Marta Wiącek, Poland, Educational Grant report from Universitätsaugenklinik Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Magdeburg, Germany

In November and December 2021 I have spent 2 weeks as an observer in Section for Clinical & Experimental Sensory Physiology, Universitätsaugenklinik Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Magdeburg, Germany. The Visual Processing Laboratory is one of the leading diagnostic and research eye centers, that provides advanced, leading-edge medical care. What is more, located in the central Germany, delivers an academic, clinical and research-based innovations and patient-center services to the people, both locally and internationally.

Under the supervision of Professor Michael Hoffmann I could participate each day in patient’s electrophysiological examination and diagnosis. Moreover, I could also examine the patients and discuss their cases with the laboratory team. During my stay there, I also had the opportunity to attend educational presentations such as lectures and seminars within the Visual Processing Laboratory. This was a great opportunity to practice my German language, enhance the skills I developed during residency, as well as develop new ones.

All medical professionals in the electrophysiology section were helpful, polite, friendly and they have incredible clinical skills. I strongly recommend this center for anybody interested in electrophysiology and young ophthalmologists who want to experience a professional, well-organized ophthalmological laboratory. Special thanks for the head of the Visual Processing Laboratory and my supervisor, Professor Michael Hoffmann, for his kind support, all amazing lectures, useful tips during my stay, as well as outstanding leadership skills and all his effort to integrate all members of the team. I would also like to acknowledge Mrs Juliane Reupsch and Mrs. Francie Kramer for their kind support, professional approach and the huge heart their put into their work.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the European Society of Ophthalmology for selecting me as a recipient of the SOE Educational Grant in 2020. I still feel completely honoured and overwhelmed to have been given this wonderful, life-changing opportunity.