Background

ARVO-SWISS was established in August 2020 as a sub-group of members of the Swiss Society of Ophthalmology. All major academic centers in Switzerland (i.e., the University Eye Hospitals) participated in the foundation of ARVO-SWISS and serve as its leadership. In 2021, ARVO-SWISS was integrated as a section in the Swiss Society of Ophthalmology (Schweizerische Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft, SOG).

Mission

ARVO-SWISS seeks to connect the Swiss community with other communities under the umbrella of ARVO as the leading brand of eye and vision research worldwide. It provides a voluntary association of researchers and clinicians dedicated to advancing the field of ophthalmic research in Switzerland that promotes activities and programs for the benefit of its members and the vision research and science profession. As part of its mission, ARVO-SWISS also aims at joint advocacy projects and partnering with patient organizations.

Membership

Any researcher, clinician or trainee with an active interest in the field of ophthalmic research in Switzerland is eligible for membership in this organization. Membership shall be attained through written/online application submitted to and approved by the president. ARVO-SWISS membership is free of charge.

Activities and Programs

• ARVO-SWISS Symposium at the Annual Meeting of the Swiss Society of Ophthalmology (SOG)
• ARVO-SWISS travel grant program to support young scientists to participate in the ARVO Annual Meeting, including prize giving ceremony at the Annual Meeting of the Swiss Society of Ophthalmology (SOG)
• Presentation of ARVO-SWISS at international scientific meetings
• Collaboration with industry
• Collaboration with patient organizations
• Networking with scientific organizations
• Publishing articles about ARVO-SWISS
• Annual General Membership Meeting
• Annual Leadership Meeting

Leadership

• President: Hendrik P. N. Scholl, MD, FARVO
• Vice President: Beatrice Früh, MD
• Officer: Gabriele Thumann, MD
• Officer: Thomas Wolfensberger, MD
• Officer: Martin Zinkernagel, MD, PhD
• Officer: Sandrine Zweifel, MD, PhD