

Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to announce the 11th International Symposium of the Department of Ophthalmology at Sveti Duh University Hospital, titled Hands-on Ophthalmology. It introduces a new, integrated approach to ophthalmic education by combining theory, advanced technology, and practical training into a single event.
For the first time in Croatia, the Hands-on Ophthalmology Symposium introduces a comprehensive hands-on educational approach in ophthalmology. The program aims to provide you with direct experience of the latest advancements in ophthalmic technology, including devices and tools launched globally, some of which are not yet available in clinical practice in Croatia.
Unlike traditional educational models, this approach goes beyond merely introducing new technologies. It enables participants to actively test and explore them with expert guidance. Backed by experienced mentors, you will gain a thorough understanding of their applications, benefits, limitations, and clinical indications, with a special focus on proper patient selection and decision-making in modern ophthalmic practice.
The program begins on April 16, 2026, in the afternoon, with a series of lectures focused on modern therapeutic and surgical methods, designed to build a solid theoretical foundation for the practical training that follows.
On April 17 and 18, 2026, the program will focus entirely on hands-on practice, either individually or in small groups, at more than 20 fully equipped workstations, with mentors always available.
You will work on advanced simulators and practical modules in 3D and 4D cataract surgery, including the implantation of modern intraocular lenses and the principles of personalized surgical planning. You will learn the latest therapeutic and surgical approaches to diseases of the posterior segment of the eye, including surgical procedures, and become familiar with the principles of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery as well as the use of VR technology in gene therapy.
New insights will be provided into modern diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to dry eye disease, as well as the latest cross-linking techniques for treating keratoconus. Through structured hands-on training, you will review the key steps of preoperative optical and ultrasound diagnostics and, with a digitally integrated surgical platform, connect all stages of the process, from precise biometry to the safe completion of surgery.
The goal of the Hands-on Ophthalmology program is to help you gain confidence and become ready to perform surgeries involving new technologies in your daily clinical practice.
Due to the individualized approach and small-group work, the number of places is limited.
Registration is now open!
Secure your place in time.
Welcome!
Organizing Committee
Hands-on Ophthalmology Symposium 2026

Specialized Workshops:
Surgery, 3D Visualization, VR, and Advanced Diagnostics
1. UNITY® Vitreoretinal Cataract System
“Experience the surgery of the future – today.”
Premiere in Croatia! Discover a new era of ophthalmic surgery with groundbreaking 4D technology that broadens the scope of anterior segment procedures. Innovation combines power and precision through intelligent control of fluidics and intraoperative pressure, along with the world’s fastest vitrectomy technology, allowing up to 30,000 cuts per minute. Experience a platform that redefines surgical precision, control, speed, and efficiency.
2. – 4. CENTURION® Vision System i mikroskop LuxOR® Revalia – WET LAB
“Your first cataract begins here.”
Step into a realistic operating room simulation and experience cataract surgery with one of the most advanced phacoemulsification systems available. Active Fluidics™ technology and the ACTIVE SENTRY® handpiece ensure anterior chamber stability, even at settings close to physiological intraocular pressure. The system actively compensates for pressure fluctuations in real time, preventing sudden chamber collapse and potential damage to intraocular structures, giving you full control from the very first movement.
5. - 6. CONSTELLATION® Vision System, LuxOR® Revalia Microscope and NGENUITY® 3D
Visualization System – 3D VIT-RET WET LAB
“Vitreoretinal surgery – from knowledge to confident movement.”
Discover the power of the Alcon Constellation® Vision System in delivering precision beyond expectations. Speed enhances safety with 20,000 cuts per minute, reduced traction, and quicker recovery. With intuitive pressure control, integrated laser options, flexible probes, and advanced fluidics management, every procedure is controlled and elegant. Constellation® combines power, precision, and innovation – everything surgeons want within reach.
“Change your perspective – operate in 3D.”
Leave the microscope oculars behind and enter the world of digital surgery. Operate with a 3D monitor that offers impressive depth perception, superior magnification, and enhanced ergonomics to reduce fatigue and keep full focus on the procedure.
• NGENUITY and LuxOR® Revalia workshop (Friday, April 17)
7. - 8. Ocular Biometry, Astigmatism Correction and the CLAREON® Platform – Next Generation IOLs
“Plan precisely. Operate flawlessly.”
Master the essential steps of preoperative diagnostics. Use the ARGOS® biometer to obtain highly accurate biometric measurements that establish the foundation for predictable refractive results, while the VERION® Image Guided System transforms your surgical plan into an intraoperative reality by providing digital guidance, precise alignment, and optimal positioning of the intraocular lens. Because excellent surgery starts with precise planning.
“Clear vision. Beyond expectations.”
Explore the benefits of EDOF, monofocal, and trifocal intraocular lenses and see how advanced technology helps patients achieve clear vision at all distances, often without glasses. Help your patients rediscover life in sharp focus.
9. Fidelis™ Virtual Reality Surgical Simulator
“Before the operating room – enter the virtual one.”
Practice, make mistakes, and improve—without risking the patient. Realistic virtual surgery helps develop precision, coordination, and confidence before you perform on an actual operating table.
10. Intravitreal Injection Workshop – Eylea® 8 mg and OcuClick System
“Precision that builds confidence.”
Discover the innovative OcuClick system, which allows for precise intravitreal therapy dosing without manual measurement, boosting safety and efficiency.
Bonus workshop: develop your indirect ophthalmoscopy skills under expert guidance.
11. Virtual Microsurgery: Educational VR Platform for Subretinal Delivery
“A future competency: subretinal delivery.”
Subretinal delivery is becoming an essential skill in the age of gene therapy and advanced targeted treatments. This educational VR platform provides safe, structured training in precise subretinal application – a technique expected to become a key part of modern retinal practice. Be prepared..
12. EYESI Surgical Simulator
“The standard of safety is set before the first incision.”
Develop surgical skills through structured hands-on practice in a realistic 3D simulation environment with objective performance analysis. Because excellence is not accidental – it is the result of training.
13. ABSOLU® – Ultrasound Diagnostics
“Precision in depth. Beyond the limits of visibility.”
Refine diagnostic protocols for eye and orbit ultrasound examinations, including high-frequency UBM anterior segment imaging and standardized echography for accurate tissue differentiation.
14. Compact Touch® – Ultrasound Diagnostics
“Advanced diagnostics in an intuitive format. Digital precision at your fingertips.”
Discover a highly integrated system providing exceptional image quality – perfect for faster, safer, and more reliable diagnostics in daily clinical practice.
15. C.DIAG® – Dry Eye Diagnostics
“AI-supported precision in dry eye diagnosis.”
Develop an automated platform that utilizes AI algorithms to screen and monitor dry eye disease, integrating meibography, TBUT, interferometry, and tear meniscus measurement into a unified diagnostic workflow.
16. C.STIM® – IPL Therapy for Dry Eye
“New energy in dry eye treatment.”
Tear film stabilization with IPL technology. Experience an intense pulsed light system that decreases inflammation, enhances Meibomian gland function, and stabilizes the tear film, providing relief to patients.
17. OPTO YAG/SLT M – Laser Therapy
“A millisecond that clears the path for light.”
From the initial pulse to an immediate clinical response, experience the effectiveness of modern laser therapy through hands-on practice with an eye model. The integrated YAG/SLT system enables you to master two different treatment principles on a single platform. Develop a strong sense of control over the energy you deliver. In laser therapy, precision isn't optional; it's the standard.
18. SD-OCT REVO 130 and REVO 60
“See more. Diagnose earlier.”
Measure, quantify, and monitor changes from the cornea to the retina using simultaneous OCT and fundus imaging – enabling safer clinical decisions.
19. Optos Silverstone
“A wider picture in a fraction of a second.”
Capture up to 200° of the retina in a single ultra-widefield image with exceptional clarity in less than half a second. Because the true diagnosis often lies beyond the center.
20. KXL CrossLinking UV
“Faster treatment. Equal safety.”
Discover a next-generation device for more efficient and modern keratoconus treatment. It reduces the duration of cross-linking procedures by increasing UVA power while maintaining the same total energy.
21. Oertli HFDS®
“Minimally invasive. Maximally effective.”
Experience modern ab interno MIGS technology (implant-free) that uses high-frequency diathermy to create small sclerotomy pockets in the iridocorneal angle, effectively and durably controlling intraocular pressure. Minimally invasive with clinically proven long-term results – enhance your surgical outcomes.
Premiere in Croatia.
22. ELIOS (Excimer Laser Intra Ocular Surgery) – MIGS System for Open-Angle Glaucoma
“Small procedure. Big impact.”
Step into a new era of glaucoma treatment with ELIOS, an excimer laser MIGS technology designed for precise reduction of intraocular pressure. Discover a unique and elegant implant-free approach that effectively lowers IOP with minimal tissue trauma.

HANDS-ON OPHTHALMOLOGY
VENI. OPERA. VICI.
Platforms for developing clinical and surgical skills and implementing digital and AI solutions.
Three days of learning and experience shaping the future of ophthalmology.
HANDS-ON OPHTHALMOLOGY is Croatia's first three-day practical symposium that entirely transforms the way ophthalmology education is provided.
This isn’t about just sitting in the audience.
This isn’t passive listening.
Here, you work and learn at the same time.
HANDS-ON OPHTHALMOLOGY is based on an active, experiential, and competency-focused educational model under the guidance of experienced mentors. The program aims to develop surgical skills, visual-cognitive integration, and precise clinical decision-making simultaneously.
VENI.
Three days of intensive education
- over 20 educational platforms
- 7 parallel rooms
- unlimited access to all content
OPERA.
Work – because skill does not come from observation.
- performing surgical techniques on models
- training on certified virtual simulators
- learning through virtual reality (VR) using original devices
- exploring new technologies and devices presented in Croatia for the first time
- individual work or small-group training under continuous expert supervision
VICI.
Competence based on performance. Safety based on experience.
- redefining the surgical approach by integrating visual perception, spatial
analysis, and sequential surgical thinking.
- building manual confidence and consistent performance while improving
precise and structured clinical decision-making.
- gaining understanding and operational readiness for new technologies and
surgical platforms prior to their widespread clinical adoption
- achieving professional excellence through practical competence, not just
theoretical knowledge
VENI. OPERA. VICI.
One decision.
Three days.
Clinical excellence.
SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW – THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED.
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FUTURE OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
Wet lab surgery • 3D Visualization • VR Simulation •
AI Diagnostics • Hands-On Education Zone
🎯 Limited spots available
Tehnička i organizacijska provedba:
BTM Global d.o.o.
Gradišćanska 32, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Tel: +385 91 4009111
OIB: 60782317916
IBAN: HR8924020061100879750

Hrvatsko oftalmološko
i optometrijsko društvo
