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.

2025 update

• ARVO-SWISS will hold its sixth symposium at the Annual Congress of the Swiss Society of Ophthalmology (SOG-SSO) taking place in Basel, Switzerland, in August 2025. The fifth ARVO-SWISS general membership meeting will take place in conjunction with these events.
• The grant funding will be used to support a researcher's attendance at the 2026 ARVO Annual Meeting.
• The Chapter hopes to implement a website to inform the scientific community stakeholders in the field, patient organizations, and the general public about the ongoing activities of ARVO-SWISS.
• The Chapter is committed to carrying out activities to foster young researchers in the field by organizing events such as lunch meetings with internationally renowned scientists.

Leadership

• President: Carlo Rivolta, PhD
• Vice President: H. Viet Tran, MD
• General Secretary: Sitta Fohr
• Officer: Gabriele Thumann, MD
• Officer: Thomas Wolfensberger, MD
• Officer: Martin Zinkernagel, MD, PhD
• Officer: Sandrine Zweifel, MD, PhD