Your Early-Career Guide to Hidden Gems, Global Perspectives, and Networking at EURETINA 2026

For young ophthalmologists and early-career retina fellows arriving in Vienna, the EURETINA Congress is more than just a place to watch keynotes from the back row—it is your launchpad for career growth, clinical learning, and building a global professional network. Beyond the large symposia, here are the high-yield, interactive features designed to accelerate your development.

1. FEBOS-R Prep Courses & High-Yield Exam Reviews

• Why Attend: If you are preparing for the Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology Subspecialty in Retina (FEBOS-R) examination—or simply want a high-yield refresher—these sessions break down core diagnostic criteria, clinical trial milestones, and surgical decision-making into structured, board-relevant reviews.

2. Practical Hands-On Surgical Wetlabs

• Why Attend: Away from the busy auditoriums, the wetlabs offer one of the most practical learning experiences for trainees and early-career surgeons. Under direct supervision from senior vitreoretinal faculty, you can practice complex vitrectomy maneuvers, secondary IOL fixations, and try out new surgical instrumentation and 3D visualization systems firsthand.

3. The World Retina Stage – Global Perspectives

• Why Attend: Gain a truly international outlook on retina care. This stage delivers rapid-fire presentations highlighting unique clinical challenges, healthcare delivery models, and surgical techniques from every corner of the world, helping early-career doctors broaden their perspective beyond regional guidelines.

4. EuroVeRsion & VR Surgical Battles

• Why Attend: Watch world-class vitreoretinal surgeons manage intraoperative complications and debate controversial surgical approaches in real time. For young surgeons, these interactive sessions offer a masterclass in risk management and step-by-step technique analysis.

5. YOURS Mystery Cases & Informal Speakers’ Corner

• Why Attend: These interactive, small-scale sessions give young delegates a low-pressure environment to test their diagnostic skills against obscure, real-world clinical cases. Unlike formal lectures, the Speakers’ Corner setup allows for spontaneous Q&A, open debate on diagnostic pitfalls, and direct dialogue with international experts right after their talks.

6. EURETINA Fun Run (Friday 2nd October, 6.30am)

• Why Attend: Break a sweat, clear your head between intense scientific sessions, and connect with peers in a completely informal setting .

7. Young Ophthalmologists & Mentorship Hub

• Why Attend: Take advantage of speed-mentoring sessions to ask senior leaders direct questions about fellowship applications, balancing research with clinical practice, and securing lead investigator roles.

8. Network Like Your Career Depends On It

• Do not spend coffee breaks checking emails in the corner! Walk up to speakers after their sessions, introduce yourself at the poster forums, and join social events. Retina is a close-knit global community, and a single conversation over coffee can lead to your next fellowship, research collaboration, or career mentor.