Dear Sir/Madam,
As we enter the new year, we would like to present a brief summary of the most important events and achievements of 2024.
Conference Activities of the "Okulistyka 21" Foundation
In 2024, we organized five prestigious conferences for the first time, gathering thousands of participants from dozens of countries. These events focused on the latest scientific and technological advancements in ophthalmology: pięć prestiżowych konferencji, które zgromadziły tysiące uczestników z kilkudziesięciu krajów. Były to wydarzenia poświęcone najnowszym osiągnięciom naukowym i technologicznym w okulistyce:
- “Myopia 2024: Innovations”, June 7
- “Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology 2024”, June 21
- “Science and Technological Innovations in Ophthalmology”, September 13
- “Presbyopia 2024”, November 8
- “Clinical Cases in Ophthalmology 2024”, November 22
Preventive and Diagnostic Programs
In 2024, we launched the second edition of the diabetic retinopathy screening program using artificial intelligence algorithms in the Wielkopolska region. This project is the first of its kind in Poland and the largest in Europe. The program is additionally supported by a mobile diagnostic point, the Retinobus, which reaches areas with limited access to specialized care.
We also implemented two editions of the Health Policy Program for Early Detection of Vision Defects in Children from the Poznań County, covering around 5,000 first-grade primary school students.
Awards and Distinctions
Our president, Prof. Andrzej Grzybowski, received the following accolades in 2024:
- Polish Academy of Sciences Award in the category of biological, agricultural, and medical sciences for developing algorithm models for myopia risk assessment and applying artificial intelligence in diabetic retinopathy diagnostics.
- Rector's Award from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn for outstanding scientific achievements.
- Inclusion in the prestigious The Ophthalmologist Power List of the world's 100 most influential ophthalmologists.
- A high ranking in Expertscape (No. 1 in cataract surgery) and ScholarGPS (No. 3 globally in cataract treatment).
Additionally, Prof. Grzybowski assumed several prestigious editorial roles for scientific journals:
- Associate Editor of TVSTpublished by ARVO (the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology), the world's largest scientific organization.
- Section Editor for Heliyon,
- Section Editor for Ophthalmology and Therapy (Ocular Imaging and Artificial Intelligence Section)
- Section Editor for Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology (Artificial Intelligence Section).
Leadership Roles
In 2024, Prof. Grzybowski served as the first Polish president of the European Association for Vision and Eye Research (EVER) , the most prominent European scientific ophthalmology association, representing specialists from 45 countries. In January 2025, in recognition of his dedication and contributions to EVER, Prof. Grzybowski was awarded the lifelong title of Distinguished Life Member
At the beginning of 2024, the "Okulistyka 21" Foundation was appointed a member of the Technical Committee of the Polish Committee for Standardization on Artificial Intelligence. Prof. Grzybowski actively participated in reviewing numerous documents, contributing to the creation and development of AI-related standards.
We wish you prosperity, health, and success in all your projects and endeavors in 2025!
Team of the Foundation "Ophthalmology 21"
