This past weekend Lublin became the arena for intensive training in cataract surgery, bringing together specialists from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Poland. The event was held under the auspices of the European School of Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology (ESASO), based in Lugano, Switzerland – an institution with a worldwide reputation for training ophthalmologists.
Lublin is one of the four global ESASO centers – along with Lugano, Singapore and Parma – which confirms its position as a leading training center in this part of Europe. – We are a forerunner in Poland, as courses of this type are currently held only in Lublin- emphasizes Prof. Robert Rejdak. He added that the city has also become a key place of experience exchange for ophthalmologists from Ukraine, who are eager to take advantage of Lublin’s training courses due to its geographical proximity.
Technology, experience and practice
Participants had the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in cataract surgery – both technologically and methodologically. The program included analysis of real cases, video demonstrations from operating rooms, and workshops using innovative intraocular lenses and state-of-the-art equipment.
The classes were held at the Medical Simulation Center of the Medical University of Lublin, which for years has provided facilities for advanced training of doctors. The event was held under the patronage of the university’s rector, Prof. Wojciech Zaluska.
For doctors from Poland and neighboring countries, this is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge from international experts. We hosted lecturers from Ukraine, Romania and Italy, and the substantive level of the training received a very positive response,” says Prof. Rejdak.
Cataract – a silent problem for millions of patients
Cataracts, or opacity of the lens of the eye, affect between 800,000 and even 2 million people in Poland, depending on the data. The number of surgeries performed is steadily increasing – in 2022 there were about 280,000, in 2023 already between 300,000 and 350,000. Experts indicate that in order to ensure full health needs, the number should exceed 400 thousand per year.
Treatments financed by the National Health Fund are free of charge for patients, but often involve a wait of many months – and sometimes even several years. Private clinics remain an alternative, where the cost of the procedure ranges from 3 to 8 thousand zlotys, depending on the lenses used.
Next edition already in autumn
Due to high interest and high evaluation of participants, the next edition of ESASO training has been scheduled for autumn this year. As a city strongly committed to the development of modern ophthalmology, Lublin thus continues its educational and clinical mission, supporting the development of specialists not only from Poland, but also from the entire region.
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