During this year’s convention of The Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons of Poland (SCOP), Professor Robert Rejdak was elected president of the organization for the third time. This is a sign of the enormous trust placed in him by the medical community, which appreciates his consistency, vision, and international activity in building the position of Polish ophthalmology.
“It is a great honor and joy for me. We devoted the two previous terms to fundamental changes: the development of educational platforms, the organization of conventions, and the consolidation of the community of eye surgeons. Now it is time to further open up to the world,” says Prof. Rejdak.
The plans for the new term include, among other things, the creation of a training center for Polish ophthalmologists in Mumbai, India. It will be a place where young doctors will gain practical, hands-on experience alongside the best specialists. The association also plans to develop cooperation with the Middle East Ophthalmology Meeting Society in Dubai, encouraging young Polish ophthalmologists to present their research results and publications there.
Professor Rejdak has represented Poland on the international scientific stage for many years. He is a member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) – the world’s largest organization of scientists involved in vision research. He has completed numerous internships at renowned centers in Germany (Tübingen, Erlangen, Frankfurt am Main, Bremen) and Italy (Pisa, Ravenna). His achievements include publications in prestigious journals such as Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, Acta Ophthalmologica, and Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.
In Poland, the professor heads the General Ophthalmology Clinic at the Medical University of Lublin. He specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of cataracts, retinal diseases, and eye injuries. In 2013, he participated in Poland’s first artificial iris implantation surgery—a pioneering procedure that opened a new chapter in domestic ophthalmic surgery.
His humanitarian commitment cannot be overlooked. From the very first days of the war in Ukraine, Professor Rejdak and his team in Lublin have been providing assistance to Ukrainian ophthalmologists and victims of war who have lost their sight or suffered severe eye injuries. Working with local medical centers and universities, he has organized a support system for both doctors forced to evacuate and patients in the most difficult health situations. The clinic in Lublin has already performed many eye-saving surgeries on war victims, and some Ukrainian specialists have been included in a training and research program, enabling them to continue their professional development despite the realities of war.
His scientific and social activities have been recognized many times – in 2022, he received the Silver Cross of Merit, and a year later, an honorary doctorate from the Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University.
Today, Professor Rejdak focuses on combining science, education, innovation, and solidarity. “Polish ophthalmology has enormous potential and ambitions to be not only part of the world’s elite, but one of its leaders. Cooperation, training young people, and helping those in need are the values that set our direction,” he emphasizes. (JC)
