ESCRS 2024: under the microscope
After months of preparation, this year’s 42nd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) proved to be our most successful to-date. Under the stylish blue lights of our newly designed booth, Haag-Streit came together in a spectacular showcase of our devices and solutions.
From seasoned ophthalmologists and surgical specialists to the next generation of cataract surgeons: there was something for everyone to enjoy. Below, we highlight just some things that made this year’s ESCRS a grand success.
Surgeons flock for a “sneak preview” of METIS
Following an exciting build-up on social media, ESCRS attendees had the opportunity to gain a much-anticipated “sneak preview” of Haag-Streit’s brand-new METIS surgical microscope system. Taking center stage at the Haag-Streit booth, surgeons flocked to the booth to see the new device in action and enjoyed a demo of its many new features ahead of its official launch in Q1 2025.
These features include: the ability to tilt the microscope into the precise position needed for optimal glaucoma surgery; a brilliant red reflex; outstanding ergonomics reduce surgical fatigue; and intuitive foot and hand-switch controls, which promote autonomous working and precise control during surgery. These key features were extremely well-received by the number of surgeons who tried the microscope for the very first time.
Further benefits of the METIS – such as its sustainable LED illumination, high-resolution 4K visualization, assistant microscope, fundus visualization, and Microscope Imaging and Operation System (MIOS 6) – were also clearly shown.
Watch this video to see Mike Luley, Director of Global Strategy and Business Development, Visualization, talking about the METIS’ many benefits.
New booth a design triumph
A brand-new booth design contributed to the positive visitor experience, boasting a minimalist look and feel that highlighted the quality of the devices on display. Eye-catching overhead panels featured an illuminated blue Haag-Streit logo for maximum brand visibility. At the same time, an “Invest In” theme was integrated into every aspect of the booth design and digital communications. The Ophthalmic Skills Training Center (OSTC), with its glass-cube style build, created the desired clinical feel along with a generous layout to accommodate the many working stations for visiting residents. The comfortable, inviting vibe was complete, with an integrated meeting zone for meaningful collaboration and discussion.
OSTC proves popular for second year
The OSTC proved incredibly popular once again, with large numbers of enthusiastic residents taking their turn to experience this state-of-the-art training environment. Combining wet lab working stations with various Eyesi Simulators, aspiring ophthalmologists were able to experience training concepts for cataract surgery, including advanced phaco chopping techniques and anterior vitrectomy. As part of the integrated OSTC concept, our Sales Specialists were on-hand to advise on the essential aspects of setting up a training center, from room design and ergonomics to curriculum and assessment.
IM 910 3D – a new dimension
Launched in May 2024, the Imaging Module 910 3D (IM 910 3D) truly came to life at the ESCRS. Visitors report being “amazed” by the immersive depth impression provided by the 4K live-stream, which reveals anatomical structures in greater detail –beautifully displayed both through the oculars, and on the large digital screen on the booth. Our Product Specialists – led by Haag-Streit’s Frank Wenger – did a brilliant job of explaining the many benefits of this “3D-ready” functionality: from supporting collaborative classroom teaching and improving documentation through to teleconsulting* possibilities.
Eyesi Surgical – mind-blowing realism
Eyesi Surgical, now with Software 4.0, takes visualization to the next level, offering significantly improved depth perception, realistic zoom, and depth of field, reproducing with great accuracy the behavior of tissue and fluidics in different surgical scenarios. “Mind-blowing”, “breathtaking,” and “incredible” – just some of the words used by ESCRS residents to describe the level of realism.
The Congress proved the perfect opportunity to showcase its new training scenarios, which offer significantly improved depth perception, realistic zoom, and depth of field when mastering techniques such as divide & conquer, stop & chop, and irrigation & aspiration (I&A).
Eyestar 900 – many demos requested
The Eyestar is always a big draw at the ESCRS, and the team impressed many visiting surgeons with the Eyestar’s speed of data acquisition and potential for easy practice delegation. This resulted in four days of demonstrations for our product specialists, led by Haag-Streit’s Thomas Beutler.
Moreover, there was much interest in the two different suites available for the Eyestar: The Cataract Suite, which boats anterior and posterior corneal topography, dual zone precision keratometry, pachymetry, and lens tilt analysis, and the Anterior Chamber Suite: which provides comprehensive data and visualization for corneal diagnostics, including 12 mm Class A-topography of the anterior and posterior cornea and 18 mm OCT imaging of the anterior segment.
Interested in future events where Haag-Streit is exhibiting? Keep an eye on our News & Events page for the latest information.
*Available in the USA only, not available in the EU