2nd COFD Congress with international participation – Budva 2025

2nd COFD Congress with International Participation
Budva, 13–16 November 2025
Avala Hotel, Budva

The Congress was successfully held in accordance with the planned program. It opened with the session “Young Ophthalmologists” featuring eight interesting presentations from the practice and research of young ophthalmologists, residents, medical doctors, and one optometrist.

The Opening Ceremony included welcome addresses by the President of COFD, Dr. Nikola Cvijović, the President of the Medical Chamber, Dr. Žanka Cerović, and the Minister of Health, Dr. Vojislav Šimun. Certificates of appreciation were presented to all Congress sponsors, and the cultural program was performed by the folklore ensemble KUD “Boka” from Tivat. The Congress took place during the national holiday “Njegoš Day,” dedicated to Montenegrin culture and one of the most significant historical figures of Montenegro—writer, philosopher, bishop, and ruler Petar II Petrović Njegoš.

Following the Opening Ceremony, a welcome cocktail was held, accompanied by a cello–violin duo.

The second day of the Congress consisted of three sessions: “Retina and Vitreoretinal Surgery 1” with six lectures; “Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Surgery” with nine lectures; and “Uveitis and Neuro-ophthalmology” with six lectures. Between sessions, a satellite symposium was organized by the general sponsor Roche, presenting the new anti-VEGF drug Vabysmo used in retinal diseases. Another sponsored lecture was given by the silver sponsor Farmont, presenting new artificial tears for the treatment of ocular surface disorders.

The third day featured four sessions: “Tumours, Oculoplastic Surgery and Orbit” with five lectures; “Retina and Vitreoretinal Surgery 2” with ten lectures; “Glaucoma” with five lectures; and “Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus” with five lectures. Sponsored lectures included a presentation by the silver sponsor Bayer on the new enhanced anti-VEGF therapy Eylea 8 mg and its applications in retinal diseases, as well as a lecture by Novartis on the possibilities of gene therapy for pigmentary retinopathy. All sessions proceeded on schedule, accompanied by active discussions following each presentation or at the end of the sessions. The third day concluded with a Gala Dinner and musical program.

The fourth day was reserved for certificate distribution and participants’ departure.

A total of 54 presentations were delivered at the Congress, including 22 invited lectures from 18 invited speakers from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, seven presentations were given by participants from abroad (North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Germany), while 25 presentations were delivered by participants from Montenegro.

The Congress highlighted the strong connection among ophthalmologists from the region, as well as the high level of Montenegrin ophthalmology across all fields and subspecialties.

The organization of the Congress was of a very high standard, confirmed by numerous congratulations and positive feedback from guests and sponsors. The Congress hosted 188 participants, including 156 ophthalmologists, residents, medical doctors, and optometrists; 10 ophthalmic nurses; 19 representatives of sponsoring pharmaceutical companies, distributors, and medical equipment companies; and 3 accompanying persons. The Congress was supported by 13 sponsors, 9 of whom had exhibition stands.

A Book of Abstracts was printed, containing all relevant Congress information and the abstracts of presented works.
Knjiga sažetaka 2.Kongresa COFD-a Budva 2025
The Congress Program was printed as a separate brochure.
Program 2. kongres COFDa Budva 2025

The Congress was accredited by the Medical Chamber of Montenegro, No. 1884/3-10, Podgorica, 16 October 2025, awarding 15 credits to lecturers and 10 credits to other participants.

We extend our gratitude to all participants, lecturers, guests, and sponsor representatives for attending the Congress and contributing to its success.

Congress email: cofd2006@gmail.com

CONGRESS SPONSORS