by Anushka Irodi, Y5 Medical Student, University of Cambridge, UK.
The 52nd Cambridge Ophthalmological Symposium, a renowned two-day national meeting, took place on September 5th and 6th, 2024 at St John’s College, Cambridge, UK. It brought together international leading minds in basic science and clinical ophthalmology to discuss this year’s dynamic theme: Evolution and the Eye.
The first day’s first session delved into the natural resilience of the lens, examining cataracts across species and the evolving status of cataract surgery. The conversation then moved to the cornea including molecular structure, ulceration with a focus on neurotrophic keratopathy, and transplantation. After lunch in St. John’s College Hall, the immune system’s role in ocular health, including animal models and treatment regimens for uveitis was explored. The day concluded with talks on optic disc drusen and the conflicting evidence base for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy treatments. The evening’s annual gala dinner in the College Hall provided delegates an opportunity to unwind and saw Co-Chair Dr. David Williams, head of the university veterinary school’s ophthalmology unit, awarded the Peter Watson medal by academic organiser Prof. Patrick Yu Wai-Man.
The second day focused on the retina, featuring gene therapy, retinal degeneration, macular degeneration treatment and an in-depth diabetic retinopathy discussion. Following his presentation, Prof. Tien Yin Wong was similarly honoured with the prestigious Peter Watson Medal for his role as Co-Chair. The day progressed with cutting-edge updates on experimental, gene and stem-cell therapies for retinal diseases and closed with an exciting outlook on AI and telemedicine, demonstrating real-world examples from China and the UK.
The event lived up to its reputation for lively debate, with discussions on the lens’ regenerative nature, the means of meeting cataract surgery demand, animal research ethics and the balance of priority between screening and treatment for age-related macular degeneration. Quips were traded and at least one ophthalmological pun - “there’s more to this than meets the eye!” - was heard in a back-and-forth about selective evolution of the lens.
With over 150 delegates from around the world, the 52nd Cambridge Ophthalmological Symposium meeting was a splendid success, guiding delegates through a captivating journey of ophthalmic research evolution. Co-Chairs Dr. Williams and Prof. Wong expressed their enthusiasm for the annual gathering: “For over 50 years, the COS has brought together key thought leaders in ophthalmology and vision science from around the world to share lessons and insights on specific topics, covering historical landmark developments, to the latest technological trends and cutting-edge research. From at one end, the evolution of transparency in the cornea and lens through the evolution of diagnostic and surgical techniques right up to the future - be it in robotic techniques or in AI for diagnostics or attempts to make therapeutic pathways in the NHS more transparent!”
Save the date for next year’s symposium!
4–5 September 2025, 53rd Cambridge Ophthalmological Symposium: Embryogenesis and the Eye, Chair: Manoj Parulekar, Oxford and Birmingham, UK.
