Dear Colleagues,

Although ophthalmologists in the world suffered significant losses during the pandemic period, they continued their theoretical training activities in virtual environments as much as possible. Due to the pandemic, the 4th and 5th Live Surgery Symposiums of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association were held in a virtual environment.

After a two-year hiatus, it was decided to hold the 6th Live Surgery Symposium of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association in a physical environment between the dates of June 9-12, 2022.

Live Surgery applications of Glaucoma, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Cornea and Ocular Surface, Oculoplastic Surgery, Strabismus and Vitreoretinal Surgery societies of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association will be realized in the R.O.T. Ministry of Health Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital for 4 days. The live surgeries of six units will be transmitted live to the Istanbul Cevahir Hotel and Convention Center for 4 days and the symposium participants will be able to watch live broadcasts in high resolution. Simultaneous translation from Turkish to English will be provided during Live Surgery for our colleagues from abroad.

During the 6th Live Surgery Symposium, the Turkish Ophthalmological Association Surgical Training Center will also provide training with simulation with free-of-charge Haag-Streit Simulator devices in another hall.

The importance of cross-border solidarity in extraordinary times has been proven once again. At the 6th Live Surgery symposium of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association, members of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association will have the opportunity to watch perhaps the most comprehensive live surgery sessions in the world. Our wish is to have high physical participation from abroad at the 6th Live Surgery symposium in terms of strengthening international cooperation and solidarity. However, we have to take into account the fact that the physical participation of our foreign colleagues may remain low due to the pandemic and the war in nearby geographies. However, for our foreign colleagues who will not be able to come to İstanbul, the opportunity to watch virtual meetings over the internet and simultaneous English translation will be provided for four days.

We invite you to the TOA 6th Live Surgery Symposium to be held in İstanbul on June 9-12, 2022, with the thought that the solidarity between our community will be strengthened with the participation of your members in the 6th TOA Live Surgery Symposium.

Kindest Regards,
TOA President
Prof. Dr. Ziya Kapran