31st annual scientific congress of College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka

The 31st annual scientific congress of College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka, took place recently at Cinnamon Grand Hotel Colombo successfully with the participation of a large number of local and foreign professionals in the field.

This year it was a combined conference with Association of Vitreo Retina Specialists. New innovations in the field were unveiled by professionals both local and foreign.

“Our theme this year was ‘Towards a Novel Era of Eye Care’, which showcases the tremendous progress made in our field in recent years” Dr. Kapila Bandutilake, President, COSL and AVRSSL said.

“As ophthalmologists, we are fortunate to work in a time of unprecedented innovation. From new surgical techniques to cutting-edge imaging technologies and gene therapies, the possibilities for improving patient outcomes are more exciting than ever before” he added.

However, he also said there is still a lot of work to be done with conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma on the increase.

“It is more important than ever that we continue to collaborate and innovate in our efforts to improve patient outcomes, in this backdrop” he said.

The scientific programme was well crafted to discuss and showcase the state of the art developments in the field of ophthalmology.In addition to outstanding scientific symposia, pre-congress workshops, plenary lecture, panel discussions, and free paper presentations across various disciplines such as cataract, glaucoma, cornea, medical and surgical retina, neuro, and pediatric ophthalmology was held.

Also private, both local and foreign institutions involved in the field showcased their services and products at the event. One Legacy Pvt. Ltd chairman Jabir Sally whose company had a stall at the event said that the congress provided a valuable networking experience for those who attended, with opportunities to connect with fellow ophthalmologists, researchers, industry professionals.

He also said the event was a platform to institutions involved in the field to showcase their services, equipment and new innovations.Sally said One Legacy was the local partner for Bausch and Lomb one of the leading global eye healthcare brands.

Bausch + Lomb based in United States is one of the world’s largest suppliers of contact lenses, lens care products, pharmaceuticals, intraocular lenses, and other eye surgery products and has been in the industry since 1853, he said.