become one of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks. The Van Gogh Museum has the best collection of the artist’s works as well as some of his contemporaries in

1. Canal Cruise

Museum Square in Amsterdam South. Consider purchasing a combo ticket that includes both a canal ride and admission to the museum.

3. The Amsterdam Dungeon

The Amsterdam Dungeon is a fascinating attraction designed to give tourists a taste of the Netherlands’ dark side. The attraction presently features 11 activities that appeal to all of the human senses. It will surely provide you with one of the most memorable experiences the city has to offer.

4. Anne Frank House

Located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands, where famous diarist Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, this house showcases her childhood, life in the attic, as well as other information about the Holocaust. There’s also a display of her real handwritten diary.

5. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is known for housing an extensive Rembrandt collection, where you can see his original and famous The Night Watch. There’s also an incredible and robust collection of other classic Dutch painters, like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. The museum is huge, with over 1 million works of art and historical objects in the collection, with around 8,000 objects on display.

6. Vondelpark

This park in the city is a green expanse of beautifully maintained parkland and gardens. It attracts huge crowds during Amsterdam’s tulip season where there are many colorful blooms planted in the park. The colors of autumn are splendidly displayed during October, cementing Vondelpark’s status as a can’t miss. There are lagoons and foot paths as well as bikeways that extend a warm welcome to any visitor.

7. Xtracold Icebar

The Icebar is a unique and aesthetically

spectacular evening experience, where you can take a threedimensional trip around the frosty environment. With a combination ticket, you can also enjoy it all while sipping the more premium beverages on offer. After you’re briefed on the bar’s background story, put on the provided thermal jackets and gloves to enter the bar area, where temperatures are kept at a constant -10 °C, and where everything is made of ice, from the wall to your glasses!

8. The Jewish Historical Museum

Often overlooked in favor of the Anne Frank House, the Jewish Historical Museum features the history of the Jewish culture and religion. The exhibit on World War II showcases 11,000 artifacts and works of art. It’s the only Jewish history museum in the country.

Explore Amsterdam’s neighborhoods

Amsterdam is divided into a few neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm.

Centrum: The historical heart of Amsterdam, where you’ll find iconic landmarks such as Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the infamous Red Light District that comes bustling after dark.

Jordaan: A picturesque neighborhood where you will find narrow streets, charming canals and chic restaurants and boutiques. Explore the trendy Nine Streets (De Nege Straatjes) for shopping and dining.

Museum Quarter: Home to many famous and world-class museums such as Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. Don’t miss the iconic I Amsterdam sign outside the Rijksmuseum for a classic photo spot.

De Pijp: The area is known for its vibrant street market – the Albert Cuyp Market. It also has a diverse culinary scene where foodies should not miss!

Oud-West: A trendy area peppered with hip cafes, pretty boutiques. It also acts as the home of the famous Vondelpark, where one can relax and enjoy nature in this urban environment.

Day trip from Amsterdam

A visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without visiting the worldfamous windmills. Start your day with a trip to the famous Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum where the 18th and 19th centuries Netherlands is brought back to life. After that, proceed to Zaanse Schans, the old Holland fishing villages – Volendam and Marken, and the gorgeous golden Zandvoort beach – places that you won’t want to miss.

Volendam is located in the northern part of the Netherlands and is wellknown for its colorful houses, fresh seafood and windmills. You can walk or bike through the green meadows and appreciate the view of windmills, or take a one-hour cruise down the canals to learn more about these historic windmills and houses. The tour will stop by a local cheese factory where you can enjoy a fresh sample of its tasty products.