From 11–13 September, the 43rd Annual Meeting of the European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ESOPRS) brought together colleagues from around the world in the magnificent Municipal House. The Art Nouveau venue, dramatic organ music at the opening ceremony, and a world-class scientific program set the stage for three inspiring days.
It was a great honour to serve as President during this meeting. Highlights for me included:
🎤 Delivering an invited lecture on “The Great Mimic: Diagnostic Pitfalls in Benign and Malignant Lacrimal Gland Tumours” at the Pre-meeting Course Day (11.9.2025).
🎤 Introducing the 2025 Mustardé Lecturer, Prof. Peerooz Saeed, who gave a powerful talk on “The Optic Nerve, a Story of Survival.”
🏆 Presenting the ESOPRS Junior Award to the promising researcher Anne Xuan-Lan Nguyen.
🌍 The sessions covered everything from eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital surgery to cutting-edge advances in AI, endoscopic orbital approaches, and trauma management in times of conflict.
Social highlights were equally memorable:
📸 A welcome reception on a floating restaurant near Mánes Bridge, with stunning views of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
📸 A breathtaking gala dinner at the magnificent Žofín Palace, on an island in the River Moldau.
At the close of the meeting, I had the privilege of handing over the President’s chain to my good friend Miguel Gonzalez Candial from Barcelona. I now look forward to continuing to serve the Society for another two years on the Council as Immediate Past-President.
A heartfelt thank you to the local organizing committee, especially Dr. Vladimír Krátký and Dr. Adam Kopecký, for their tireless efforts. I leave Prague inspired, grateful, and proud — and already excited for what lies ahead!
Dion Paridaens
