Dear friends, dear colleagues,

It will be my great and personal pleasure to welcome you to Paris on May 10th, 11th and 12th 2009 for our next ECLSO annual meeting. This meeting will be special because we have combined it with the annual convention of the French Society of Ophthalomogy (SFO) which will be held in the Palais des Congrès in Paris. Since the main topic of the annual report book published at the occasion of this SFO convention is “Contact Lenses”, we found this a golden opportunity to combine the two meetings.

This annual SFO report book contains an exhaustive survey of present-day information about contact lenses and its publication represents quite an achievement by the French Ophthalmologic Society. On Tuesday May 12th 2009 a team of collaborators and co-ordinators will publicly present this book in an amphitheater (English translation will be avalaible). Since our ECLSO meeting will take place during the SFO meeting, our members will have the opportunity to take part in this event and will have access to the large ophthalmologic exhibition organised by the SFO (more than 100 booths).

Contact lens fitting is an ophthalmologic subspecialty that has experienced a rapid technical and scientific evolution , which allows us to fit contact lenses to all ametropic patients and to all patients with corneal and/or ocular surface diseases. Changes in modern life and psycho-sociological needs have inspired us to offer to our patients a whole range of up-to-date and “customised” contact lenses, which combine optimal wearing comfort and safety.

This annual meeting will present us with an unique opportunity to share state-of-the art information about contact lenses and their medical applications. As you know, the ECLSO represents the Contact Lens Societies of 24 different European countries, in which ophthalmologists use their expertise to provide patients with the best and safest contact lens fit. Like all the preceding meetings, this ECLSO meeting in Paris will give you the privilege of attending up-to-date presentations, discussions and courses, during which your input will be greatly appreciated.

On behalf of the Praesidium and the ECLSO Board, I feel honoured to invite you to our meeting in Paris. And apart from the scientific quality of our meeting, there is also Paris itself to be enjoyed : museums, entertainment, organised tours and shopping will make your visit more than worth its while.

I would like to address a warm and sincere word of thanks to Mme Béatrice Cochener, President of the French Ophthalmologic Society, and Mme Gisèle Soubranne, General Secretary, for their help in organising this joint event and for welcoming us to the Palais des Congrès in Paris.

Welcome to you all !!

Florence Malet

President of the ECLSO