On 21 and 22 May 2026, the International Orbital Society Meeting took place at the beautiful Hotel Arena in Amsterdam, excellently organized by Prof. Peerooz Saeed.
The meeting was held in The Chapel, the showpiece of Hotel Arena and the former chapel of the Catholic orphanage built in 1886. It was a truly unique and inspiring setting for two days of scientific exchange, discussion and friendship.
The International Orbital Society (IOS) is a highly selective, by-invitation professional society with a limited international membership, dedicated to advancing orbital surgery and orbitology. It brings together leading surgeons and researchers in ophthalmology, oculoplastic surgery and facial plastic surgery.
I was honoured to present what we believe to be the first case of successful primary stereotactic radiotherapy for a biopsy-proven solitary fibrous tumour of the orbit. In this patient, surgery would have carried a high risk of serious functional complications, including possible loss of vision in her best eye.
It was also a privilege to moderate a session with lively debates on a wide range of orbital topics. One particularly fascinating contribution came from Prof. Eric Schliesser, who gave a historical perspective on the philosopher Baruch Spinoza, born in Amsterdam in 1632 and of Portuguese-Jewish origin.
Most of all, it was wonderful to reconnect with friends and colleagues from around the world, including a special reunion with my ESOPRS friends Francesco Quaranta Leoni and David Verity.
Grateful for the inspiring discussions, warm collegiality and continued exchange within this remarkable international community.
