The next Congress of the European Society of Ophthalmology (SOE) will take place on June 8-11, 2013 in Copenhagen. This beautiful capital of Denmark retains the charm of a small town and yet combines it with the air of a busy metropolis.
At the battle of Copenhagen in 1801, Lord Nelson allegedly put the telescope to his blind eye and claimed that he was unable to detect the signal from his superior to disengage the enemy. After ignoring the signal, he pursued the fight and eventually won the battle. However, we now recognize that he was simply worried that the spectacular scenery of Copenhagen would make him forget the fight and lose the battle, so he literally turned a blind eye to any distraction.
To make you forget the charms of Copenhagen (without the use of a blind eye) and stay at the venue we will arrange an unsurpassed scientific programme in close collaboration with the European subspecialty, research and educational organisations in ophthalmology. This results in an outstanding set of speakers covering all topics of ophthalmology. Internationally renowned keynote lecturers will address pertinent issues, specially invited speakers at subspecialty symposia will update us on the current approaches to clinical problems, and course instructors will provide practical tips on how to improve your clinical practice. Free paper sessions, posters and sessions for special interest groups will abound. Allied health professionals may enjoy a designated scientific agenda or simply attend the main lectures. The exhibition area will accommodate most of the industry and feature almost any device or drug conceived for ophthalmology.
The Bella Center congress venue is an outstanding, completely refurbished complex. The spacious halls and contemporary Danish design are flawless. But perhaps best of all: the Bella Center is only a 10 minute metro ride away from the very centre of Copenhagen and five minutes away from the busy international airport.
Should you have some time to spare, friendly Copenhagen is the ideal tourist city easily accessible by public transportation. Numerous distractions include everything from the famous Glyptoteket, a museum for ancient and modern art with some 10,000 artifacts, to Tivoli, the downtown amusement park.
We are convinced that this meeting will be a true highlight. Hope to see you in Copenhagen in June 2013. Stefan Seregard President of the European Society of Ophthalmology