A Milestone in Retinal Science: EURETINA 2025 in Paris

Paris is host to a milestone event in retinal science this week, the 25th EURETINA Congress. Between 4 and 7 September 2025, thousands of retina specialists, researchers, and innovators are converging at the Palais des Congrès to celebrate a quarter-century of progress and to chart the future of eye health.

At the heart of the conversation is diabetic eye disease, a growing global challenge. With dedicated sessions on diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema, this Congress highlights how advancements – from the use of biomarkers to track disease progression and guide treatment decisions to cutting-edge therapies – are transforming care and offering hope to millions at risk of vision loss.

Why EURETINA Matters

The EURETINA Congress has grown into the largest international retina meeting, and this year marks its silver anniversary. As Professor Anat Loewenstein, EURETINA President, noted, abstract submissions rose by 25% compared with previous years. evidence of both the dynamism of the field and the appetite for knowledge-sharing. More than 10,000 participants are expected, making this the biggest EURETINA yet.

The scale matters because retinal disease is at the crossroads of public health, innovation, and clinical care. For diabetic eye disease in particular, the Congress offers a forum to translate research into practice at a time when diabetes rates are soaring worldwide.

Diabetic Eye Disease in the Spotlight

• Global urgency: Diabetic eye disease remains one of the leading causes of vision impairment. Without action, the number of people affected will continue to rise sharply.
• Dedicated sessions: The program features high-profile symposia on screening strategies, AI-guided detection tools, the role of biomarkers in patient-centred care, extended-release anti-VEGF therapies, and clinical trial updates.
• Cross-disciplinary learning: Conversations span not just ophthalmology but also endocrinology, health systems, and technology, which is critical if we are to shift from reactive treatment to early detection and prevention.

Innovation at the Forefront

The Congress was preceded by the EURETINA Innovation Spotlight (EIS) on 3 September, where emerging biotech firms, regulators, clinicians, and investors exchanged ideas in a fast-paced format. From novel drug delivery systems to AI algorithms for DR screening in primary care, EIS highlighted the breakthroughs most likely to change patient outcomes in the near future.

Inside the main Congress, attendees are engaging with live surgery demonstrations, new imaging technologies, and keynote sessions such as Professor Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth’s talk on artificial intelligence in retinal care. While focused on AMD, her message—about the potential of AI to transform disease management—resonates strongly for diabetic eye disease as well.

Looking Ahead

Paris provides a fitting backdrop for this silver anniversary, combining history with modern vision. But the journey doesn’t stop here and EURETINA has already announced Vienna 2026 as its next destination, continuing the momentum of collective progress.
Learn more and explore the full program on the EURETINA website.