What It Is About:
The “Eye & Beyond II” conference, held on September 26 at the Tel Aviv Hilton, was hosted by the Ophthalmology Division at Rabin (Beilinson) Medical Center. The event was a groundbreaking showcase of the latest innovations in ophthalmology, featuring cutting-edge advancements ranging from surgical techniques to revolutionary treatments for vision restoration. This provided a platform for esteemed experts, researchers, and clinicians to discuss and innovate in the ophthalmic field.
Why It Matters:
The conference underscored Beilinson Medical Center’s commitment to pioneering research in ophthalmology and improving the quality of life for patients globally. The event catalyzed collaborations and knowledge exchange among Israeli and international thought leaders, ensuring that Israel remains at the forefront of medical innovation.
Details:
Prof. Irit Bahar, the head of the Ophthalmology Division at Beilinson Medical Center, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “Overall, the conference served as a significant platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and fostering advancements in eye care, paving the way for future collaborations and innovations in the field.” Despite initial uncertainties, the event attracted around four hundred ophthalmologists and industry professionals.
Key Highlights:
The conference featured roundtable sessions with representatives from nine Israeli startups, presenting innovations in areas such as retinal health, corneal conditions, and imaging software. These discussions, spearheaded by Dr. Gal Antman, sparked potential collaborations and fostered ties with Israel’s robust startup ecosystem.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) was prominently highlighted. Prof. Alon Harris from Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, delved into AI’s transformative impact on ophthalmic diagnostics and treatments, unveiling an AI-powered technique for diagnosing systemic diseases through eye images.
Exciting practical projects included Beilinson Hospital’s “Cataract Pilot,” aimed at enhancing cataract surgeon training via simulators inspired by Air Force methods. Prof. Anat Loewenstein highlighted the importance of home monitoring for patients, utilizing self-monitoring devices to stream vital information to doctors, thus improving patient outcomes.
Notable advancements discussed during the conference included groundbreaking techniques like 3D-printed cornea transplants by an Israeli company, potentially revolutionizing custom solutions for patients. Innovative outcomes also included partnerships with several Israeli startups, promising to drive substantial progress in eye care.
Awards and Innovations:
One highlight was a competition among startups, resulting in Everads Therapy winning for their cutting-edge drug injection technology, while BlinkAid’s approach to addressing computer vision dry eye syndrome claimed second place.
The Bottom Line:
The “Eye & Beyond II” conference, hosted by the Ophthalmology Division at Beilinson Medical Center, has significantly contributed to the field of ophthalmology by serving as a hub for networking, innovation, and international collaboration. This event further cements Israel’s role in leading global medical advancements.
This story was first published on jpost.com.