Dear Colleagues,
The TOA (Turkish Ophthalmological Association) Live Surgery Symposium is one of the leading scientific platforms built upon the strong scientific content and academic excellence of TOA scheduled meetings. It represents the first initiative to bring together concrete example of bringing together surgical symposia from different subspecialties under a single framework. First held in 2017, we are pleased to organize its 10th edition this year.
This meeting, which has consistently attracted strong interest from our colleagues, has evolved over time into a symposium fully dedicated to live surgical practice. Today, enriched by the contributions of all subsocieties and simultaneous discussion sessions, the Live Surgery Symposium has become the second most significant scheduled event of our association, following the national congress.
The symposium will take place from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14 at the JW Marriott Hotel & Convention Center in Ankara. Live surgical procedures in Glaucoma, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Cornea and Ocular Surface, Oculofacial Surgery, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and Vitreoretinal Surgery will be performed in the operating rooms of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health Ankara Bilkent City Hospital and broadcast live to the symposium venue.
According to this year’s updated program, the symposium will begin on Thursday, June 11, with live surgeries performed by members of the TOA Glaucoma, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and Oculofacial Surgery Societies. On the second day, procedures by the Vitreoretinal Surgery Society will be featured, followed by Cataract and Refractive Surgery on Saturday, and Cornea and Ocular Surface surgeries on Sunday.
In addition, for the first time this year, the program will include a unique format on the first day, where three different units will perform surgeries simultaneously on the same day. We believe this innovative structure will provide participants with a valuable opportunity to observe and compare and evaluate different surgical approaches.
Live surgical procedures performed by highly experienced and expert surgeons will offer participants a highly valuable educational environment where various techniques and contemporary approaches can be observed firsthand. Simultaneously, interactive discussion sessions held at the symposium venue will enable a comprehensive evaluation of cases with contributions from experienced colleagues, while participants will have the opportunity to actively engage, ask questions, and share their insights and experiences.
Another key component of the scientific program will include industry-supported sessions and surgical demonstrations and satellite symposia, where current technologies, innovative applications, and developments impacting clinical practice will be presented. This will ensure a comprehensive perspective that integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
As the Live Surgery Organization Committee (CANOK), in collaboration with our participating societies chairs and the organizing company, we have been working diligently, extensively, and in close collaboration for more than six months to ensure that the 10th TOA Live Surgery Symposium builds upon the legacy of previous meetings and achieves the highest standards in both scientific and technical aspects, delivering exceptional value to all participants. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in this process.
I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the administrators of the Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, who have generously provided their facilities for live surgeries, as well as to our esteemed faculty members, colleagues, nurses, technicians, and all supporting staff for their invaluable contributions. The support of our distinguished industry partners is highly appreciated, and we thank them for their participation. I would also like to acknowledge and commend Serenas for their meticulous and dedicated efforts in organizing this event.
With great excitement to gather in the unique atmosphere of our capital, Ankara, and the joy of achieving this collectively, I cordially invite all our members, on behalf of our Central Executive Board and CANOK, to attend the 10th TOD Live Surgery Symposium, to be held in Ankara between June 11–14, 2026—a truly unique event on a global scale.
With kind regards,
Prof. Dr. Kıvanç Güngör
President, Turkish Ophthalmological Association
