AEOS Vision Conference 2026 in Damascus: Advancing Ophthalmic Education Through International Collaboration

From 2–4 July 2026, the Arab-European Ophthalmological Society (AEOS) hosted the AEOS Vision Conference – Latest Updates in Damascus, Syria. The three-day gathering brought together ophthalmologists, researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals from Syria, Europe, and the Arab region to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation in eye care.

The conference reflected a shared commitment to advancing ophthalmic practice through scientific exchange, continuous medical education, and international partnership.

An Opening Ceremony with a Shared Purpose

AEOS was deeply honoured to welcome H.E. Prof. Marwan Al-Halabi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, to the opening ceremony. His attendance underscored the importance of medical education, scientific research, and international collaboration in supporting the future of ophthalmology in Syria.

The ceremony brought him together with AEOS Chairman Dr. med. Ahmad Rahal, MD, FEBO, FICO, and AEOS Board Members Dr. Ahmed Galal and Diana Nazzal, FEBO. These opening moments reflected the spirit of cooperation that continued throughout the conference.

Sharing Scientific Developments and Clinical Experience

Scientific lectures, expert discussions, and educational sessions provided opportunities to explore recent developments in ophthalmology and exchange practical clinical expertise.

By bringing national and international perspectives into the same setting, the programme encouraged participants to discuss approaches to patient care, learn from one another’s experience, and strengthen professional networks.

This exchange is central to AEOS’s educational mission: supporting ophthalmologists in their continued professional development and connecting scientific knowledge with the needs of clinical practice.

Recognising the Institutions Behind the Meeting

The conference was made possible through close collaboration among national and international institutions. AEOS extends its sincere appreciation to:

• The Syrian Ministry of Health

• Al Mouwasat University Hospital

• The Eye Surgical Hospital

• University Hospital Essen

• The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS)

• The Ophthalmologists Initiative — مبادرة أطباء العيون السوريين

• The Syrian Ophthalmological Society (SOS)

• The Austrian Medical Association

Their partnership and commitment helped create a platform for ophthalmic education and professional exchange in Damascus.

Strengthening Long-Term Educational Partnerships

The conference also reflected the growing partnership between AEOS and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the Förderprogramm Klinikpartnerschaften, commissioned and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Through this cooperation, AEOS and its partners continue to support knowledge exchange, medical training, and the development of lasting capacity in ophthalmology. These efforts connect individual educational events with a broader commitment to strengthening healthcare through sustained professional collaboration.

With Gratitude to Our Community

AEOS extends heartfelt thanks to every speaker, participant, partner, sponsor, and volunteer who contributed to the conference. Their time, expertise, and dedication shaped three days of learning and meaningful exchange.

The AEOS Vision Conference – Latest Updates demonstrated the value of bringing institutions and professionals together around a common purpose. Its lasting ambition is to strengthen international partnerships, advance ophthalmic education, and support the next generation of eye care professionals—for the benefit of patients and communities across the region.

Arab-European Ophthalmological Society (AEOS)