The World Ophthalmology Congress 2010 (WOC^® 2010) is rapidly approaching. For the third time the German Society of Ophthalmology (DOG) will be the host of the largest international ophthalmology congress. Following Heidelberg in 1888 and Munich in 1966, the DOG and AAD now jointly welcome ophthalmologists from around the world to come to Berlin in 2010. Twenty years after the reunification, the German capital has evolved into one of the most important metropolises in Europe, thus making it the perfect location for the WOC^® 2010. During numerous symposia and courses leading experts in our field will present the most recent scientific knowledge and the latest research findings. 

Subspecialty days will cover the topics of retina, glaucoma, cataract and refractive surgery. A comprehensive poster and video program will be featured and will be digitally available at all times. Companies will hold lunch symposia. 

A unique opening ceremony with the academic flair of international ophthalmology and a spectacular program should not be missed on any account. Following this event, there will be a "Berlin" reception with typical Berlin specialities in a Berlin setting. A highlight of the supporting program, will be a hearty Bavarian-style "WOCtoberfest", serving Bavarian and other traditional German fare. It goes without saying that, like the opening ceremony, this event will be for the whole family. 

Start planning your visit to the WOC^® 2010 (AAD Program 3 - 6 June 2010, WOC and DOG Program 5 - 9 June 2010) and take advantage of the attractive early bird booking conditions. Make the congress a trip to Berlin the whole family can enjoy! In addition to the scientific program, you and your family will have ample time to explore and enjoy Berlin. The city boasts of a host of cultural events, a unique architectural landscape, spectacular shopping venues, many bars and restaurants offering good German and international cuisine, with a vibrant nightlife. Naturally, we are offering childcare during the whole duration of the congress.

Once again a warm invitation to come to Berlin to this very special congress for German and international ophthalmology and as host, we look forward to welcoming you in June 2010 to the world of ophthalmology in Germany.

Prof. Dr. Gerhard K. Lang

President WOC^® 2010

Incidentally, did you know that your attendance fees for WOC^® 2010 support the following programs of the International Council of Ophthalmology:

• annual Ophthalmic Basic and Clinical Sciences Assessment Test (up to now, more than 17,000 candidates have taken part in the test).

• ICO Fellowships (347 fellowships to colleagues from developing countries have been awarded so far)

• Residency Program Director Courses (these courses have been running since 2004)

• Clinical Guidelines are constantly kept up to date. The first evidence-based clinical guideline on HIV/AIDS in the eye has just been published.

• O.N.E. Netzwerk (Ophthalmic News and Education Network) available in developing countries at no cost

• Diabetic Care and Education Center in China

• W.O.R.D. program adapted to provide educational materials for developing countries

• Introduction of CME-Programs (Continuing Medical Education) also in developing countries

Dear Colleagues,

It is my honor and pleasure to encourage you to attend the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) 2010, June 5-9 in Berlin. This 32nd International Congress of Ophthalmology has an outstanding program, containing top world speakers, and thus the latest in scientific practice, exhibits of the newest ophthalmic drugs and equipment, and representatives from countries throughout the world. The WOC has now become a first-class worldwide event.

As the longest continuous international medical meeting, the WOC brings together ophthalmologists from all over the world. The social and scientific are interwoven in this international city that has been receiving rave reviews as a congress site in recent years. The intermingling of cultures, practice patterns, and breakthroughs provide a special opportunity for world ophthalmology.

Over 3,000 international experts will present a wide variety of topics in more than 600 sessions. Free paper presentations, electronic posters and videos will enrich the program.

Along with colleagues of the German Society of Ophthalmology and the German Academy of Ophthalmology we await you in the dynamic city of Berlin. We believe it will be a most remarkable gathering of world ophthalmologists not to be missed.

With my very best regards,

Bruce E. Spivey, MD, MS, MEd

President International Council of Ophthalmology

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Scientific Program Committee, it is my great pleasure to invite you to join the World Ophthalmology Congress 2010 which will take place in Berlin from 5 – 9 June. With an exciting program incorporating an expansive range of core topics, I am confident that this will be an outstanding scientific meeting. The leadership and organization for the 29 specialties and subspecialties will be provided by a Who’s Who of international leaders in ophthalmology as our scientific coordinators. We have tremendous support from many of the member organizations of the International Council of Ophthalmology. These internationally respected organizations and leaders are recruiting outstanding session chairs that will ensure that we will have the best speakers in ophthalmology from around the world.

The world leaders in industry in our field have committed and we are therefore guaranteed to have outstanding technical exhibits. More than 3,000 international experts have been invited to present a wide range of topics in more than 600 sessions. We also plan to have a large number of free paper presentations, electronic posters as well as videos to further stimulate participants’ interest.

The vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Berlin invites you not only for its science but to show you the enormous dynamics of its development of the past twenty years of reunification, making it the most perfect location for this highly prestigious world congress.

I hope that you will accept our invitation and look forward to seeing you in June 2010 in Berlin for what will be a most important and most memorable scientific meeting.

Stephen J. Ryan, MD

Scientific Program Committee Chair