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SOE Grant applications are now open until September 2012.
All applications must be submitted through the website using the online application form.Applicants must not approach clinics until they have been informed that they have been awarded a grant. All applicants will be notified by December 2012. To apply click on the Grants tab now.
A stimulating session on Ocular Pathology & Tumor case presentations was chaired by Prof. Stefan Seregard, with speakers Prof. Nikos Bechrakis, Prof. Heinrich Heimann and Prof. Edoardo Midena all adding to the engaging discussion. All agreed on the success of the session in encouraging informative and engaging discussion in this highly significant area.
Busan Opening Ceremony
Zdenek Gregor, Stefan Seregard and Gabriel van Rij at the APAO/SOE Opening Ceremony
The APAO/SOE Congress began with an opening ceremony celebrating Korean culture with music and dancing.
SOE President Stefan Seregard addressed the audience with the following Welcome speech,
“Professor Kwak, Professor Tham, Professor Martin, Professor Lam, Prof Spivey, Colleagues and Friends,
It is indeed my pleasure and a privilege to address this Joint Congress of the APAO and the SOE.
The scientific Committee led by Prof. Clement Tham has produced an impressive number of top quality scientific sessions. World renowned speakers from all over the world will make this not only a top regional meeting but a true world meeting of unsurpassed quality.
Interestingly, our two societies, APAO and SOE have a bit in common; the societies are of the same age, being founded in 1956 and 1958 in Brussels. We are now both in our mid-50s. We both have children, a boy and a girl. The YO section and the LDP, I am not going to tell you who is who.
Both societies started with a meeting every 4 years, then every 2 years and now you have an annual meeting. So there are a number of parallels and you may almost believe that our societies are siblings.
Yet this is our first Joint Meeting. A great initiative from APAO that makes us realises how much we have in common. Your initiative is well received and much appreciated and one we hope to be able to reciprocate in Europe in the near future. Meanwhile, we invite you all to join the next congress of the SOE which will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark in June next year.
Finally I would like to pay tribute to the Korean Society of Ophthalmology led by Professor Hyang-Woo Kwak, who is graciously hosting this meeting. Korean culture combined with Korean skills and meticulous planning will ensure that this meeting runs smoothly. The few days I have spent in Korea before this meeting have been a highlight and something I will long treasure. We have all come to highly value the Korean culture and way of life.
On behalf of the European contingency I would therefore like to end by paraphrasing General Douglas MacArthur upon leaving Corregidor 70 years ago, ‘We shall return!’
SOE are delighted to be in Busan at the APAO/SOE Congress.
Our president Stefan Seregard, Prof. Bechrakis, Prof. Gabriel van Rij will be holding a number of sessions and Anthony Khawaja will be representing the SOE YO’s. SOE can be found at stand 928 in the Exhibition and we look forward to seeing you.
Updates from the Congress will follow.
