President’s Letter (October 28, 2020)

Dear Colleagues, The COVID-19 pandemic is again a serious threat in various European countries and continues to expand in USA and other extra-European countries. I personally, together with all members of the AOPT Board of Trustees, feel a great concern about the health situation in these countries. We also sincerely hope that in the near future this critical circumstance will normalize allowing all scientists to resume their custom to meet, exchange ideas, and increase their knowledge. Our global community of thinkers, researchers and innovators, is stronger when we are connected. Distance is no longer our greatest barrier. Indeed, many small meetings are suffering because of sanitary restrictions, our laboratories are emptied because best practices for staying healthy involve social distancing and most human communication is held via electronic media. My thought is that we must comply with sanitary rules and limitations on gatherings and traveling, but also make our best effort to maintain our human and scientific relationships. In 2021 the AOPT will host its 15th biennial scientific congress. By unanimous decision of the AOPT Board of Trustees, this meeting of ocular scientists, physicians and industry professionals will be held virtually on March 4-7, 2021. The theme of the meeting is “Restoring Vision Through Regeneration”. You all will soon find more information on our website at www.aopt.org. The meeting, which will be viewed in 12 time zones, will include 13 sessions, plenary talks, exhibits, and posters (short 5 min videos). I invite all new and existing members to visit our newly refined website at www.aopt.org to submit your abstracts, renew your membership, and secure your subscription to the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics. A warm hug.