'Ramin was undoubtedly the cleverest person in any group'
Alistair Laidlaw, UK
Past President of Euretina
What can one say that hasn’t already been said or felt? Ramin was undoubtedly the cleverest person in any group.
One of his many superhero powers was the charm with which he made everyone feel important and valuable, the way he lead from the front and encouraged. He could see and articulate clearly how and why difficult things should be done, as if looking down from a higher level.
While Ramin was President-elect (and I was President), we worked together very closely, the reality was however that if Ramin agreed with an idea it would be done, and if he didnt agree, it was probably not worth doing anyway!
An outstanding natural leader, his charm and enthusiasm brightened up every meeting, whether at the lectern, in a board, out to dinner or at a party. He put oxygen in the room.
I felt honoured to call him my friend and will miss him, almost certainly for the rest of my life.
'A supporter and a friend'
Anat Loewenstein, Israel
President of Euretina
Ramin was my good friend. I met him many years ago in a mentorship program, and over the years we collaborated on many programs, research projects, advisory boards, and finally, as part of the board of Euretina.
In all these groups and programs Ramin was always there for me as a colleague, a supporter and a friend. I knew I could trust him, and I saw regular evidence that he was honest, loyal, immune to external influences, apolitical and a leader. I am fortunate to have been his friend for many years, and I promise to continue his legacy as much as I can.
'His lectures consistently amazed me'
Reinier O. Schlingemann, The Netherlands
Board Member
Ramin was not only an exceptionally kind and pleasant person but also a remarkable scientist and teacher. I first witnessed his brilliance over 12 years ago at the Amsterdam Retina Debate, where he captivated everyone with his eloquence and depth of knowledge.
His lectures consistently amazed me, as he made complex ideas and results from his research accessible to all. Ramin’s warmth and generosity were unparalleled, and his sudden passing leaves a profound void in our lives.
Rest in peace, dear Ramin; your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
'A supporter and a friend'
Jens Folke Kiilgaard, Denmark
Board Member
Ramin had an extra gear, always on the way to a new project, meeting, research proposal, conference or collaboration.
But at the same time he was always incredible present and ready to listen to the people around him.
As a Board we feel his loss immensely.
'The Retina world will no longer be the same without him.'
Nicole Eter, Germany
President-Elect
I first met Ramin Tadayoni about 20 years ago at a vitreoretinal expert meeting in Brussels. From the very beginning, I admired his high level of technical expertise, but what really impressed me was his amazing sense of humor and his kind, lovely character.
Since then, we have met again at many congresses and advisory boards, and Ramin has always stood out for his friendly, very collegial manner and professional expertise. Since 2019, we have worked together on the Euretina Board, which he has enriched with his valuable ideas and warmth.
The Retina world will no longer be the same without him.
'The Birth of a Legend'
Bahram Bodaghi, France
Co-Opted Board Member
I remember very well April 2012, when Ramin became Professor of Ophthalmology. One of the mandatory prerequisites was to deliver a specific lecture. The subject chosen at random by the jury was “macular edema”.
He captivated us with an outstanding presentation and we realised his exceptional teaching talents and educational skills. Since then, our impression has been confirmed by numerous generations of residents and ophthalmologists all over the world. He will certainly remain an unforgettable legend in Ophthalmology, specifically in Retina.
'An entirely selfless and enthusiastic individual'
Bart P LEROY, Belgium
Board Member
Ramin is someone I remember as an entirely selfless and enthusiastic individual, always deeply interested in everyone who interacted with him. Genuine as he was, one of Ramin’s main drives and sources of personal happiness was the creation of success for others.
Apart from being a world-class physician and retinal specialist, he was a formidable group leader with his own particular, unassuming style. “Leading by serving” was a mantra he gave new meaning, a group mentor who enabled others through constructive interactions, whilst demanding the utmost quality, without ever raising his voice.
Cultured and courteous, a stylish and always sartorially elegant gentleman, Ramin was equally refined in his culinary and vinous interests.
I miss him enormously, but I am also immensely grateful to have crossed his path, as he will continue to inspire me to do better for the rest of my Life.
'His enthusiasm for life and making the most of it was a joy to be around'
Dara Conlon, Ireland
Executive Vice President
The shocking loss of Ramin is something we are still coming to terms with as a Board. It was more than losing a colleague; in April, we lost a friend, and everything felt changed without him. Ramin’s contribution to the world of retina has been well documented; there is little more to say that hasn’t already been mourned and celebrated in equal measure. He was prolific – a powerhouse and an inspiration.
But beyond that, to those lucky enough to have known him well… Ramin was so much fun. Working with him was deeply fulfilling and always fun. His gregariousness, his wicked and sometimes wonderfully irreverent sense of humour, and his enthusiasm for life and making the most of it were a joy to be around – a joy that was infectious.
While we miss him immensely, in particular on this poignant occasion of the Euretina Congress which we had been working together to deliver, we remember Ramin warmly and celebrate together all that we loved about him.
Thank you, Ramin, for making us all the better for the time we got to spend with you. Rest in peace.
'I still remember the first time we really met'
Edoardo Midena, Italy
Board Member
Ramin and I met hundreds of times. But, I still remember the first time we really met: the beginning of a long-life friendship. It happened on a sunny morning along an old Parisian street. I was walking (probably running because I was late) to a meeting venue. A young man was walking near to me and we immediately realized we were going to the same venue. He was Ramin. He told me it was not too late and complimented me on my tie, a French one, plenty of white mythologic animals on a blue background, one of my preferred ties. And we began to talk about Pegasus, the winged horse on the tie, a mythologic animal whose story was well known to Ramin.
'All we can do is to cherish the beautiful memories'
Kourous Rezaei, USA
Co-Opted Board Member
It is with a heavy heart that I write these words. Although months have gone by since Ramin’s passing I am not sure I have fully comprehended his loss. I have known Ramin for the past two decades and pretty much all my interactions with him had been at various meetings around the world since our homes were an ocean apart.
Although our interactions were limited in time due to the distance, we became close friends. He was a brilliant, open minded, humble, genuine, generous and kind friend who was always open to new ideas. “Why not?” was generally his response to any crazy idea I may have had. Most of our fun however, was during after hours with the highlight being performing karaoke in Japanese at early morning hours in Tokyo.
When a close friend or a family member passes away, it is like part of one’s own history is gone. All we can do is to cherish the beautiful memories…
Rest in peace my friend, we miss you!
'I will follow his example as far as I can'
Patricia Udaondo Mirete, Spain
Board Member
I met Ramin many years ago in a mentoring programme. We became friends from the first day although it was very difficult not to get along with him given his good nature and positivity.
Besides being a tireless worker he was extremely generous and collaborated altruistically in a multitude of projects. We talked about doing something together but in the end we didn’t have time. I will follow his example as far as I can.
'Ramin’s absence at Euretina is deeply felt'
Kristina Pfau, Switzerland
on behalf of the YOURS committee
Ramin’s absence at EURETINA is deeply felt. I want to remember his dedication to innovation and his commitment to including the perspectives of our younger members. During the preparation of this meeting, Ramin prioritized listening to and integrating the ideas of our younger members and the YOURS committee, whether they were scientific insights or fun suggestions like a photo booth station.
He also was the innovator of diverse new formats such as video interviews and CME courses for the younger generation. His openness and dedication deeply enriched our community. Finalizing this congress without him has been profoundly felt.
We miss him.
'We engaged in profound discussions about humanity and philosophy'
Taiji Sakamoto, Kagoshima University, Japan
Co-Opted Board Member
Ramin’s scientific abilities and leadership are well-known, so I would like to focus on his remarkable personal qualities. Nagasaki, the second city to suffer from an atomic bomb, is neighboring to where I was born.
I traveled to Nagasaki with Ramin, where we engaged in profound discussions about humanity and philosophy. While there are aspects of Europeans that can be mysterious to Asians, the reverse is also true.
However, through our deep conversations, I gained a greater understanding of the universal values and idealism of Europeans. Ramin embodied the enlightened side of Europe, being an exceptional individual who values humanity.
It is with great sorrow that we can no longer discuss ideals with him, especially in a time when sky above us is not necessarily clear now.
'If you want to do something, do it. Don't wait. Do it now.'
Thomas Ach, Germany
Co-Opted Board Member
A while ago, I sat next to Ramin during a dinner, but he didn’t know who I was and I didn’t know what he was doing. It wasn’t important that he was already the director of a clinic at the time. We had a very good dinner conversation – and realised that we do some things very similarly. At the end, Ramin said: we should do scientific projects together… but unfortunately, we didn’t make it.
What I’ve learned in the last few months: if you want to do something, do it. Don´t wait. Do it now.
Ramin, rest in peace.
'He was a fantastic person and communication with him was easy, fun and inspiring'
Vilma Jūratė Balčiūnienė, Lithuania
Co-Opted Board Member
It is with great sadness that I remember our colleague Ramin, who left an indelible impression on the entire Retina community. He was not only a talented professional, but also a sincere friend.
Our closer acquaintance started during the organisation of the Euretina Winter Meeting in Vilnius which he really enjoyed. Ramin knew how to praise people for their enthusiasm, efforts and hospitality in a sincere and unpretentious way. He was a fantastic person and communication with him was easy, fun and inspiring. Meeting people like Ramin is a real gift.
His loss has left a great void, but his memory will live forever in our hearts and works.
'His contributions to our profession and to our lives will not be forgotten'
Martin S Zinkernagel, Switzerland
General Secretary
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ramin was a connoisseur of good food. He often brought us together over meals, where we discussed research projects, innovative ideas and how to advance Euretina. These moments of togetherness, fuelled by his love for culinary delights, are cherished memories that I will hold dear.
Ramin’s legacy is one of brilliance, kindness, and a zest for life that touched everyone around him. His contributions to our profession and to our lives will not be forgotten.
While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the remarkable person he was and the indelible impact he made.
For further information visit:
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