ESCRS Leadership, Business and Innovation Webinar - Who Owns Ophthalmology?

Who Owns Ophthalmology?

In recent years, there has been growing pressure on ophthalmologists in both public and private practice to cede some independence to private investors who wish to include ophthalmology in their healthcare portfolios.

The ESCRS has always valued the support of industry in assisting us in delivering premium services to our patients. It is our belief this should be done in the spirit of collaboration. We also believe ophthalmology should be physician-led, and that we must retain control of our practices both in the public and private environments.

In this webinar we will discuss how ophthalmologists can continue to retain their independence while continuing to engage with industry in a constructive and positive manner.

Webinar Programme

Tuesday 21 November 2023

19.30 CET; 18.30 GMT

19.30 - Welcome And Introduction

Sheraz Daya, UK, Founder, Chairman and Medical Director, Centre for Sight, London and Artemis Matsou, Greece, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon- Cornea Cataract Anterior Segment, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead.

19.35 - 19.50 How Will New Models Of Ophthalmology Ownership Effect Young Ophthalmologists? - Vincent Qin, Ophthalmologist and Eye Surgeon, Belgium

Vincent Qin discusses how young ophthalmologists envisage their future careers and how they wish to ensure good life work balance and training, research and leadership opportunities.

19.50 - 20.05 The EuroEyes Story - Joern Joergensen, Denmark, CEO, EuroEyes

Joern Joergensen discusses how EuroEyes has grown and developed to become one of the leading ophthalmic groups worldwide. Based on his experience as an ophthalmologist and entrepreneur he will also discuss the benefits of the EuroEyes model for ophthalmologists.

20.05 - 20.20 Why I Remain Committed To Private Practice - Arthur Cummings, Ireland, Consultant Eye Surgeon, Wellington Eye Clinic and Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beacon Hospital.

Arthur Cummings explains why he has carved out a career in private practice rather than taking up a public position or selling his practice to private equity and what he perceives to be challenges that he and other independent private practitioners will face in the future.

20.20 – 20.35 What Is Private Equity And How Does It Work? – Victor Chua, UK, MBBChir, MRCSEd (Ophthalmology), Partner Mansfield Advisors LLP

Victor Chua will discuss the impact of private equity owned ophthalmic companies in bringing down waiting times and costs, the downside of reduced training opportunities for junior surgeons to do simple cataracts and the dangers of "cherry-picking" in some countries by private equity firms when choosing which procedures they will concentrate on.

20.35 - Discussion

Sheraz Daya and Artemis Matsou will discuss some of the key points raised in the discussion and take questions from the audience for the speakers

20.55 Closing remarks, Paul Rosen, UK, Chairman ESCRS Leadership & Business Innovation Committee.