Invitation
Dear Friends and Colleagues
It is with great pride and pleasure that I invite you to the vibrant Mother City of South Africa, Cape Town.
When I was approached to write this invitation, a quote by Maxim Gorky came to mind: “When work is pleasure, life is joy! When work is duty, life is slavery.” It is with this quote in mind, that the Cape Town local organising committee plans a stellar cast of international and local speakers that promises to broaden your Ophthalmology knowledge.
The congress will kick off with an appetiser of two masterclasses in succession, consisting of anterior and posterior segment sessions to stimulate some thought-provoking discussions.
The main congress has been meticulously crafted to offer diverse insights into all aspects of Ophthalmology including various sub-speciality sessions.
This event is not for business alone, and so we treat you to a tantalising final session by a motivational speaker to stimulate some self-growth.
It is my sincere wish that OSSA 2026 will be professionally enriching and personally memorable. In addition, may it lead to new friendships, new collaborations and new insights into the wonderful field of Ophthalmology which is truly the princess of surgical disciplines.
The only thing worse than being blind is having sight, but no vision – Helen Keller
Merci la vie –Thank you, Life.
Kind regards
Dr Willem-Martin Gerber
Congress Chair, Cape Town branch of OSSA
Important dates
| Deadline for submission of abstracts: | 22 August 2025 |
| Acceptance of abstracts: | 30 September 2025 |
| Online registration open: | August 2025 |
| Programme on congress website: | 15 October 2025 |
| Deadline for early bird registrations: | 27 November 2025 |
| Block bookings expire at hotels: | 6 March 2026 |
Venue
OSSA 2026 will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
With its breath-taking scenery, immense cultural and natural heritage, and world-class conferencing and hotel facilities, Cape Town is one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. Known as the Mother City, this busy cosmopolitan hub, located in the Western Cape, is becoming increasingly celebrated on the conference and convention scene, both locally and internationally.
The Cape Town International Convention Centre is in the heart of the city. The convention centre has it all: it is accessible and highly accommodating and provides flexible facilities that will meet the needs of delegates, sponsors and exhibitors.
Enquiries
Organisational & administrative aspects
Exhibitions & sponsorships
R K Communication
Rhyno Kriek General
Heyns du Preez Sponsorships & exhibitions
Sonja Bührmann Registration
Hilda Bouwer Speakers & administration
Tel.: Domestic calls: 051 436 7733
International calls: + 27 51 436 7733
OSSA matters & membership
Please click here to apply for OSSA membership.
National secretariat
Sharon Beeming
Tel: 012 347 0048
E-mail: ossacongress@rkcommunication.co.za
Website: www.ossa.co.za
Postal address:
Turners House
38 Jonsson Lane
Durban
4000
Academic committee
Only enquiries relating to the contents of the different academic programmes
Congress Chair & Allied Health programme
Dr Willem-Martin Gerber
Tel: 084 553 5623
E-mail: wmgerber@yahoo.com; wmg@drwmgerber.co.za
Ophthalmology programme & Co-Chair
Prof Linda Visser
Tel: 082 958 7458
E-mail: lindav@sun.ac.za
Pre-congress masterclasses
Retina masterclass
Dr Jonel Steffen
Tel: 074 103 8638
E-mail: j.steffen@uct.ac.za
Cornea masterclass
Dr Dony Mathew
Tel: 079 515 6386
E-mail: mathewdk1@gmail.com
Paediatrics & Strabismus masterclass
Dr Tshilidzi van der Lecq
Tel: 076 170 4659
E-mail: tshilidzi.vanderlecq@uct.ac.za
Oculoplastic masterclass
Name: TBC
Tel: TBC
E-mail: TBC
SASPOS programme
Dr Helga Abrahamse-Pillay
Tel: 021 938 5519
E-mail: helga@sun.ac.za
Young Ophthalmologists
Dr Jerusha John
Tel: TBC
E-mail: TBC