On December 6-7, Novosibirsk hosted one of the most significant events in the ophthalmology community: the IV Siberian Myopia Conference with International Participation. Specialists gathered to exchange experiences, discuss the latest achievements, and map out future developments in the fight against myopia. Approximately 200 ophthalmologists from 30 cities across Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other republics participated in person. The conference was also broadcast live across Russia, reaching 1,500 viewers.
The participation of leading Russian specialists and Global leaders of the International Myopia Institute undoubtedly fueled the strong interest in the conference. The conference’s topics were diverse, ranging from genetics to myopia management. Many presentations were made on clinical trials of new optical methods for myopia control. The conference truly became a platform for exchanging ideas and sparking new projects.
The opening ceremony began with a screening of the video “Protect a Child’s Dream,” accompanied by children of various ages and dressed in costumes of different professions. Then, conference organiser Irina Smirnova addressed the participants with a welcoming speech: “I am happy to stand before you now with these wonderful children who dream and who are addressing us with heartwarming words of support. In addition, we will do everything possible to protect their dreams from myopia. After all, the mission of the conference is to preserve the eyesight of the present and future generations of our children and grandchildren.”
A special highlight of the conference was a dedicated session on the International Myopia Institute’s 2025 White Papers. The IMI session was facilitated by Ambassador Irina Smirnova, who presented a series of video recordings featuring IMI experts and contributors. These presentations generated significant interest among conference participants. The session helped introduce the audience to a group of outstanding researchers and clinicians actively shaping the global myopia research agenda, further strengthening international knowledge exchange at the conference.
The conference also featured a debate session, which generated great interest. Speakers debated the role of genetics or environmental factors in the development of myopia, on the topics of “Refractive Surgery vs. Optical Correction” and “Orthokeratology: Theory vs. Practice.”
The results of the conference will undoubtedly become an expert opinion in the scientific and practical ophthalmology school in light of the upcoming tasks and challenges of modern medicine.
The conference’s symbol was the lighting of a lighthouse, which has always symbolised the true path, perseverance and persistence in achieving goals, and a willingness to shine a light even when storms rage around us. It reminds us to be strong and steadfast in the face of difficulties, signifies service to our cause, and simply gives us hope for the future.
