On March 12–13, 2026, the 3rd WOS Congress 2026 was held at the modern Gate27 Conference Center in Winterthur, Switzerland, brought  together leading ophthalmologists from around the world to discuss the latest advances and innovations in the field.

The congress served as a dynamic platform for scientific exchange and professional discussion. The scientific sessions covered a broad range of topical issues, from retinal pathology and the application of artificial intelligence to modern approaches in the management of presbyopia. A distinctive feature of the event was the lively discussion format and the opportunity to openly address complex and controversial topics with leading international experts.

An important highlight of the congress was the opening lecture delivered by Professor Josef Flammer, dedicated to the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of normal-tension glaucoma.

Significant scientific contributions were also presented by researchers from the The Filatov Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.

Professor Mykola Mykolayovych Umanets, MD, PhD, Head of the Department of Retinal and Vitreous Pathology, presented in the Zografos Memorial Lecture section, sharing the Institute’s experience in endoresection of uveal melanomas.

In addition, poster presentations by ophthalmologists from the Institute’s Vitreoretinal Microsurgery Department were featured at the congress:

• Yevhen Chumakov — «Management of Combat Photic Full-Thickness Macular Hole: Case Series»
• Inna Dovhan — «Pars plana vitrectomy with high-frequency welding-assisted endoresection of retinal vasoproliferative tumors».

The full auditorium and active discussion of the presented materials demonstrated strong international interest in modern approaches to the treatment and surgery of vitreoretinal pathology.

It was particularly encouraging to note that presentations by Ukrainian scientists, including specialists from the Filatov Institute, attracted sincere interest and support from international colleagues Participants of the congress consistently expressed their solidarity and deep respect for Ukrainian physicians who continue to work and advance medical science in Ukraine during these challenging times.

The Filatov Institute continues to actively represent Ukrainian ophthalmology on the international scientific stage, demonstrating a high level of professional expertise and scientific achievement among its experts.