51st ECLSO CONGRESS IN VIENNA
April 24th and 25th, 2026, Vienna • Report from the international meeting
The European Contact Lens and Ocular Surface Congress (ECLSO) held its 51st congress in Vienna on April 24th and 25th, 2026. The congress program was focused on the most important contemporary topics, including astigmatism, keratoconus, myopia control, dry eye syndrome, new soft contact lens technologies, and the application of artificial intelligence in fitting. Special significance was given to a multidisciplinary approach and individualization of therapy, with the active participation of international experts and young ophthalmologists from several countries, including Serbia. The congress was further marked by the presentation of the prestigious Fick-Kalt-Müller Award to Dr. Deborah Jacobs for her pioneering contribution to the development of scleral lenses in ophthalmology, as well as awards for the best free paper and poster.
A total of 19 participants from Serbia attended, both ophthalmologists and residents. We actively represented our country through electronic posters, free papers, a panel for young ophthalmologists, as well as through active participation in professional discussions and panels.
With the aim of developing and popularizing contactology among young doctors, COLSS funded the registration fee, accommodation, and travel expenses for young colleagues. Below you can read their impressions from the congress.
IMPRESSIONS FROM THE CONGRESS
“Participation in the ECLSO congress for me, as a first-year ophthalmology resident, represents an exceptionally inspiring and valuable experience.”
Active participation in the congress through work in the form of e-posters held special significance for me, as it was also my first presentation of work at such a level. This experience provided me with a sense of inclusion in the scientific community and further motivated me for future research work.
A special impression was left by the lectures of eminent speakers, whose practical experiences and clinical examples further brought theoretical knowledge closer to everyday practice. In addition to the professional part, the congress allowed me to meet colleagues from different centers, exchange experiences, and feel a sense of belonging to the professional community.
I believe that such events represent a strong incentive for further work, learning, and improvement. I am leaving the congress enriched with new knowledge, experiences, and even greater enthusiasm for further professional development.
Dr Ana Aleksić
The end of April, and a sunny weekend dedicated to contact lenses and the anterior segment of the eye, in Vienna. A perfect match exists.
ECLSO 2026 brought together a large number of ophthalmologists and several optometrists from all over the world. The focus of this year’s meeting was on myopia and its increase worldwide, news on the topic of dry eye, and keratoconus was given space in some form in almost every session.
What experienced speakers emphasized as a “take home” message was to give contact lens therapy a chance before considering any more invasive procedure, laser intervention, or surgery. The meeting was attended by a large number of ophthalmologists from Turkey, especially young doctors, who, motivated by their association’s president, submitted a large number of interesting case reports and studies.
Our much smaller country was not lacking in numerous listeners and participants either, from experienced ophthalmologists to young residents. Dr. Katarina J. Terzić, as the vice president of the association, was a moderator of interesting sessions, Prim. V. Dimitrijević Milovanović gave a brilliant lecture on correcting astigmatism, while Dr. N. Jagodić initiated many interesting discussions with questions from the audience.
Young ophthalmologists presented their cases through presentations and posters (Dr. A. Dimitrijević, Dr. Aleksić, Dr. V. Pejin, Dr. I. Pejin). With new knowledge acquired and old knowledge renewed, we return to applying them in everyday practice until the next beautiful gathering.
Dr Vedrana Pejin
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