The Founding of VBS (Ross Lakhanpal, MD)

• Origins in 2004–2006 among fellows seeking more surgical retina focus

• Early dinner meetings piggybacking on major conferences (ASRS, AAO)

• Initial industry support from Bausch + Lomb and later Alcon

• The role of key mentors including Timothy Murray, MD, and Harry Flynn, MD

• Transition from informal gatherings to a standalone national meeting

• Early challenges with organization, funding, and defining a clear vision

Building a Distinctive Retina Meeting

• Introduction of debates, live surgery, and unconventional formats

• The importance of creativity, energy, and peer-driven programming

• Balancing innovation with professionalism as the meeting grew

• The role of medical conference planners (MCPI) in scaling the event

• How VBS differentiated itself from traditional, science-heavy meetings

Leadership Transition and Growth

• Decision to hand leadership to the next generation

• Evolution of programming under new leadership

• Increased focus on year-round education, social media, and engagement

• Current leadership structure and succession planning

• Why maintaining a strong culture and relationships is critical to continuity

2026 VBS Meeting Preview (Aleksandra Ratchitskaya, MD)

• Expanded Thursday programming for fellows, trainees, and early-career specialists

• "VBS Silver" sessions for more experienced physicians

• Fellows Forum-style competitions, including surgical video presentations

• Awards, including Lifetime Achievement and Mentorship recognition

• Dedicated sessions on practice management, advocacy, and wellness

Signature VBS Elements

• Surgical case discussions focused on complications and real-world challenges

• Debates on controversial clinical and professional topics

• A strong emphasis on honesty and open dialogue

• Social programming built around the Alice in Wonderland theme

• Networking that reflects the collaborative, peer-driven culture of VBS

Key Takeaways

VBS was founded to address a gap in surgical retina education and has grown into a broader platform for professional development. The meeting's success is rooted in its culture of openness, creativity, and peer collaboration. Leadership transition to younger physicians has strengthened the organization and expanded its reach. VBS continues to stand out by addressing the full scope of retina practice, including clinical, personal, and professional challenges.