Welcome to the Alps Refractive Surgery Meeting

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is with great pride and gratitude that I look back on the Alps Refractive Surgery Meeting, which took place this November in Graz. The congress successfully built upon more than two decades of tradition and excellence established by the Ljubljana Refractive Surgery Meeting and carried its legacy into a broader, cross-border format.

The gathering represented more than just a new event, it marked the realization of a shared vision that transcends borders, embraces innovation, and strengthens professional ties among ophthalmologists from Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. It was the first meeting of its kind, uniting the Alpine region around the common goal of advancing excellence in refractive and cataract surgery.

At a time of growing patient expectations and rapid technological advancements, the meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to reflect, learn, and shape the future together. We were honored to host leading national experts from all three countries, as well as many renowned international faculty members, who shared their latest insights, techniques, and experiences.

The program delivered a rich blend of clinical knowledge, real-world case discussions, and cutting-edge innovations. For both established specialists and early-career ophthalmologists, the Alps Meeting proved to be a source of valuable learning, inspiration, and connection.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who joined us in Graz and contributed to making this first Alps Refractive Surgery Meeting such a meaningful success. Together, we have strengthened regional collaboration and taken an important step toward our shared mission of delivering ever better vision care for our patients, for our profession, and for the next generation of ophthalmologists.

With appreciation and warm regards,
Kristina Mikek, MD
Chair and Founder, Alps Refractive Surgery Meeting