History & Objectives of SOE
Tero T. KIVELÄ, MD, FEBO, President of SOE
Background
SOE was founded in 1956 as The Societas Ophthalmologica Europea (SOE), with the aim “to promote ophthalmology in Europe and to stimulate co-operation between European ophthalmologists and between their national societies”. A Latin name was chosen by its founding fathers to emphasize its supranational nature.
Over the past 70 years, SOE has grown from a relatively small society into a conglomerate of the national ophthalmological societies of all 42 European countries, representing more than 65,000 European ophthalmologists. While the original aims remain relevant, today the Society’s mission is not only to maintain its central point in European ophthalmology through education but also by fostering closer collaboration with sub-specialty societies and supranational organizations within Europe and beyond.
Together with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the Pan-American Academy of Ophthalmology (PAAO), the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO), and the Middle East African Academy of Ophthalmology (MEACO), we represent all national ophthalmological societies across the globe.
SOE Congresses
The SOE Congress is held every two years when numerous symposia and courses are given by leading lecturers from Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and other regions. The meetings reflect the multinational nature of Europe, which has more than 36 official languages, but the entire programme of the SOE Congress is in English. The also foster global attendance. Over the years, the SOE Congresses has taken place in different European cities, such as Nice, Prague, and most recently, in Lisbon in 2025. The 70th anniversary of the founding of SOE will be celebrated in 2027, in Athens.
For more information about SOE, please visit: https://soevision.org/
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credits
Continuing medical education is an important issue both in Europe and in the US and for SOE.
Educational Grants
SOE offers Educational Travel Grants for European ophthalmologists-in-training. These grants help such young doctors not just financially, but they open the doors to sub-specialist departments in all the major European center’s.
SOE also offers Teacher Grants for European Ophthalmologists.
European Leadership Development Programme (EuLDP)
Leadership skills are important for any ophthalmologist and in particular for those who are active in professional societies. Therefore, SOE sponsored several European ophthalmologists to take part in the Leadership Development Programme organised by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Recognising the complex nature of Europe, SOE set up its own EuLDP with the aim to identify future leaders of European Ophthalmology, to offer basic leadership training adapted for ophthalmology and to provide an informal network of peers. The Programme now in its tenth class has produced many leaders across Europe.
Pan-European collaboration
Sub-speciality societies: SOE recognises the increasing tendency among European ophthalmologists to sub-specialise and has responded by inviting all the major Sub-specialty Societies to take part in the preparation of its Congresses, giving the delegates the benefit of the teaching and personal contact with the leaders in each branch of ophthalmology. The response from all the Sub-specialty Societies has been overwhelmingly positive.
Supranational organisations: In addition to its educational activities, SOE attaches a great importance to research and to training and examinations of young ophthalmologists and collaborates increasingly closely with the European Supranational organisations.
SOE Awards
Helmholtz Medal
Founded in 1968 this gold medal is awarded every four years to the European ophthalmologist who has done most for the Society and for ophthalmology. The Helmholtz Medal has previously been awarded to:
J. François, Belgium
J. Charamis, Greece
M. Radnot, Hungary
B. Streiff, Switzerland
F. Fankhauser, Switzerland
H. Henkes, The Netherlands
G. Scuderi, Italy
N. Ehlers, Denmark
L. Missotten, Belgium
J. Cunha-Vaz, Portugal
G. van Rij, The Netherlands
Z.J.Gregor, United Kingdom
Matteo Piovella, Italy
Charamis Medal
The Charamis Medal is given by the Hellenic Ophthalmological Society. It is awarded by the SOE Board every four years to a European ophthalmologist for the greatest achievement in the field of ophthalmic surgery. The Charamis Medal has previously been awarded to:
J. François, Belgium
R. Kloti, Switzerland
C.D. Binkhorst , The Netherlands
J.D. Scott, United Kingdom
G. Meyer-Schwickerath, Germany
G.O.H. Naumann, Germany
G.P. Theodossiadis, Greece
R. Zivojnovic, The Netherlands
Y. Pouliquen, France
R. Collin, United Kingdom
Ioannis Pallikaris, Greece
K. Barton, UK
Lucio Buratto, Italy
Professor Claus Eckardt, Germany
Henkes Medal
The Henkes Medal for Leadership in Ophthalmology, which is given by the Professor Dr Harold Henkes Foundation, was presented for the first time at SOE 2013 to Luc Missotten, Belgium. The Henkes Medal will be awarded every four years to an ophthalmologist for the greatest achievements in the field of leadership in ophthalmology.
2013 L Missotten, Belgium
2017 B. Philipson, Sweden
2023 Stefan Seregard, Sweden
2025 Wagih Aclimandos, UK
Future
SOE is conscious of the rapidly changing situation in European Ophthalmology and recognises the many challenges facing ophthalmologists in every European country. SOE is ready to face these challenges but its success depends on the support of each and every ophthalmologist.
