Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis (AOI) Congress 2025
From 19 to 21 June 2025, Leiden hosted the AOI Congress, the annual international meeting of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis (AOI). This prestigious organisation brought together leading ophthalmologists from around the world to exchange knowledge and stimulate progress within the field. The 2025 edition was organised by Prof. Martine Jager and a strong team of experts, in collaboration with LUMC and Medical Science. The congress took place at two characteristic locations in Leiden: Rijksmuseum Boerhaave and the Academy Building of Leiden University.
About the congress
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Theme
The AOI Congress 2025 brought together a select group of international ophthalmologists in Leiden for a closed two-day programme. This edition was special because it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis and the 450th anniversary of Leiden University. These two milestones gave extra meaning to both the content and the location.During this annual meeting of the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, scientific presentations, global developments and strategic collaboration took centre stage. Participants discussed topics such as innovative treatment methods, the role of science in global eye care, and the future of the field. The emphasis was on deepening knowledge, reflection, and strengthening international networks between experts from different parts of the world.
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Objective
The AOI Congress 2025 aimed to do more than just share the latest scientific insights in ophthalmology. Its central goal was to create a private, high-quality environment in which leaders in the field could come together to engage in strategic discussions about global challenges and future directions in eye care. The congress was explicitly designed as a place where not only knowledge was exchanged, but also vision was formed. By providing space for reflection, joint decision-making, and the establishment of new connections between disciplines and continents, the congress contributed to strengthening international leadership in ophthalmology.
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Relevance
The meeting in Leiden underscored the continuing relevance of the AOI Congress as an international platform for knowledge exchange within ophthalmology. By bringing together specialists from all over the world, the congress contributed to groundbreaking research, global collaboration, and improved patient care. The scientific value lay not only in the shared insights, but also in the personal connections that enabled further innovation.
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Essence
According to Prof. Martine Jager, the essence of this conference lay precisely in the encounters outside the formal programme. Even before the official start, participants sought each other out to meet informally, catch up, and strengthen ties. These spontaneous moments were at least as valuable as the substantive sessions.That is why, according to Prof. Dr. Martine Jager, significant space was deliberately reserved for social activities — so that international colleagues from different parts of the world had the opportunity to talk to one another naturally, inspire each other, and initiate collaborations. At a time when much interaction takes place digitally, this physical gathering offered a rare platform for genuine exchange, both professional and personal.
Reflection on organisation and impact
In collaboration with a dedicated team, a balanced programme was put together that combined content with experience. According to Prof. Martine Jager, successful conference organisation revolved around four pillars: working in a structured manner, maintaining an overview, paying attention to details, and collaborating with a strong team.This approach ensured that the conference was not only strong in terms of content, but also felt smooth and personal for all participants. The strength lay in maintaining an overview without losing human contact. This proved particularly important in a context where much was done on a voluntary basis and where personal motivation and enthusiasm were essential to keep everything running smoothly. If Martine Jager had to describe the conference — and its purpose — in one word, it would undoubtedly be: connecting.
Social highlights
In addition to the substantive programme, the AOI Congress 2025 offered a carefully curated social programme at unique locations in Leiden. The opening dinner took place at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, where participants had exclusive access to historical medical collections, including a rare series of glass eyes. Another evening was organised at the Hortus Botanicus, with dinner in the Hortus garden and Orangery. The Hortus Botanicus provided an atmospheric setting for one of the social gatherings. A special part of the programme was the joint boat tour through the canals of Leiden. This tour offered participants a relaxed way to experience the city from the water, while giving them the opportunity to make informal contact with colleagues from other countries along the way. The social programme was designed to promote meaningful encounters in an intimate and inspiring setting.
Why Leiden?
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Leiden proved to be an ideal location for the AOI Congress, thanks to its combination of a clear urban structure and excellent international accessibility. The city is only 20 minutes by train from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, which ensured a smooth arrival for international guests. According to Prof. Martine Jager, it was precisely this compact layout that contributed to the success of the congress: because everything was within walking distance, participants could easily move between locations, creating space for informal meetings and spontaneous conversations.
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One of the highlights of the AOI Congress 2025 was its location: the Academy Building of Leiden University. This historic site, where science and education have come together since the 16th century, provided a fitting and impressive setting for the anniversary congress. The stately halls, rich academic history, and central location made it an inspiring place for lectures, discussions, and official moments. It was precisely this interweaving of content and heritage that reinforced the significance of the congress and gave international guests a tangible impression of Leiden as a centuries-old university city.
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During the AOI Congress 2025, Leiden once again presented itself as the city where science and society come together. With its rich academic tradition, leading medical centres, and vibrant network of knowledge institutions, the city rightly bore the title City of Science. Its scientific history was visible everywhere — from wall formulas and museums to historic lecture halls.For international participants, Leiden offered an inspiring environment that not only focused on substantive depth, but also evoked the feeling of being part of a broader tradition of research and innovation.
