Retina Update Meeting 2026
May 24th, 2026 Palermo - Sicily
Università degli Studi di Palermo
Presidents of the meeting
Vincenza Bonfiglio, MD
Full Professor of Ophthalmology Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND) Director of the Ophthalmology Unit and of the Postgraduate School in Ophthalmology University Hospital “Paolo Giaccone” Palermo - Italy
SriniVas R. Sadda, MD, FARVO
Director, Artificial Intelligence & Imaging Research Doheny Eye Institute - Pasadena, CA Professor of Ophthalmology David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA - Los Angeles, CA
Giovanni Staurenghi MD, FARVO, FEBO
Professor of Ophthalmology Chairman Eye Clinic Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco Hospital University of Milan - Italy
Maria Vadalà, MD
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND) University Hospital “Paolo Giaccone” Palermo - Italy
Preliminary program
Registration
Retina Update Welcome and Meeting Overview
V. Bonfiglio, S. Sadda, G. Staurenghi, M. Vadalà
SESSION I – Innovations in Retinal Imaging
Moderators: E. Midena, S. Schmitz-Valckenberg
09:15 a.m. – 09:23 a.m.
Structure–function correlation in diabetic maculopathy: high resolution meets high precision
T. Ach
09:23 a.m. – 09:31 a.m.
Functional OCT: AI powered inferred microperimetry
S. Schmitz-Valckenberg
09:31 a.m. – 09:39 a.m.
The new high resolution OCT
M. Cozzi
09:39 a.m. – 09:47 a.m.
The phenotypes of DME: the AI approach
E. Midena
09:47 a.m. – 09:55 a.m.
State-of-the-art in retinal imaging: possibilities for the future
S. Fraser
09:55 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.
Discussion
Session II – Novel Insights into Retinal Pathophysiology
Moderators: C. Curcio, K. Csaky
10:10 a.m. – 10:18 a.m.
Retinal, plasma, and dietary xanthophyll carotenoids: implications for retinal resilience (ALSTAR2)
C. Curcio
10:18 a.m. – 10:26 a.m.
The role of choroidal perfusion in AMD
P. Rosenfeld
10:26 a.m. – 10:34 a.m.
AMD classification and progression using OCT-based CART analyses
E. Chew
10:34 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Discussion
Coffee Break
Session III – Update on Geographic Atrophy and Dry AMD
Moderators: R. Guymer, G. Jaffe
11:10 a.m. – 11:18 a.m. Targeted defect-mapping microperimetry in geographic atrophy
R. Guymer
11:18 a.m. – 11:26 a.m.
Prevalence and progression of GA in population and clinic-based studies
T. H. Lim
11:26 a.m. – 11:34 a.m.
Structural OCT and OCT angiography biomarkers associated with the development and progression of geographic atrophy in AMD
E. Borrelli
11:34 a.m. – 11:42 a.m.
Photobiomodulation treatment: pros and cons
G. Jaffe
11:42 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Update on GA therapeutics: latest evidence
J. Monés
11:50 a.m. – 11:58 a.m.
Cones at risk in dry age-related macular degeneration
K. Csaky
11:58 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Selecting patients for treatment
Moderators: S. Sadda, G. Staurenghi
Panelists: R. Guymer, G. Jaffe, D. F. Martin, J. Monés, P. Rosenfeld, J. Sparrow
Session IV – Neovascular AMD
Moderators: G. Cheung, D. Pauleikhoff
12:30 p.m. – 12:38 p.m.
Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: latest evidence on treatment options
G. Cheung
12:38 p.m. – 12:46 p.m.
Current therapeutic arsenal for treatment of nAMD
F. Bandello
12:46 p.m. – 12:54 p.m.
Redefining treatment intervals: how disease activity shapes management
F. Viola
12:54 p.m. – 01:20 p.m.
Panel Discussion: How I approach nAMD treatment in 2026
Moderators: S. Sadda, G. Staurenghi
Panelists: P. Lanzetta, S. Liakopoulos, T. H. Lim, D. Sarraf
Lunch
Session V – Retinal Vascular and Other Retinal Diseases
Moderators: S. Pagliarini, M. Vadalà
02:20 p.m. – 02:28 p.m.
Current management of diabetic macular edema
S. Vujosevic
02:28 p.m. – 02:36 p.m.
State-of-the art in RVO management
B. Blodi
02:36 p.m. – 02:44 p.m.
Central serous chorioretinopathy: current concepts in pathophysiology, imaging, and management
M. Reibaldi
02:44 p.m. – 02:52 p.m.
Update on pathologic myopia: imaging biomarkers and disease progression
G. Querques
02:52 p.m. – 03:00 p.m.
Macular telangiectasia type 2: update on disease biomarkers and treatment
F. Holz
03:00 p.m. – 03:15 p.m.
Discussion
Session VI – Advances in Vitreo-Retinal Surgery & Technology
Moderators: T. Avitabile, V. Bonfiglio
03:15 p.m. – 03:23 p.m.
Intraoperative OCT: current status and future opportunities
J. Ehlers
03:23 p.m. – 03:31 p.m.
AI in vitreo-retinal surgery: where are we going?
S. Rizzo
03:31 p.m. – 03:39 p.m.
Robotic surgery in vitreoretinal procedures: current evidence and future application
R. Mastropasqua
03:39 p.m. – 03:47 p.m.
Myopic traction maculopathy: surgical indications and long-term outcomes
G. Pertile
03:47 p.m. – 03:55 p.m.
Subretinal photovoltaic implant to restore vision in geographic atrophy due to AMD
M. Muqit
03:55 p.m. – 04:10 p.m.
Discussion
Session VII – Uveitis Update
Moderators: G. Jaffe, A. Invernizzi
04:10 p.m. – 04:18 p.m.
Modern diagnostic approaches to posterior uveitis
M. V. Cicinelli
04:18 p.m. – 04:26 p.m.
Latest advances in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis
L. Cimino
04:26 p.m. – 04:34 p.m.
MEWDS is still a valid name
A. Invernizzi
04:34 p.m. – 04:50 p.m.
Discussion
Session VIII – Retinal Detachment & Complex Surgical Scenarios
Interactive Case-Based Workshop
Moderator: M. Cereda
Panelists: V. Bonfiglio, F. Boscia, R. Mastropasqua, G. Pertile, S. Rizzo
Session IX – Inherited Retinal Degenerations: Therapeutic Update
Moderators: A. P. Salvetti, F. Simonelli
05:20 p.m. – 05:28 p.m.
Treating RP and LCA in 2026: lessons from Luxturna and beyond
F. Simonelli
05:28 p.m. – 05:36 p.m.
Emerging therapies for Stargardt disease: where do we stand?
A. P. Salvetti
05:36 p.m. – 05:44 p.m.
Differential diagnosis in macular degeneration
F. Romano
05:44 p.m. – 05:55 p.m.
Discussion
Session X – Mystery Retina Case Conference
Expert Panel Discussion of Medical Retina Cases
Moderators: A. Invernizzi, G. Staurenghi
Panelists: G. Jaffe, E. Pilotto, D. Sarraf, A. Tufail
Conclusions & Take-Home Messages
Meeting Summary and Thanks
V. Bonfiglio, S. Sadda, G. Staurenghi, M. Vadalà
Faculty list
THOMAS ACH
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Department of Ophthalmology
University of Bonn
Bonn – Germany
TERESIO AVITABILE
Professor of Ophthalmology
Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology
University of Catania
Catania – Italy
FRANCESCO BANDELLO
MD, FEBO
Professor and Chairman
Department of Ophthalmology
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute
Milan – Italy
BARBARA BLODI
Matthew D. Davis Professor
Dept of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Wisconsin
Medical Director of Reading Center
Madison, WI – USA
ENRICO BORRELLI
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
“City of Health and Science” Hospital
University of Turin
Turin – Italy
FRANCESCO BOSCIA
Professor of Ophthalmology
Eye Clinic
University of Bari Aldo Moro
Bari – Italy
MATTEO CEREDA
Ophthalmologist
Director of Vitreoretinal Service
Eye Clinic – Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science
Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan
Milan – Italy
GEMMY CHEUNG
Professor of Ophthalmology
Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore
Head of the Medical Retina Department
Singapore National Eye Center
Singapore
EMILY CHEW
Ophthalmologist/NIH Distinguished Investigator
Director of the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications (DECA),
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD – USA
MARIA VITTORIA CICINELLI
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele
Milan – Italy
LUCA CIMINO
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
University of Modena Reggio Emilia
Director of Ocular Immunology Unit
Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS Reggio Emilia
Reggio Emilia – Italy
MARIANO COZZI
Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco Hospital
University of Milan
Milan – Italy
Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich,
University of Zurich
Zurich – Switzerland
KARL CSAKY
Ophthalmologist
T. Boone Pickens Director
Clinical Center of Innovation for AMD
Chief Executive and Medical Officer
Retina Foundation of the Southwest,
Dallas, TX – USA
CHRISTINE CURCIO
Professor Emerita
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Director, AMD Histopathology Lab
University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School
of Medicine Birmingham Alabama
Birmingham, AL – USA
JUSTIS EHLERS
Vice Chair of Operations – Cole Eye Institute.
The Norman C. and Donna L. Harbert Endowed Chair for Ophthalmic Research.
Director of the Tony and Leona Campane Center for
Excellence in Image-Guided Surgery and Advanced Imaging Research.
Cole Eye Institute at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH – USA
SCOTT FRASER
Provost Professor of Biological Sciences & Biomedical Engineering
Elizabeth Garrett Chair of Convergent Biosciences
University of Southern California
ROBYN GUYMER
MBBS, PhD, FRANZCO, FAHMS
Deputy Director, Centre for Eye Research Australia
Professor of Surgery (Ophthalmology), University of Melbourne
Research Integrity Advisor
Melbourne – Australia
FRANK HOLZ
Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology
University of Bonn, Germany
Bonn – Germany
ALESSANDRO INVERNIZZI
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology,
Medical Retina and Uveitis Specialist Uveitis and Ocular Infectious Diseases Service
Eye Clinic – Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science
Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan
Milan – Italy
GLENN JAFFE
Robert Machemer Professor of Ophthalmology Chief,
Vitreoretinal Division
Director, Duke Reading Center, Durham
NC – USA
PAOLO LANZETTA
Professor of Ophthalmology
Chairman, Department of Medicine – Ophthalmology
University of Udine
Udine – Italy
Founder and Scientific Director
IEMO – Istituto Europeo di Microchirurgia Oculare
Udine – Italy
SANDRA LIAKOPOULOS
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne,
Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne
Cologne – Germany
TOCK HAN LIM
Group Chairman Medical Board, National Healthcare Group, Singapore.
Adjunct Professor, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine,
Nanyang Technology University, Singapore.
Senior Consultant, NHG Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
DANIEL F. MARTIN
Professor of Ophthalmology
Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs
Emory University School of Medicine
Chair, DRCR Retina Network
Atlanta – USA
RODOLFO MASTROPASQUA
Professor of Ophthalmology
Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio
Chieti-Pescara – Italy
EDOARDO MIDENA
Full Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
University of Padova, School of Medicine
Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology
Padova University Hospital
Padova – Italy
JORDI MONÉS
Institut de la Màcula Director, Barcelona, Spain
Adjunct Professor at John A. Moran Eye Center, John A. Moran Eye Center at University of Utah, Salt Lake City
Director at Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, Barcelona, Spain
AMD Disease Area Director, Perceive Biotherapeutics. South San Francisco, USA
MAHI MUQIT
Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Moorfields Eye Hospital
Associate Professor, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London
London – UK
SERGIO PAGLIARINI
Research and Macular Services Lead
Department of Ophthalmology University Hospitals Coventry and
Warwickshire – UK
DANIEL PAULEIKHOFF
Professor of Ophthalmology
University of Duisburg-Essen
Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus-Hospital
Münster – Germany
ELISABETTA PILOTTO
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology,
Director of Ophthalmology Residency Program,
Department of Neuroscience Ophthalmology,
University of Padova
Padova – Italy
GRAZIA PERTILE
Ophthalmologist
Director of the Department of Ophthalmology
IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore don Calabria
Negrar, Verona – Italy
GIUSEPPE QUERQUES
Professor and Chairman
Ophthalmology Unit – Policlinic of Modena
Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences
Faculty of Medicine
UNIMORE – University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Modena – Italy
MICHELE REIBALDI
Professor of Ophthalmology
Director of the Ophthalmology Department
City of Health and Science of Turin
Turin – Italy
STANISLAO RIZZO
Professor of Ophthalmology
University Cattolica, Roma
Chair of the Ophthalmology Unit
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS,
Rome – Italy
FRANCESCO ROMANO
Ophthalmologist
Consultant
Eye Clinic – Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science
Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan
Milan – Italy
PHILIP ROSENFELD
Professor of Ophthalmology
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Miami University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine Miami, FL, USA
ANNA PAOLA SALVETTI
Ophthalmologist
Consultant of Medical Retina and Ocular Genetics
Eye Clinic – Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science
Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan
Milan – Italy
DAVID SARRAF
Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology
Retinal Disorders and Ophthalmic Genetics Division Stein Eye Institute, UCLA
Los Angeles, CA – USA
STEFFEN SCHMITZ-VALCKENBERG
Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah – Salt Lake City, USA
FRANCESCA SIMONELLI
Professor of Ophthalmology
Chairmen Eye Clinic
Multidisciplinary Department of Medical,
Surgical and Dental Sciences University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
Naples – Italy
JANET SPARROW
Department of Ophthalmology
Columbia University Medical Center
New York, NY – USA
ADNAN TUFAIL
Professor of Ophthalmology
London & Institute of Ophthalmology UCL
Moorfields Eye Hospital
London – UK
FRANCESCO VIOLA
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Director Eye Clinic Policlinic Milan
Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health
University of Milan
Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico
Milan – Italy
STELA VUJOSEVIC
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
University of Milan
Head of Medical Retina & Imaging Unit
IRCCS MultiMedica
Milan – Italy
General information
Meeting Venue
Università degli Studi di Palermo Sala Magna, Palazzo Chiaromonte Steri Piazza Marina, 61 - Palermo (Italy)
Registration Fee
• €305 per participant (VAT included) • No registration fee is required for students and postgraduate participants. Proof of status may be requested
Official language
The official language of the Meeting will be English.
Badge and Certificate of Attendance
Each participant receives a name badge upon check-in at the registration desk (with proof of registration). This badge must be worn at all times in order to gain access to the session room. Please note that access to the congress areas will not be permitted without an official congress badge. The Certificate of Attendance will be available at the Registration Desk, upon request.
Technical facilities
A Slide Centre with PCs (Windows and Macintosh operating systems) will be available for Speakers to check and preview their presentations. Speakers are kindly requested to submit their presentations on USB flash drive to the Slide Centre technicians at least one hour before the opening of their session.
Slide Centre opening hours
Sunday, May 24th: 08.00 a.m. - 06.30 p.m.
Registration fee payment
The payment of the fee should be made in Euro and can be paid by bank transfer to:
AVEC S.r.l.
BANCA BPM - Branch 777
Viale Liguria, 1 - 20093 Cologno Monzese (Milano)
IBAN IT46 X 05034 32972 000000061108
Account No. 61108
SWIFT Code BAPPIT22
Please note that any bank charges shall be borne by the payer.
Reason of Payment “Registration Fee -Retina Update Meeting, Palermo, May 24th + Name/Surname”.
Please make sure that the name of the conference and the participant’s name are stated on the bank
transfer.
For payment by credit card, please note that a 3% processing fee plus 22% VAT will be applied,
for a total of € 315,00.
With the patronage of
