Head of Ophthalmology at Université de Paris Cité and Hôpital Cochin. A global leader in cataract surgery and uveitis, with expertise in advanced phacoemulsification technologies.
Alain Saad, MD graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon. He joined in 2005 the Rothschild Foundation in Paris to start a fellowship in the cataract, cornea and refractive surgery department lead by Dr Damien Gatinel. Dr Saad is now vice-head of the department. Dr Saad is a board member of the french society of cataract and refractive surgery (SAFIR). He is a reviewer for several journals in ophthalmology and in the editorial board of the journal of refractive surgery. He has published more than 75 articles in peer-reviewed literature. His research interests include new developments in corneal topography and tomography, wavefront, biomechanics and new keratoplasties technique. Along with Damien Gatinel, he has developed an artificial intelligence system for the detection of ectasia susceptible eyes: The “SCORE analyzer by Gatinel and Saad” available on the Orbscan topographer and more recently adapted on the Anterion tomographer. He participated in the launching of a new IOL calculation formula: PEARL by Debellamanière, Gatinel and Saad Dr Saad was cited and ranked #10 by the journal “The Ophthalmologist” in its power list “top 40 under 40” in 2015. In 2023 he was listed within the top 100 French expert in ophthalmology by the magazine “le point”. In 2024, he was listed by the journal “The Ophthalmologist” in his top 100 power list. Some of Dr Saad’s awards include the Best of Show for Scientific video at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the French Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, six best papers awards at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and “Surgeon of the month” award of the International Society of Refractive Surgery in September 2014 for his video on endothelial keratoplasty.
Amar Agarwal is the pioneer of Phakonit, which is Phako with a Needle Incision Technology. This technique became popularized as Bimanual phaco, Microincision cataract surgery (MICS) or Microphaco. He was the first to remove cataracts through a 0.7 mm tip with the technique called Microphakonit. He has also discovered No anaesthesia cataract surgery and FAVIT, a new technique to remove dropped nuclei. The air pump, which was a simple idea of using an aquarium fish pump to increase the fluid into the eye in bimanual phaco and co-axial phaco has helped prevent surge. This built the basis of various techniques of forced infusion for small incision cataract surgery. He has also discovered a new refractive error called Aberropia. He has also been the first to do a combined surgery of microphakonit (700 micron cataract surgery) with a 25 gauge vitrectomy in the same patient thus having the smallest incisions possible for cataract and vitrectomy. He is also the first surgeon to implant a new mirror telescopic IOL (LMI) for patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration. He has also been the first in the world to implant a Glued IOL. He also has brought out the technique of IOL Scaffold in which a three-piece IOL is injected into an eye between the iris and the nucleus to prevent the nucleus from falling down in posterior capsular ruptures. Hypersonic vitrectomy for cases of PC rupture was first done by him and he was the principal investigator for the first hypersonic vitrectomy cases done in the world.
Pre Descemet’s Endothelial Keratoplasty or PDEK was started by Prof Agarwal. Dr Agarwal has designed a new instrument called the Trocar anterior chamber maintainer in complicated cases, which helps give infusion through the anterior chamber and works like a trocar cannula. He has also started a new technique of iris suturing called Single pass Four Throw (SFT) pupilloplasty. Subsequenly he started Pinhole pupilloplasty to treat patients with high astigmatism and higher order aberrations.
Dr. Agarwal has performed more than 200 live surgeries at various conferences. His videos have won many awards at the film festivals of ASCRS, AAO and ESCRS. He has more than 250 peer review articles in top journals and has also written more than 80 books in Ophthalmology which have been published in English, Spanish, portugese and chinese. He is the Chairman and managing director of Dr.Agarwals group of eye hospitals which has 151 eye hospitals in 11 countries.
Mr Anthony Vivian BSc MBBS FRCS FRCOphth
• Anthony Vivian is a Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Adult Strabismus Surgeon at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge.
• He is very interested in education and training, has trained many Fellows from across the world over the last 30 years. Until recently was the Head of the Postgraduate School of Ophthalmology and Associate Dean, Health Education East of England
• More recently his research interests have been aimed at using technology to assist strabismus assessment and investigating novel approaches and engineering solutions to modernize strabismus surgery
• He was President of the British and Irish Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Association. (BIPOSA) for 11 years
• Global health projects include a project training paediatric eye surgeons in a Children’s Eye Hospital set up by ORBIS in Bangladesh, and an ongoing children’s visual health project in Botswana, Africa with Cambridge Global Health Partnerships
Training and Experience:
Anterior and posterior Segment Surgeon, Südblick (May 2019 – Present)
Ophthalmology Acting Consultant, Munich University Hospital (March 2017 – March 2019)
Ophthalmology specialist, Munich University Hospital (June 2016 – Februar 2017))
Ophthalmology resident, Munich University Hospital (September 2011- May 2016)
Ophthalmology resident, Jeddah Eye Hospital (March 2008 – April 2010)
Education:
Cornea and External Diseases Fellowship, University of Munich (October 2017- March 2019)
Cataract and Refractive Surgery Fellowship, University of Munich (October 2016 – September 2017)
German Board of Ophthalmology, June 2016
European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma, May 2015
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, 2007 King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi-Arabia
Surgical Spectrum:
Keratoplasty: penetrated Keratoplasty, lamellar Keratoplasty (SALK, DALK, DSEK, DMEK), Bowman Layer Transplantation, Femtosecond laser assisted Keratoplasties.
Lens Surgeries: innovative Intraocular lenses: toric IOL, multifocal IOL, phakic IOL, Add On IOL, Sclera/Iris fixated IOL, Femtosecond laser assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)
Complex anterior chamber surgeries: Triple OP (combined Cornea and Cataract surgery)
Vitreoretinal surgery (Pars Plana Vitrectomy)
Intravitreal Therapy
Laser Vision Correction (LASEK/ PRK/ Trans-PRK, LASIK, ReLEx SMILE)
Trauma Surgery
Pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft
Amnion membrane transplantation
Limbal stem cell transplantation (SLET/ KLAL)
Corneal Crosslinking (also combined with topo guided excimer laser Transepithelial- PRK /Transepithelial-PTK)
Intrastromal corneal Ring Segments: Keraring/ Myoring/ Corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segment (CAIRS)/ Continuous corneal allogenic intrastromal ring (CCAIR)
Excimer laser Phototherapeutic Keratectomy
Micro-invasive Glaucoma Surgery (I-Stent, XEN Gel Stent, Preserflo)
Prof Reinstein founded the London Vision Clinic in 2002 and holds professorships at Columbia, Ulster, and Sorbonne Universities. He developed Artemis Insight VHF digital ultrasound technology to improve corneal and phakic intraocular safety. Prof Reinstein also developed PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision for presbyopia and was deeply involved in SMILE as the Lead Consultant to Carl Zeiss Meditec since 2002. He has published 213 peer-reviewed publications, 1 textbook on SMILE, over 40 book chapters, has given more than 1,000 international presentations and lectures, and has performed over 30,000 refractive surgical procedures. He has been awarded the Waring Medal
(2006), Kritzinger Award (2013), AAO Lifetime Achievement Award (2020), UKISCRS Lifetime Achievement Award (2023).
David F. Chang, M.D. is widely recognized as one of the top cataract surgeons in the world. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Harvard College and earned his Medical Degree from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chang completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of California, San Francisco, where he advanced to the rank of Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology in 1999. He has taught cataract surgery to ophthalmology residents in training for more than 35 years. In 2006, Dr. Chang became only the third ophthalmologist to ever receive the Charlotte Baer Award honoring the outstanding clinical faculty member at the UCSF Medical School.
As an internationally recognized cataract expert, Dr. Chang regularly lectures on cataract surgery to other surgeons in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Chang has received the highest international awards for cataract surgery from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Kelman Medal Lecture) and the following international cataract and refractive surgery societies: American (Binkhorst Medal), European (Ridley Medal), Canadian (Award of Excellence), United Kingdom and Ireland (Rayner Medal), German (DOC Innovator Lecture), Indian (Gold Medal), and the Asia Pacific Association of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (Lim Medal).
He has been honored by the International Society of Refractive Surgery (President Award), American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (Visionary Award), All India Ophthalmology Society (President’s Lecture), Italian Ophthalmological Society (Strampelli Medal), Chinese American Ophthalmological Society (Pioneer Award), Royal Australia & New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (Gregg Medal), Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (Jose Rizal International Medal), International Intraocular Implant Club (IIIC Medal), Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (El-Maghraby Award), and the International Council of Ophthalmology (Krwawicz Gold Medal). Including these, Dr. Chang has delivered more than 40 named lectures.
Dr. Grover specializes in the medical and surgical management of complex glaucoma as well as complex cataract surgery. His research interests include international ophthalmology, innovative glaucoma surgeries, and clinical outcomes in medical and surgical glaucoma management. Dr. Grover has authored numerous peer-review publications reporting innovative and novel glaucoma surgical techniques and findings. Additionally, he has authored several book chapters and serves as a reviewer for many of the premier journals in the field of Ophthalmology
Heads the Cataract and Glaucoma departments at Megur Eye Care Centre, Bidar Karnataka India.
Specialises in Complex Cataract Surgeries. He is committed to teaching surgery through his personal Youtube Channel.
He has more than 200 presentations at various national and international meetings. He is a reviewer for the Indian Journal Of Ophthalmology. He has won many national & international awards for scientific Papers and Videos.
Deepak P Edward, M.D. FACS, FARVO. is Vice-Chair, Education, Professor of Ophthalmology and Pathology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and Adjunct Professor, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Edward is glaucoma specialist who maintains a busy clinical and surgical schedule for the treatment of advanced and complex glaucoma. He has a wide range of research interests in the fields of glaucoma, ophthalmic education, ophthalmic pathology, biomarkers, cell biology and proteomics. He has over 250 publications and has edited a textbook on glaucoma. He an active member of the American Academy of ophthalmology and received the Senior Achievement Award, and a member of the American Glaucoma Society. Dr Edward is an innovative educator and has been awarded several teaching awards during his career including a Lifetime teaching award at the University of Illinois.
Dr Edward has memberships in several professional societies including AAO, AGS, Verhoeff-Zimmerman Society, and the American Ophthalmological Society.
Prof. Dr. Elisabeth M. Messmer, F.E.B.O., is part of the faculty at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich since June 1997 and was appointed professor in 2014. Her clinical specialties are medical and surgical cornea, ocular surface disease, and inflammatory diseases of the anterior segment of the eye. In addition, she is head of the department of Ophthalmic Pathology at LMU Munich. She is part of the Executive Committee of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), treasurer of the newly formed European Dry Eye Society (EuDES), and member of numerous organizations including DOG, TFOS, DOP, EOPS, and ARVO, She acts as reviewer for several national and international journals, has published over 100 articles in distinguished journals and has contributed to and/or edited 13 ophthalmology books.
Professor Fotis Topouzis received his MD from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 1986. Topouzis pursued residency training in Ophthalmology at the “Saint-Antoine” Hospital and National Center of Ophthalmology “Quinze Vingts” Hospital Paris, France 1986 – 1990. In 1992 he received his Ph.D. in Psychophysics at the Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece. He completed his Fellowship in comprehensive ophthalmology and cornea at the National Center of Ophthalmology “Quinze Vingts” Hospital Paris, France as “Assistant Specialiste des Hopitaux de Paris” in 1993. He completed his Fellowship in glaucoma at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA in 1998. Professor Topouzis joined the
Department of Ophthalmology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2001. He is the Head and Founder of the Laboratory of Research and Clinical Applications in Ophthalmology. Professor Topouzis has participated one visiting professorship: Jules Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA. Professor Topouzis is currently Chair of the 1st Department of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital.
Francesco Carones, MD was born in Italy in 1963. He graduated in 1988 at the University of Milan, Italy, where he attended the Department of Ophthalmology as resident. In 1992 he took a clinical training period focused on refractive surgery at Emory University, Atlanta GA, USA. Formerly he was Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of Refractive Surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, S. Raffaele Hospital, University of Milan, Italy. Now in private practice, Dr. Carones is co-founder, Medical Director and Physician CEO (Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. USA) of Advalia Vision (formerly Carones Vision) at Advalia in Milan, Italy where he performs mainly lens replacement and refractive surgery.
Dr. Carones is involved in refractive surgery since 1989, when he started pioneering the use of excimer laser. He participated at several clinical trials, including the first human study on hyperopia correction using erodible masks. He explored the application of mitomycin C after laser surgery. He was among the first to have access to the tracker-assisted flying-spot ablation technology and to propose LASEK. Currently he is clinical investigator for major surgical companies. He is one of the first users of a recently launched platform for lenticular extraction. As for lens replacement surgery, he was the first to implant a toric multifocal IOL as well as a low power add multifocal IOL. More recently, Dr. Carones developed particular interest in all presbyopia-correcting and presbyopia-mitigating IOLs, focusing on patient education. He developed the first objective measurement software for defocus curves. His cataract and refractive surgery practice also involves phakic IOLs, intracorneal ring segments, corneal inlays, corneal cross-linking.
Dr. Carones published 161 papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, books and book chapters on refractive and cataract surgery and corneal topography. His research activities lead him to lecture and present at major meetings on refractive surgery worldwide, including AAO, ASCRS, ESCRS, IIIC, AECOS and ISRS. He is Associate Editor of the Journal of Refractive surgery and member of the most important Editorial Boards. He currently serves as Board Member of International Ophthalmological Societies (AECOS, RSA, WCRSVS), and president-elect for AECOS Europe. Dr. Carones serves as Member of the Advisory Board of major ophthalmic companies (Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Hoya, WaveLight). He has been listed in the top 100 most inspirational and influential leaders in Ophthalmology in 2023-2024 (PowerList, the Ophthalmologist).
Consultant Ophthalmic and Vitreoretinal Surgeon at Venizeleio Hospital of Heraklion. He Specializes in Glaucoma Surgery, Vitreoretinal Diseases, Cataract Surgery & Eyelid Surgery.
Dr. Giovanni Battista Marcon was born in Aviano (PN) – ITALY 15th March 1961. After his bachelor he studied Medicine at the University of PADUA ITALY where he graduated in 1985. He was immediately admitted to the EYE UNIVERSITY CLINIC of PADUA (in 1985) and he specialized in Ophthalmology in 1989 with maximum of votes and laude. During his permanence in the Clinic, he was member of the Regional Center for Immunopathology of the eye directed by Prof. A.Secchi. In 1988 he performed a 1 year Fellowship in Immunopathology of the eye at the Bicetre University EYE Department (PARIS FRANCE) directed by Prof. OFFRET and worked together with Dr Etienne Bloch-Michel who was at that time President of IUSG (International Uveitis Study Group) From 1991 he has worked as ophthalmic surgeon at the Public Hospital of Bassano del Grappa (VI) ITALY. Director of the EYE Department of the Public Hospital of Gorizia-ITALY from August 2001 to December 2009
Associate Professor University of Padua since 2010. He is now in Private practice since 2010. He has organized National and International meetings (even with live surgery) in particular the first meeting in ITALY on MICS surgery (in 2002) and other meetings on the children and adult strabismus surgery with live surgery ( called Videostrabismo). He has been the Local Organiser of the Meeting of the European Strabismological Association (E.S.A.) held in Venice (Italy) in October 2015.
He has served as Councillor, Secretary and President of the Italian Strabismological Association for more than 15 years. Council Member of the European Strabismological Association since 2013, he has served as Secretary/Treasurer of the same Association from 2015 to 2023. He has served as IPOSC Secretary/Treasurer from July 2021 to July 2024. He is Council member of ISA (International Strabismological Association). Member of the Italian Ophthalmological Society, of the ItalianStrabismological Association and , in the past,of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. As an Institutional task he has trained young surgeons specially on the anterior segment surgery and strabismus surgery for many years. He has been involved since 1995 in a project called the Rural Eye Screening in Kenia and works in collaboration with the North Kinangop Catholic Hospital in NAIVASHA KENIA. Once a year since 1995 he performs surgical operation and trains ophthalmic surgeon and nurses in Kenia.During his career he has performed more than 30.000 eye surgical operations mainly in the Anterior Segment of the Eye and Strabismus surgery : cataract surgery ( adults and children) using innovative techniques (bimanual and microcoaxial phaco) and using innovative IOL (accomodating and multifocal), perforating and non-perforating glaucoma surgery as well as penetrating keratoplasty and excimer laser and non-excimer laser refractive surgery.
In the last 15 years he has dedicated his entire activity to Strabismology (child and adult strabismus) which is now his main activity and field of clinical research.He is now the Director of the “Strabismological and Diplopia Centre” in Bassano del Grappa – ITALY.
Hajiba Raoui is an accomplished healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience driving business growth, innovation, and operational excellence. As Vice-President for the GEM region at Alcon, she oversees strategy, market development, and leadership across diverse global markets in LATAM, Europe, Middle-East, Africa and South-East Asia. Previously, Hajiba held key roles at Siemens and Bayer, leading successful expansions in medical technologies and diagnostics. She holds advanced degrees in Marketing and Biomedical Technologies and is fluent in Arabic, French, and English. Passionate about advancing healthcare, she combines strategic insight with a strong commitment to innovation and team development.
Dr. Kamal Bhushan Kapur is a renowned ophthalmologist and one of the twos CO- founders of Sharp Sight Group of Hospitals, which operates 16 hospitals across India. With near three decades of experience in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Kapur is widely recognized for his expertise in cataract and refractive surgery , technology, public speaking skills .With a passion for teaching ,mentoring fellow ophthalmologist and entrepreneurs , also known for training in public speaking at various platforms . being known for entrepreneurial approach to achieve and set up an organization and a corporate structure in eye care spaces. Often sought after by fellow colleagues and and seniors alike.
Dr. Karsten Klabe is a Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist with extensive expertise in glaucoma, cataract, and retina surgeries, as well as medical retina treatments. Based in Düsseldorf, Germany, he has been a key figure at the MVZ Breyer, Kaymak, Klabe Oberkassel since 2017, while also consulting at Breyer, Kaymak, Klabe Augenchirurgie since 2015. He previously held leadership roles at Marien Hospital and Saint Martinus Hospital. Dr. Klabe has contributed significantly to clinical research as a Principal Investigator, and he is a member of numerous prestigious ophthalmological societies and has been involved in clinical trials for over a decade.
Dr. Koorosh Faridpooya is a renowned ophthalmologist specializing in vitreoretinal, cataract and refractive surgery, celebrated for his pioneering work in robotic-assisted ophthalmic procedures. He currently serves as the Medical Leader and Head of the Vitreoretinal Department at the Rotterdam Eye Hospital, where he has been a senior vitreoretinal staff member since 2010 training numerous national and international vitreoretinal fellows.Dr. Faridpooya's academic journey began with a Medical
Diploma and Doctorate from the Medical University of Ioannina, Greece, in 2001. His commitment to advancing his expertise led him to complete advanced fellowships in vitreoretinal surgery under prominent mentors at institutions such as the Rotterdam Eye Hospital and Middelheim Hospital in Antwerp. Throughout his career, he has led significant projects, including the development of master-slave robotic systems for vitreoretinal surgeries in collaboration with the Technical University of Eindhoven. His research also extends to pioneering studies on virtual reality training devices and robotic diagnostic machines combined with A.I., in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich. Additionally, he is working on developing better and more efficient methods to treat patients with endophthalmitis using multi-mono PCR techniques. Dr. Faridpooya has also been a prominent speaker at various international conferences, sharing his insights on robotic surgery and vitreoretinal techniques, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in his field.
Marianthi Psaha currently serves as Head of EMEA at Santen, where she leads the company’s second-largest business region, driving growth and innovation across diverse markets. With over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, she is dedicated to improving patients’ lives while navigating complex healthcare challenges. Before this role, Marianthi led Santen’s global efforts in cell and gene therapy, focusing on developing transformative treatments for inherited retinal diseases. Her career spans gene therapy, rare diseases, and specialty care, including her time at Novartis, where she led the launch of the first-ever gene therapy for ophthalmology. Marianthi holds degrees from McGill University, Glasgow Caledonian University, and an MBA from Warwick Business School. She is based in Basel, Switzerland, where she lives with her family
Mr Marwan Ghabra a senior consultant at Barts Healthcare Authority With over 35 years of clinical, surgical and logistical experience in Ophthalmology. Mr Ghabra has been heavily involved in the teaching and training of young ophthalmologists in London. Honorary Senior Lecturer Centre For Oral Immunology and Regenerative Medicine Queen Mary University of London Mr. Ghabra is a published researcher, author and co-authored various publications in ophthalmology in Cataract and Keratoconus surgery, and has presented his work to both international and national audiences. In addition to being a Consultant Ophthalmologist, Mr Marwan Ghabra is a keen inventor, focusing on ophthalmic devices designed to tackle huge unmet needs in the ophthalmic space. Mr Ghabra is co-founder of MAG Optics Inc, an ophthalmic device innovation company based in Boston, USA.
Dr. Miltos Balidis is a highly regarded ophthalmologist specialized in the field. He completed his specialization in ophthalmology at the University of London and Royal Free University Hospital, followed by a two-year fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Dr. Balidis served as a Postdoctoral Cornea Consultant at the Eye Clinic of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for nine years and was the Scientific Director of the Eye Department at the Interbalkan Medical Centre of Northern Greece for seven years.
He is a co-founder of the IRIS Laser Center in Larissa and Tirana as well as a co-owner of the Protypo Eye Center. Currently, he is the co-founder and appointed director of the Ophthalmica Eye Institute, the first multidisciplinary eye hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Dr. Balidis has a prominent role in professional societies, having served on the board of the Hellenic Society of Intraocular Implants and Refractive Surgery (HSIOIRS) for twelve years, including a term as President from 2018 to 2023. He also served as the President of the South East Europe Cataract and Refractive Society and as the country representative of Greece in the ISRS International Council. Recently, he was appointed as a member of the Program Committee of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Vice president of International Keratoconus Society (IKS)
With 45 Medline and 23 non-Medline publications in international peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Balidis has also contributed chapters to various scientific books in ophthalmology. He has been an invited speaker at the annual conference of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (2006, 2007, 2014) and received the Academy’s Achievement Award in 2014. His expertise has led him to speak at numerous international conferences and participate as a surgeon in live operations across various prestigious Congresses worldwide.
Vice President, Head of Emerging Markets & South Europe
(from 2023)
30+ years in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Industry
1987 – 2001 Pharmacia, initially Germany, after Turkey
2001 – 2003 Country Manager Turkey
2003 – 2009 Shering-Plough, General Manager Turkey
2009 – 2011 MSD, Managing Director/ Turkey
12+ years with Bausch+Lomb:
2012 Country Manager, Turkey & Greece
2014 VP Regional Head Bausch Health, TMEA
Board Member – Association of Research-Based Industry Turkey
Chairperson 2008-2010
2017 Regional Head, TGMEA Pharma
2019 Regional Head Pharma, TGMEA, Romania, Bulgaria & CIS
2022 Vice President, Regional Head Pharma & Consumer,
Eastern Europe, Russia/CIS and Middle East & Africa
Dr. Ramappa is a distinguished clinician-scientist and a leading authority in pediatric corneal diseases and anterior segment developmental abnormalities. He heads the Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, the Institute for Rare Eye Diseases & Ophthalmic Genetics, and the Centre for COVID Eye Diseases Study at L V Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Dr. Ramappa’s substantial contributions to the field include over 135 peer-reviewed publications, 18 academic textbook chapters, and more than 100 oral and poster presentations. He has received 40 national and international awards, including those from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
He pioneered pediatric corneal transplantations, performing over 200 procedures annually at L V Prasad Eye Institute. His clinical research focuses on long-term outcomes of corneal grafting in children, comparative case cohorts of novel selective tissue transplantation procedures, and evaluating complications and outcomes of innovative techniques. Dr. Ramappa’s areas of expertise include rare eye diseases, ocular genetics, corneal imaging, herpetic infections, ocular drug delivery systems, and advanced pediatric cataract surgery using state-of-the-art intraocular lenses.
His laboratory-based work involves translational and clinical research on pediatric corneal diseases and genetic abnormalities. Dr. Ramappa has developed an innovative disruptive less invasive surgical technique called Selective Endothelialialectomy in Peters Anomaly (SEPA), which has been adopted by numerous pediatric surgeons for managing Peters anomaly cases. He is also investigating gene editing for corneal endothelial dystrophies, transcriptional developmental abnormalities of the cornea, and creating a single-cell cornea atlas using cell transcriptomics.
As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Ramappa actively engages in clinical research programs to validate the genetic basis of pediatric corneal diseases. He has published original research articles on various pediatric corneal diseases, including corneal dystrophies. Dr. Ramappa has also served as the principal investigator (PI) for numerous grants and clinical trials, such as a Phase II trial evaluating the effectiveness of topical NSAID eye drops in treating congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED).
Bio- Dr. Pooja Khamar is a distinguished consultant in cataract and refractive services at Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute. With extensive clinical and research experience, she has significantly advanced ophthalmology, particularly through her Ph.D. research on wound healing in refractive surgery at Maastricht University. Her specialized training includes a CORE fellowship at Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, focusing on cataract and refractive surgery, dry eye, and keratoconus. Dr. Khamar is actively involved in translational research at the GROW and IBMS Lab, working on projects that benefit patients and the medical community. Recognized through numerous publications and as a faculty member at prestigious conferences, Dr. Khamar has been named one of the Top 10 Rising Stars of Ophthalmology and awarded the Troutman Award for her exceptional contributions to refractive surgery. Her work has been honored on both national and international platforms. With her extensive knowledge, clinical expertise, and research contributions, Dr. Khamar is a trusted authority in ophthalmology, dedicated to improving patient care and advancing scientific understanding.
Dr Ramesh Kekunnaya is the Network Director – Technology Innovation at LVPEI. The other major portfolios that he is handling include Director of the Child Sight Institute, Director of Centre for Technology Innovation, and Head – Jasti V Ramanamma Children’s Eye Care Centre at LVPEI. Dr Kekunnaya is also an Executive Bureau Director of the World Society for Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (WSPOS), Founder Executive Bureau member of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Network (POSN) of India, and an Administrative Council Member of the International Strabismological Association (ISA).
Dr Kekunnaya received his basic medical training from the Karnataka Medical College, Hubli, and specialized in ophthalmology from the Government Medical College, Mysore. He completed a fellowship in Paediatric and Neuro Ophthalmology, Strabismus and Comprehensive Ophthalmology at LVPEI, followed by a Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Fellowship (AAPOS accredited) at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, USA. His core clinical interests include simple and complex strabismus in adults and children (squint), childhood cataract, vision development, myopia, amblyopia (lazy eye) and neuro-ophthalmological disorders in children.
He has been honoured with Achievement Awards from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr Kekunnaya is also the recipient of the International Scholar Award and International Education Award from AAO, and Honor Award from the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
Dr Kekunnaya has authored over 150 publications in peer-reviewed journals in addition to having written over 25 text book chapters. He is the Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Section Editor for the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the Current Eye Research, and the BMJ Open Ophthalmology. He has presented widely, is invited as keynote speakers at both national and global levels, and is passionate about teaching.
Consultant Cornea and Refractive surgery Clinical and translational Scientist, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, INDIA GROW laboratories Faculty, Dept. of Ophthalmology, Univ. Maastricht.
Prof. Dr. Rohit Shetty is the Vice Chairman of Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute. He is a Professor at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, India and an Adjunct Associate Professor at MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore and is an Affiliate Associate Professor and PhD guide at the Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Prof. Dr. Rohit Shetty has over 200 Publication in peer reviewed indexed Journals. He is a Corneal Refractive Surgeon at Narayana Nethralaya Eye Institute, Bangalore, India. His other areas of work include Neuro-ophthalmology electrophysiology.
Prof. Dr. Rohit Shetty defended his PhD from Maastricht University, Netherlandson Understanding the Clinical, Immunological and Genetic Molecular Mechanism of Keratoconus. He has a special interest in the management of Keratoconus, tear film abnormalities and biomarkers. He has introduced cutting edge technology at Narayana Nethralaya and spearheads treatment for challenging eye disorders.
In the 2015 annual conference of the All India Ophthalmological Society, Dr. Rohit Shetty won the prestigious Col. Rangachari award for the overall best paper of the conference for his work on “Is Inflammation Driving Keratoconus? – A Holistic Study Of Molecular Pathways”.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recently conferred an achievement award to Dr. Rohit Shetty for the distinguished services he has rendered over the years to the programs of the society.
Mr Hamada is a highly trained and experienced consultant ophthalmologist and cornea surgeon with a special interest in cornea, cataract and laser and lens refractive surgeries in adults and children. He serves as the Clinical Lead of the Cornea Plastic Unit and Eye Bank at Victoria Hospital NHS Trust and is the Medical Director of the Eye Clinic London. With over 25 years in ophthalmology, he is a pioneer in managing corneal diseases in children. As one of the few eye surgeons worldwide with the educational, academic, and clinical expertise, Mr Hamada excels in handling complex paediatric corneal cases. Mr. Hamada holds advanced qualifications in Cataract and Refractive surgery, including a master’s degree from Ulster University and fellowship training at prestigious international eye centres. He has performed more than 20,000 cataract surgeries, many involving intricate cases that were referred for his expertise and skills .Mr.Hamada is renowned for his expertise in high-risk corneal transplantation, ocular surface reconstruction, and complex corneal diseases. He has performed advanced paediatric and adult corneal surgeries, including SALK, DALK, DSEK, DMEK, and more.
Dr. Sebastian Becker has worked on Mallorca since 2005 and heads the German Ophthalmology Clinic Mallorca, a joint venture with the German Medical Centre.
Approbation in 2004 in Cologne, Residency training at the University Clinic of Barcelona, Statements 2010
Focus:Cataract surgery, Intravitreal injections,Specialist for AMD therapies,Cosmetic operations around the eyes.
Member of the European Society of Refractive Surgery
Member of the Society of Refractive, intraocular surgery
Member of the Society of Plastic Lidchirugie
Bob and Dolores Hope – Robert M. Ellsworth, M.D. Distinguished Professor in Ophthalmology; Professor of Genetic Medicine; Associate Dean, Clinical Compliance; Senior Councilor, General Faculty Council; Chief, Retina Service; Weill Cornell Medical College
Szilárd Kiss, MD, FASRS received his undergraduate degree with honors from Columbia College and medical school training at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. He then moved to Boston for his ophthalmology residency and surgical vitreoretinal fellowship at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary.
Szilárd was recruited to the Department of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell in 2008, where his is now the Bob and Dolores Hope – Robert M. Ellsworth, M.D. Distinguished Professor in Ophthalmology, Professor of Genetic Medicine, and the Chief of the Retina Service. Szilárd is the past Chair of the General Faculty Council, where he now serves as Senior Councilor. Additionally, Szilárd is the Associate Dean of Clinical Compliance at Weill Cornell, overseeing all healthcare related compliance and regulatory matters at Cornell University.
Szilárd’s research career started as an undergraduate at Columbia, where, in conjunction with the NASA and the Department of Defense, he was part of a team that evaluated the implications of microgravity on early developmental patterning with experiments launched on the space shuttles Discovery and Columbia. Since coming to Weill Cornell, Szilárd has garnered an international reputation as a pioneer, leader and a prominent clinical expert who has had a significant impact on the practice of retina. Szilárd has authored over 350 publications (24,109 citations on Google Scholar, with an h-index of 79), given over 300 invited lectureships worldwide, and serves on the Editorial Board and as a scientific reviewer to numerous journals. In addition to his scientific efforts, Szilárd is a renowned medical and surgical vitreoretinal specialist; his clinical practice draws patients from all regions of the world.
When the international publication, The Ophthalmologist, selected Szilárd as one of the Top 40 Under 40 world-wide, they cited his work on ‘…retinal imaging, ocular gene therapy, novel therapeutic targets for ocular neovascularization, and genetic markers for retinal diseases.’ In parallel with this selection, Szilárd was chosen to be part of the charter class ‘…of significant living and posthumous contributors to our field…’ and inducted into The Retina Hall of Fame. Szilárd was the youngest inductee, recognized for ‘a lifetime of…innovation and dedication to patient care, research, education, and leadership.’ Additionally, Szilárd was named by Ocular Surgery News: Retina as one of the 150 Innovators in Medical and Surgical Retina worldwide, ‘…a compilation of specialists who either work to educate their colleagues or innovate by developing novel technologies and techniques to advance the specialty.’
Warren E. Hill, MD, FACS, has been in private practice in Mesa, Arizona, for 39 years. He graduated from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He completed two years of internal medicine training at the Phoenix Good Samaritan Medical Center in Arizona and three years of ophthalmology training at the University of Rochester in New York. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, the American College of Eye Surgeons, the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and the World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences. He has devoted his career to challenging anterior segment surgery and the mathematics of intraocular lens power calculations. Dr. Hill is best known for helping physicians obtain the best possible accuracy for IOL power selection. His websites doctor-hill.com, the artificial intelligence IOL power calculator at RBFCalculator.com, the SIA-calculator.com surgically induced astigmatism website, and the ASCRS post-refractive calculator iolcalc.ascrs.org, developed with Doug Koch and Li Wang at Baylor University, are some of the most popular IOL power calculation resources in ophthalmology, with a combined total of approximately 1.6 million visits per year.
Dr. Hill has published extensively, has been a visiting professor for grand rounds at numerous institutions, and is an Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. He has delivered 36 eponymous lectureships and presented 933 clinical papers at national and international meetings in 47 countries. In 2007, Dr. Hill was appointed the Cataract and Anterior Segment Subspecialty Editor of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Ophthalmic News and Education (O.N.E.) Network, a position he held until 2010. He has performed live cataract surgery at ophthalmology meetings in North America, South America, and Europe. He is a member of the International Intra-Ocular Implant Club, which is limited to 250 master surgeons worldwide. In 2014, Dr. Hill gave the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Innovator’s Lecture; in 2015, he gave the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Charles Kelman Lecture. In 2016, he received the Rayner Medal in Ophthalmology from the United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. In 2017, he received the Presidential Recognition Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery. In 2022, he gave the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Lindstrom Medal Lecture on his main area of interest, IOL power selection by artificial intelligence.
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