Plan your attendance at ESCRS 2026! The Congress starts on Friday 11 September in the morning! Make sure you do not miss any of the below exciting Programme features!
KEEP ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS WHICH WILL BE ADDED BELOW AS THEY ARE FINALISED!
ESCRS Opening Ceremony
Setting the Vision
Kick off ESCRS 2026 with a dynamic and high-impact opening that celebrates the strength, achievements, and future of the ESCRS community.
Through powerful visuals, inspiring storytelling, and short films, the ceremony highlights key scientific progress, humanitarian initiatives, and the innovations shaping the Congress ahead. A vibrant London-themed segment connects eye care with the city’s rich history and culture, grounding the event in its iconic host destination.
Concluding with a forward-looking preview of the scientific and educational programme, this energising opening sets the tone for the days to come.
Celebrate the journey. Experience the vision. Step into what’s next.
Arena
Surgical Pearls - 100 Seconds to Master the Technique
Fast, focused, and highly practical, this dynamic session reveals how expert surgeons really perform key steps in everyday practice. Through a series of rapid-fire, narrated video clips—each just 100 seconds—leading specialists share their personal techniques, smart adaptations, and real-world tips across live cases.
Each topic brings multiple perspectives, followed by a sharp, moderator-led discussion to deepen insights and spark exchange. High energy, strict timing, and direct learning make every minute count.
Short. Sharp. Practical. See how the experts really do it.
Arena Forum - Ideas That Shape the Future
A dedicated space for meaningful dialogue, the Arena Forum brings together professionals to explore the topics that matter most in today’s ophthalmology landscape.
Through open exchange and shared perspectives, participants engage in thoughtful discussions that go beyond presentation – encouraging collaboration, insight, and forward-looking thinking.
Insightful, inclusive, and future-focused, this forum is where conversations turn into ideas that help shape what comes next.
Share perspectives. Spark dialogue. Shape the future together.
Arena Debate - Parliament Debate: Challenging the Norms
A high-energy, expertly moderated debate inspired by the format of the UK Parliament, tackling the most controversial topics in cataract and refractive surgery.
Built on evidence—not opinion—this dynamic session brings structured confrontation, strong arguments, and active audience participation to the forefront. Pre- and post-debate voting captures real learning, showing how perspectives evolve through informed discussion.
Engaging, provocative, and insight-driven, this is where ideas are tested, challenged, and refined.
Debate the evidence. Shift perspectives. Learn what really matters.
ESONT Pub Quiz - Test Your Knowledge, Enjoy the Moment
Unwind after a full day of learning with this lively and interactive pub quiz experience, designed to bring the ESCRS community together in a relaxed and engaging setting.
Challenge yourself and your peers across ophthalmology topics, exchange ideas, and enjoy a fun, social atmosphere with colleagues from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting out, everyone has a chance to shine.
Energetic, inclusive, and entertaining, this is the perfect blend of learning, networking, and fun.
Compete. Connect. Celebrate the spirit of ophthalmology.
World Café - Exchange Ideas, Shape Solutions
Step into a highly interactive environment where clinical expertise meets real-world discussion. In this dynamic roundtable format, delegates engage in small-group exchanges to explore six carefully selected clinical cases submitted by peers.
Guided by expert moderators and group leaders, each case is tackled through rapid presentations, lively table discussions, and collective decision-making – bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront.
Fast-paced, collaborative, and insight-driven, this session is designed to maximise participation, stimulate debate, and turn shared experience into practical takeaways.
Engage. Discuss. Decide. Experience the power of collective expertise.
AI Treats
Explore how AI is Reshaping the Ophthalmic Practice Worldwide
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping healthcare, and ophthalmology is uniquely positioned to lead the way.
The AI Summit (Sunday 13 September | 10:30–12:00), will bring together global experts, pioneering clinicians, and industry innovators to examine how AI is being used in practice today, where the technology is heading next, and what it means for the future of patient care.
Attendees will explore cutting-edge applications, learn from real-world experiences, and engage in lively discussions on the opportunities, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI.
Whether you are just beginning to explore AI or already integrating it into your practice, this summit will provide the knowledge, perspective, and connections needed to navigate the future with confidence.
Tomorrow’s eye care practice today.
3D Operating Microscope Showdown
Get ready for the first ESCRS Operating Microscope Showdown!
This ambitious, first-of-its-kind session is designed to bypass the marketing hype and deliver truly unbiased, transparent insights into current surgical microscopy and visualisation technologies.
Join us to see the real-world capabilities of these cutting-edge imaging systems in the hands of leading experts.
Plus, as a special highlight, select surgery videos will be presented in 3D – so make sure to arrive early to grab a seat!
A transformative session not to be missed.
Global Surgical Saves
An immersive, high-impact experience showcasing how expert surgeons around the world navigate complex, high-stakes surgical situations.
Covering corneal, cataract, MIGS, and refractive procedures, this session goes beyond ideal scenarios to focus on real challenges, critical decision-making under pressure, and solutions shaped by diverse clinical environments.
Insightful and globally relevant, it delivers practical pearls that transcend geography, technology, and healthcare systems.
Face real challenges. Learn decisive action. Improve surgical outcomes.
Global Refractive Summit
A high-level scientific forum dedicated to strengthening the foundations of refractive surgery through the integration of evidence, advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment, and technological innovation.
Bringing together ESCRS and leading international societies, the Summit explores evidence-based approaches, next-generation diagnostic tools, and tailored surgical strategies – ensuring clinical decision-making is both precise and patient-centric.
From emerging technologies to evolving treatment pathways, each topic contributes to a more coherent and future-ready refractive practice. Strategic, insightful, and globally collaborative, the Summit aligns cutting-edge science with core clinical values to shape the next era of refractive care.
Unite expertise. Personalise care. Shape the future of refractive surgery.
Independent Medical Education Symposia
Don’t miss the Independent Medical Education Symposia at the 44th ESCRS Congress.
This series of four highly anticipated Independent Medical Education (IME) symposia will explore key developments in refractive surgery (Friday 11 September | 16:00–17:00), best practices for complex phaco cases (Saturday 12 September | 13:00–14:00), presbyopia management with simultaneous vision IOLs (Sunday 13 September | 09:30–10:45), and digital operating room technologies (Monday 14 September | 13:00–14:00) elevating today’s practice workflow and patient outcomes.
Learn from the experts, gain valuable insights and benefit from education designed to advance clinical practice and support excellence in patient care.
Four symposia. Four critical topics. Four opportunities to elevate your practice.
Near-Live Surgery Session
Experience modern surgical education.
The ESCRS Near-Live Surgery Session delivers all the excitement of live surgery with none of its unpredictable delays.
This format blends multi-angle surgical recordings, providing a true OR feel, with comprehensive pre- and post-op patient evaluations and discussion.
Gain unparalleled access as you watch eight intricate surgeries filmed seamlessly in the experts’ own clinical environments. Engage in high-level, interactive dialogue during each case Q&A and learn from peer discussions.
Don’t miss this highly anticipated session!
Brave Cases – Real Learning
(formerly "Getting it Wrong")
Step into the reality of surgical practice, where experienced surgeons share challenging cases, difficult decisions, and less-than-perfect outcomes – openly and honestly.
Through powerful, live-narrated videos, each case reveals critical moments, dilemmas, and lessons learned. Expert panels and peers then explore these cases in a respectful, no-blame discussion, turning complications into valuable collective insight.
Authentic, courageous, and deeply educational, this session focuses on what matters most: learning from experience to improve patient care.
No blame. No shame. Just real learning that makes a difference.
Glaucoma Day
Integrating Care, Advancing Practice
A dedicated programme offering an in-depth exploration of the rapidly evolving field of glaucoma diagnosis and management.
Bringing together leading experts, this focused day examines current best practices, surgical and minimally invasive techniques, and the integration of glaucoma care within cataract and refractive surgery.
Insightful, practical, and evidence-driven, Glaucoma Day promotes interdisciplinary learning and helps clinicians make informed decisions in an increasingly complex treatment landscape.
Expand your expertise. Integrate your approach. Elevate patient outcomes.
WSPOS Day
Focus on Paediatric Vision Care
Organised in collaboration with the World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, this dedicated programme shines a light on the unique challenges of caring for young patients.
Led by international experts, sessions explore key topics in paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, from diagnostic complexities to advanced surgical techniques and long-term visual outcomes.
Practical, insightful, and highly relevant, WSPOS Day offers valuable perspectives for clinicians managing paediatric cases within a busy ophthalmic practice.
Enhance your skills. Tackle complex cases. Improve lifelong vision outcomes.
ESCRS iNovation® Day
Where the Future of Ophthalmology Takes Shape
Kicking off the Congress, ESCRS iNovation® Day 2026 brings together clinicians, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors for a full day dedicated to the ideas and technologies shaping tomorrow’s eye care.
Through fast-paced sessions, expert panels, and live pitches from emerging companies, the programme tackles the most urgent clinical needs and real-world challenges – from AI and robotics to new treatment pathways across the anterior segment.
Interactive by design, with live voting, audience engagement, and the high-energy Innovators Den, the day combines cutting-edge insight with practical relevance – while offering invaluable networking with global experts across disciplines.
Discover innovation. Meet the pioneers. Help shape what’s next in ophthalmology.
Register for both ESCRS 2026 and ESCRS iNovation® Day 2026 and save up to €100!
Medical doctors and trainees who book both events together will be rewarded with a discount on their iNovation® Day ticket. Please note: Those registering under the Trainee Early category, this additional discount is strictly limited to the first 100 registrants.
Excimer Laser Celebration
Celebrating the developments and figures involved in the birth and utilisation of the Excimer laser in ophthalmology. This will take the form of a physical “museum” exhibition with posters, videos and physical items donated by industry sponsors.
Discover the legacy. Meet the pioneers. Celebrate the future of vision.
5K Charity Run
Saturday 12 September @ 07:00
The run begins and ends at Excel London.
Registration fee: EUR 25 Doctors / EUR 40 industry.
Registration is open to ESCRS participants and includes a commemorative T-shirt if completed by 31 July 2026.
Registrations will open soon.
BoSS Initiatives
BoSS Symposium
- Psychological Safety and Inclusive Leadership: Building Sustainable High Performing Ophthalmology Teams
BoSS Courses
- From Surgeon to Leader: Developing Essential Leadership Skills in Ophthalmology
- Creating Respectful and Inclusive Ophthalmology Work Environments: Understanding and Addressing Bullying and Harassment
BoSS Speed Mentoring Sessions
Speed Mentoring @ ESCRS Membership Booth: Connect. Learn. Grow.
Fast, focused, and highly interactive, Speed Mentoring offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with experienced professionals through a series of short, one-on-one conversations.
Meet ESCRS leaders, key opinion leaders, industry experts, and specialists from across and beyond ophthalmology, all ready to share insights, career advice, and real-world experience.
In an efficient and dynamic format, you’ll build meaningful connections, gain tailored guidance, and explore new perspectives to support your professional development.
Connect with experts. Ask your questions. Accelerate your career.
Insight Hub Sessions – Learning Beyond the Stage
A dynamic mix of live and studio-recorded sessions designed to extend learning beyond the Congress.
Explore topics including The Resilient Surgeon, Critical Reading of Scientific Articles, and key LBI workshops on presentation, negotiation, and financial skills – alongside dedicated studio sessions on clinical trials and smart lightboard use, created exclusively for the ESCRS Insight Hub.
ESCRS Booth and Membership Lounge
Connect at the Heart of the Congress
A vibrant and highly visible hub designed to bring the ESCRS community together in an open, welcoming, London-inspired setting.
Blending networking, member engagement, and hospitality, the space offers dedicated areas to connect, collaborate, and unwind – enhanced by strong visual elements, interactive screens, and engaging installations.
From speed mentoring and themed networking sessions to on-stand activations and creative experiences, the programme brings energy and interaction to every moment, while showcasing key ESCRS and YOFS initiatives, including sustainability.
Dynamic, inviting, and experiential, this is the place where conversations happen and connections grow.
Meet. Engage. Experience ESCRS at its centre.
ESCRS Masterclasses In-Person Learning
- Complex Cataract
- Interventional Glaucoma
- Corneal Lens Based Refractive Surgery
FEBOS-CR Exam
- 10 September 2026
- 20 candidates undergoing the MCQ and oral examination