ESASO Special Courses
Comprehensive Corneal Course: Pathology-Focused
Scientific Director: Alessandro Ruzza, Vito Romano
14/05/2026 - 15/05/2026
Venue: University of Brescia (Brescia) / Venice Eye Bank (Venice) - Italy
Course sponsor
with the unrestricted financial support from 
Myopia
Scientific Director: Mariantonia Ferrara, Vito Romano
23/05/2026 - 24/05/2026
Venue: Basel
Course sponsor
with the unrestricted financial support from 
Keratoconus Insights
Scientific Director: Vito Romano
23/03/2026 - 25/03/2026
Venue: Lugano
Basic Phaco Course 1
Venue: Online on eLOS
Scientific Programme:
a) Successful Cataract Surgery
b) Basics of Phacodynamics
c) Biometry and IOL selection.
Course Description:
Basic Course introducing Cataract Surgery with Phacoemulsification, describing techniques and procedures for avoiding complications and achieving best visual outcomes for patients. How to plan a standard routine for all patients having cataract surgery that is designed to minimise errors. Introducing the basics of Phacodynamics by describing Phaco-physics, pump mechanisms, and tip technologies. How to set instrument parameters according to patient characteristics. Short introduction to biometry techniques, new formulae and IOLs.
Basic Phaco Course 2
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
a) Incisions and use of OVDs
b) The basics of Capsulorhexis and Hydrodissection
c) Managing the Nucleus and Epinucleus
Course Description
Second part of Basic Phaco Course. The attendees can learn more about what makes the perfect incision. Factors which may influence the execution of an incision, description of a variety of incision types and how to perform the best side port (paracentesis), as well as how to avoid leakage and distortion. Different blade configurations and materials. Introduction to OVDs, their physical properties and understanding when and how to use the different OVD options available during a cataract procedure. How to perform the ideal manual capsulorhexis: the related instruments, and how to use them for better results. Introduction to hydrodissection : basic, perils, pitfalls to avoid and solutions should they occur. Nucleus management and tips for success. Techniques and instruments for nucleus removal according to cataract grade or type. Minimizing Ultrasound energy dispersion to minimise tissue trauma.
Basic Phaco Course 3
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
a) Irrigation, aspiration, and IOL
b) “Ping” the posterior capsule has ruptured!
c) Small pupil and IFISd) Long and short eyes
Course Description:
This course covers the following topics:
· Managing epinucleus and cortex removal; Parameters for Vacuum and Flow, I/A technique; bimanual & Coaxial with soft and metal tips.
· IOL implantation; Implanting the IOL without tearing or stretching the wound, correct use of OVD., loading IOLs in injectors, wound assisted delivery, positioning the IOL in the capsular bag.
· Completing the surgery; antibiotic injection, and final disinfection.
· Tips to minimize problems following posterior capsule rupture; techniques to stabilize the AC, how to verify the presence of vitreous in the AC.
· Anterior vitrectomy; tools and techniques, through the corneal incision, via pars plana. Importance of OVD selection. How to proceed if nuclear fragments remain in the capsular bag. Which IOL and where to place it; sulcus implantation techniques.
· How to approach cataract procedures with a small pupil. Events producing pupil constriction. Methods for small pupil management: mechanical; pharmacological; viscodilatation.
· Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) management strategies and techniques.
· Managing long and vitrectomised eyes: Biometry evaluation, surgical considerations
· Managing short eyes, Biometry evaluation, anatomical evaluation of AC. Phaco machine setting and fluidics. Case presentation of nanophthalmic eye and management.
Basic Phaco Course 4
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
Managing unexpected problems with the Nucleus
Dropping Nucleus
Conversion to ECCE
Endophthalmitis Prophylaxis and Treatment
Post Cataract Surgery Inflammation
Course Description
This course is intended to advise learners on managing problems that may occur during phacoemulsification surgery. Especially when the nucleus and/or neighbouring anatomical structures present unexpected problems. This includes:
Trouble making the chop and removing the pieces.
Posterior capsular rupture while nucleus is still present.
Dropping nucleus
Advanced methods to remove the nucleus and fragments from vitreous body
How to convert a planned phaco procedure to ECCE.
Rationale for conversion and risk assessment
Endophthalmitis prophylaxis
Use of pre-operative antibiotic drops
ESCRS guidelines.
Biological tests to evaluate qualitative and quantitative microbial load, and related treatments.
Managing long term post-surgery inflammation and infection
Basic Phaco Course 5
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
• A brief history of phaco
• Incisions and OVDs
• Capsulorhexis and hydrodissection
• History of IOLs
Course Description
This course on the history of phacoemulsification is intended as background context for today’s trainee surgeons. In this course describes how technological advancement in cataract surgery has completely changed the clinical approach to cataract surgery, making it very safe, repeatable and successful. The course walks through the journey from an exclusively manual intervention to a procedure performed using specialist machines designed for the extraction of the cataract, and the replacement of the natural lens with a prosthesis capable of restoring high quality vision which is implanted through very small incisions.
Challenges during Phacoemulsification - Cornea
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
a. Structure and functionalities of Cornea
b. Corneal examination and key considerations while operating in a compromised cornea
c. Phacoemulsification in Endothelial Dystrophy
d. Phacoemulsification during corneal opacitye. Perfecting corneal incision
f. Phacoemulsification in eyes underwent Radial Keratotomy, PK etc.
g. Handling situations like Descemet’s membrane detachment and wound burn
Course Description:
This course walks participants through the various structures and functions of the cornea as well as important factors to take into account when doing a preoperative corneal examination. The subsequent sections will assist everyone in being fully equipped to deal with a variety of difficult problems, such as endothelial dystrophy, corneal opacity, pterygium, wound burn, radial keratotomy, penetrating keratoplasty, Descemet's membrane detachment, and corneal wound burn. This course explains the proper visualization approach, OVD usage, the significance of good parameter selection, and the plane of emulsification when managing impaired cornea cases. This training will prepare everyone for dealing with a compromised cornea scenario and empower them to undertake such a situation with great confidence.
Challenges during Phacoemulsification - Iris
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
a. Structure and functionalities of Iris
b. Iris issues affecting cataract surgery
c. Large pupil, Iridodialysis
d. Small pupil and Phacoemulsification
e. IFIS and floppy iris
f. Repairing and replacing iris
Course Description:
This course explains the structure and functions of the iris. The following sections describe multiple issues influencing Iris as well as methods and tactics for overcoming each of these challenges. This course covers the following topics: large pupil, iris trauma, iridodialysis, small pupil, pseudoexfoliation, IFIIS, iris prolapse, iris coloboma, and iris repair and replacement. This course will well prepare everyone to deal with iris and pupil issues during their phacoemulsification journey.
Challenges during Phacoemulsification - Issueswith the anterior capsule and incidents of posterior capsule rupture
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
Characteristics of the Lens Capsule
· Functions of the Lens Capsule
· Evolution of Capsulotomy Techniques
· Challenges and Considerations in Cataract Surgery
· Technologies for Automated Capsulotomies
· Recognition and Initial Response Posterior Capsule Rupture (PCR)
· Causes and Signs of PCR· Management of PCR
· Anterior vitrectomy approaches
· Lens Implantation and IOL Choices
Course Description:
Explore the intricacies of cataract surgery and capsulotomy techniques in this course, focusing on understanding the lens capsule's characteristics, evolving capsulotomy methods, and challenges in surgical approaches. Participants will study both traditional manual procedures and advanced technologies such as femtosecond lasers and Precision Pulse Capsulotomy (PPC), comparing these techniques through detailed case studies. Key topics include recognizing and responding to posterior capsule rupture (PCR), managing complications, optimizing lens implantation, and preparing surgical teams for optimal outcomes. Gain essential insights for mastering modern cataract surgery practices.
Challenges on the road to refractive lens surgery
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
Comprehensive Preoperative Assessment
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease
• Assessment of Tear Osmolarity
• Meibography for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
• Astigmatism Management
• Understanding Angle Kappa and Angle Alpha
• Avoiding Preoperative Pitfalls
• IOL Calculation Post-Refractive Surgery
• Ruling Out Retinal Surprises
• Early Detection of Potential Issues
• Optimizing Outcomes in Premium IOL Surgery
Course Description:
This course is tailored for ophthalmologists and eye care professionals seeking to enhancerefractive surgery outcomes, particularly in premium IOL procedures. Participants will learn toconduct thorough preoperative evaluations to assess patient suitabili ty and minimize risks,alongside effective management of dry eye disease using tear osmolarity testing and meibography.The course will cover strategies for astigmatism management and the significance of Angle Kappaand Angle Alpha for proper lens alignment. Additionally, attendees will receive practical guidanceon avoiding common preoperative pitfalls, ensuring accurate IOL calculations post-refractivesurgery, and early detection of potential retinal issues. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to optimize surgical results in refractive and premium IOL cases.
How to master toric IOL calculation
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
Optimizing spherical equivalence
Refractive outcomes after cataract surgery
- Modern IOL formulae
- Optimizing IOL constants
- Factors affecting AL measurements
- Intra OP & post OP complications
Toric IOLs
- Sources of error
- Posterior surface of cornea
- SICA
- Misalignment
- Residual Astigmatism and ways to correct
Course description:
Join Associate Professor Nino Hirnschall for a master class in Toric IOL calculation.
This course goes beyond the surgical procedure itself to focus on equally important steps required to have a successful Toric lens implantation.
It covers how to choose the right IOL formula, how to optimize IOL constants, and how to identify and fix the most common causes of error that can lead to poor post op vision.
It introduces Toric IOLs and sources of error that can occur during an astigmatism management procedure as well as ways to overcome them. It deals with how to measure the posterior surface of the cornea and SICA.
It covers the various reasons for misalignment error and how to address them. And finally, it enables participants to master solutions for managing post op residual astigmatism.
If you are looking to improve your knowledge of Toric IOL calculation, this course is for you.
Intraocular lenses - history, material, design
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
a.History of the IOL
b.Evolution and improvements in IOL design over decades
c.Key landmarks
d.Characteristics of the IOL
Material and manufacturing processes
Optic designs
Haptic designs
Course Description:
This course takes the participant through the history of IOL its invention and its evolution. The roll call of visionaries and the path they have taken to design the IOL in the way we see it today is truly astonishing. The materials used, the optic and haptic designs and the way IOL is manufactured etc. are all important characteristics which will influence its performance.
The programme will help understand understanding these characteristics better and enable appropriate choices when it comes to the selection of IOLs
Mastering IOL Delivery: the key to safe and constintent outcomes
📍 eLOS
Scientific Programme:
· Significant milestones in the development of IOLs and injector systems.
· Various categories of injector systems.
· Comparison between preloaded and non-preloaded injector systems.
· The crucial impact of injectors on both wound integrity and the overall outcomes of surgical procedures.
· Challenges and complications encountered during the implantation of IOL.
· Detailed explanation of techniques for the explantation of IOLs.
Course Description:
This course delves into the key milestones in the evolution of Intraocular lenses and injector systems. It thoroughly examines various injector systems, comparing preloaded versus non-preloaded options, addressing complications encountered during IOL implantations, and evaluating the impact of injector systems on wound integrity and post-operative surgical outcomes. Towards the conclusion, the course explores several techniques for IOL explantation in the event of an exchange. The course equips participants with a solid understanding of different delivery systems and underscores the importance of a focused approach to IOL implantation for ensuring safe and consistent outcomes
New Insights in the diagnosis of DME and RVO
📍 eLOS
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The Zonule and lens nucleus, anatomy, physiology
📍 eLOS
ESASO Scientific director: Mario Romano
Course Scientific coordinator: Richard Packard
Course Scientific coordinator: Richard Packard
Course sponsor
with the unrestricted financial support from