Vitreoretinal Courses Worldwide
- Atanas Bogoev M.D. and Maria Cholakova
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Are you looking to improve your vitreoretinal surgery skills? This global guide to retina training courses is your gateway to expanding your knowledge and surgical skills as an ophthalmologist. We will list the top vitreoretinal training programs worldwide for you, highlighting their approach to learning, curriculum, hands-on opportunities, faculty, and accessibility.
Table of contents:
Vitreoretinal Courses in Europe
Oftalmo University Retina Surgery Training Program
Date: Multiple sessions annually (check website)
Venue: Oftalmo University, Bracelona, Spain
Program Length: 5-10 days
Features: Step-by-step surgical training, 3D videos, wet labs, case-based learning
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Oftalmo University's Retina Surgery Training Program is designed for ophthalmologists who wish to gain or enhance practical experience in vitreoretinal techniques. The modular program covers the most essential aspects of retina surgery, including vitrectomy, epiretinal membrane peeling, and internal limiting membrane manipulation.
Participants benefit from high-quality 3D surgical video sessions, instructor-guided wet labs, and case-based discussions, making it a flexible and comprehensive option for continuous professional development in retinal surgery.
The course is also available in the Oftalmo University Mexico Campus.
European Vitreoretinal Training School (EVTS)
Date: 24-29 May 2025
Venue: TODEM Ankara, Türkiye
Program Length: 5 days
Features: Simulation labs, live surgery observation, hands-on training
Cost: 3,500 EUR / 4000 USD
Established in 2000, the EVRS Training School was the world's first dedicated vitreoretinal training institution. The 1-week intensive course combines theoretical lectures by vitreoretinal specialists. Participants get to use EYESI Sumlator's vitreoretinal modules, engage in wet labs with various vitrectomy machines using model eyes, and observe live retina surgeries.
The program is limited to 30 young ophthalmologists or students. The registration fee of €3,500 includes accommodation, meals (including a gala dinner), daily transfers between the hotel and course venue, and a certificate of attendance.
Thessaloniki International Vitreo-Retinal Summer School
Date: June 30 – July 5, 2025​
Venue: Mediterranean Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki, Greece​
Program Length: 5-days
Features: Dry and wet labs, lectures, case presentations, live surgery sessions
Cost: 3,800​ EUR / 4300 USD
This five-day intensive program includes roundtable discussions, expert-led lectures, hands-on wet and dry labs, case presentations, live surgery sessions, and 3D video demonstrations. The curriculum focuses on advanced surgical techniques and the latest innovations in vitreoretinal surgery.
Under expert supervision, participants will benefit from at least 15 hours of hands-on wet lab training. The course fee includes access to all lectures, 35 scheduled hours of wet labs, five nights of accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks), and evening dinners with faculty members.
ESASO Surgical Retina Course
Date: June 4–6, 2025​
Venue: Humanitas University, Milan, Italy​
Program Length: 3-day advanced-level course
Features: Lectures on advanced retinal detachment surgery​, hands-on training
Cost:
Full Ophthalmologist: 1,500 CHF​/1600 EUR / 1800 USD
Link: ESASO Retina Course
This advanced-level course, directed by Mario Romano, focuses on enhancing surgical skills in retinal procedures, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Registration cost varies depending on your expertise and does not include accommodation.
Ophthalmic Winter Academy
Date: March 30 – April 4, 2025​
Venue:Â Alpenhotel Montafon, Schruns, Vorarlberg, Austria
Program Length: 6-day intensive training course​
Features: Wet labs with state-of-the-art equipment, training in phaco and pars plana vitrectomy​
Cost: €3,780
Ophthalmic Winter Academy is a six-day intensive training course focused on the fundamentals of phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy. Participants will benefit from hands-on wet labs equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, ensuring practical experience under the mentorship of faculty members.Â
Wetlabs and Training during EURETINA
Date: September 4–7, 2025
Venue: Le Palais des Congrès, Paris, France
Program Length:Â 4-day congress
Features: Keynote sessions, satellite symposia, exhibitions, workshops, wet labs​
Link: EURETINA 2025 Paris
The European Society of Retina Specialists is hosting its annual EURETINA congress in Paris in 2025. The four-day event brings together retina specialists to discuss the latest advancements in retinal care. Specific details about the congress's wet labs and training sessions will be announced closer to the event date.Â
Introductory Posterior Vitrectomy Course
Date: January 14, 2025
Venue: Hull Institute of Learning and Simulation (HILS), Hull, UK
Audience: ST4/5 trainees
Features: Hands-on training in posterior vitrectomy, vitrectomy machines, indirect laser
Link: BEAVRS
Organized by the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons (BEAVRS), this introductory course is tailored for ophthalmology trainees aiming to pursue a career in vitreoretinal surgery. Participants receive practical instruction in posterior vitrectomy techniques, including machine operation and laser procedures, within a supportive and realistic simulation setting.
Next vitreoretinal courses by BEAVRS:
13th June 2025 - Alcon Vitrectomy Course
Barraquer Institute's EyeSi 3D Surgery Simulator Training
Date: Ongoing
Venue: Barraquer Institute, Barcelona, Spain
Program length: 5-30 hours (depending on the selected module)
Features: Virtual reality training in intraocular surgery, vitreoretinal modules
Link: Barraquer Institute
The Barraquer Institute offers access to the advanced EyeSi 3D Simulator, a state-of-the-art tool for training ophthalmologists in a risk-free virtual environment. This resource is ideal for refining surgical skills in vitreoretinal procedures and is available throughout the year to trainees and practicing surgeons.
Vitreoretinal Courses in North America
Mass Eye and Ear Vitrectomy Course
Date: July 12–13, 2024
Venue: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Audience: First-year retina fellows
Features: Didactics, simulation labs, wet labs, expert faculty instruction
Cost: Free (registration required)
Organized by Harvard Medical School’s Department of Ophthalmology, this two-day program offers a focused introduction to vitreoretinal surgery for first-year fellows.
Participants engage in structured lectures, simulation-based skill development, and expert-supervised wet labs. With a low student-to-teacher ratio and no tuition fee, this is a highly competitive and prestigious training opportunity.
Duke Retina Fellows Advanced Vitreous Surgery (fAVS) Course
Date: May 15, 2025
Venue: Duke Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
Audience: Retina, uveitis, and medical retina fellows
Features: Panel discussions, surgical video tips, wet lab training
This intensive, one-day course is structured for first-year retina subspecialty fellows in North America. Attendees gain valuable insights through focused panel discussions, hands-on experience with advanced vitrectomy tools, and personal interaction with leading retina surgeons.
Duke Advanced Vitreous Surgery (AVS) Course
Date: TBA (biennial)
Venue: Duke Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
Audience: Retina specialists
Features: International lectures, surgical demonstrations, novel technologies
Founded by vitreoretinal pioneer Dr. Robert Machemer, this biennial course attracts a global audience. Highlights include surgical case analysis, cutting-edge tool demonstrations, and strategic approaches for complex conditions such as retinal detachments and macular surgery.
26th Annual AVTT Symposium
Date: August 22–24, 2025
Venue: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Features: Lectures, hands-on workshops, technology showcases
Link: AVTT Symposium
This renowned symposium features lectures from global leaders in retina, tailored breakout sessions for fellows, and hands-on technology showcases. The event fosters both academic development and professional networking.
Vitreoretinal Courses in Asia
APAO Congress Course
Date: April 3–6, 2025
Venue: New Delhi, India
Features: 1,000+ speakers, wide-ranging retina sessions, large-scale networking
In collaboration with the 83rd AIOS Conference, APAO 2025 is one of the largest ophthalmic gatherings globally. The retina sessions cover recent advances in diagnostics and surgery, including interactive case-based discussions and global perspective sharing.
We are waiting for more information about the courses during the APAO 2026 in Hong Kong.
Duke Fellows AVS Course Singapore
Date: TBA
Venue: Singapore National Eye Centre
Features: Wet labs, simulation-based training, expert instruction
Run in collaboration with Duke University, this advanced training course provides a blend of theoretical content and practical labs. The focus is on real-world surgical scenarios with structured faculty mentorship and access to high-end simulation tools.
Virtual Vitreoretinal Courses
Vitreoretinal Surgery Online Textbook
This free digital resource presents a comprehensive overview of vitreoretinal techniques, supplemented with step-by-step videos and surgeon commentary. Ideal for residents and practicing ophthalmologists seeking structured, self-paced learning.
Link: VR Surgery Online
Bascom Palmer Learn
Developed by the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, this online platform offers high-quality lectures and surgical walkthroughs, making it accessible for learners worldwide.
Link: Bascom Palmer Learn
Retina Foundation's surgical videos database
A rich educational hub, Refina Foundation features a rich database of surgical tutorials, widely used by ophthalmology trainees and retina fellows for its comprehensive and educational nature.
Eyetube Retina Channel
Eyetube delivers an extensive range of retina-focused surgical videos submitted by physicians, offering both beginner and advanced techniques with expert analysis.
Link: Eyetube
RELATED: Cataract Surgery Training Worldwide
Summary
Whether you're a first-year fellow or a practicing retinal surgeon, these global and virtual programs provide a unique opportunity to refine your skills, stay current with the latest techniques, and expand your professional network in 2025.