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Leading experts will gather in Galway this month to share the latest advances in ophthalmology. Priscilla Lynch reports
The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) Annual Conference 2026, which takes place at The Galmont Hotel in Galway from Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 May, features a distinguished line-up of international and local guest speakers.
The sessions at this year’s conference will include a cataract symposium with guest speakers Prof Uday Devgan, (the ‘Cataract Coach’) from Devgan Eye Surgery, California, US; Prof Alvin Young, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China; and Dr Geraldine Comer, HSE West/North West.
Prof Keith Barton from Moorfields Eye Hospital, London and University College London, UK, will give the 2026 Mooney Lecture and contribute to a glaucoma symposium alongside Dr David Gildea, HSE Dublin South.
Dr Ann O’Connell, HSE South East/University Hospital Waterford, will present the European Society of Ophthalmology Lecture 2026.
A dedicated oculoplastics symposium will include contributions from Mr Jimmy Uddin, Moorfields, London, who is renowned for his work in thyroid eye disease, as well as Ms Clare Quigley, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin and St James’s Hospital, Dublin; and Ms Elizabeth McElnea, Galway University Hospital.
Mr Stuart Lancaster, Head Coach of Connacht Rugby Club, will discuss building long-term, high-performing teams, and Dr Monique Hope Ross will speak about sustaining a career in medicine over the long-term, during the ‘Effective and sustainable teams’ session.
Dr Conor Hearty, Pain Management Specialist, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, will talk about managing neuropathic pain in ophthalmology; and Dr Fionnuala Kennedy, ICO Medical Ophthalmology Trainee, will discuss neuropathic pain case presentations.
A dedicated workshop session will provide an update on the New Children’s Hospital and paediatric ophthalmology services, while a separate workshop will focus on low vision and assistive technologies.
Research paper and poster presentations will also feature, alongside the awarding of the ICO Sir William Wilde Medal for Best Poster and the Barbara Knox Medal for Best Paper.
Speaking to the Medical Independent in advance of the meeting, ICO President Mr Gerry Fahy said: “Ophthalmology continues to develop, and while there has been significant investment, further investment will be required to meet the growing population demand, particularly among older and younger demographics.”
The development of specialist community eye care services is continuing, with the recent opening of new ophthalmology clinics in Portlaoise and Waterford, he noted.
Established services in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Donegal, Mayo, Roscommon, and Cavan are improving patient access and waiting times in these regions; however, continued investment is necessary to ensure these community services are available nationally, Mr Fahy stressed.
“It has been really fantastic for the specialty of ophthalmology to see the ongoing development in the medical consultant role. The forthcoming HSE review of the ophthalmology workforce emphasises the need to increase both the number of ophthalmologists within the HSE and the number of trainees appointed to the ICO training programmes.”
The review is due to be launched on the Friday of the meeting during a dedicated session by Prof Anthony O’Regan, Medical Director, HSE National Doctors Training and Planning; and Ms Aoife Doyle, HSE National Clinical Lead for Ophthalmology.
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