CRATER 2025: Advancing Translational Eye Research and Innovation

Warsaw, October 2025 – The International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) is pleased to announce the second edition of CRATER 2025 - the Conference on Recent Advances in Translational Eye Research. This international conference will take place on October 8-10, 2025, at the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw, Poland.

CRATER 2025 is a high-profile forum focused on the latest innovations in vision science and ophthalmology, offering a unique opportunity for researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs whose interests center on the eye to come together in pursuit of cutting-edge advancements. Organized by ICTER (a unit of the Polish Academy of Sciences) in partnership with the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS and the Candela Foundation, the event promises a dynamic exchange of knowledge and technology in eye research.

Key Themes and Innovations in Eye Research

Now in its second edition, CRATER 2025 remains “all about the eye.” The conference facilitates interdisciplinary discussions on the frontiers of eye imaging, the process of vision, and emerging solutions for eye diseases. A special highlight of this year’s program is a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the first 3D Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan of the human retina, a revolutionary milestone in ophthalmic imaging. CRATER 2025 will honor this achievement with dedicated sessions reviewing key OCT breakthroughs and exploring future innovations in the technology.

The agenda covers a broad spectrum of cutting-edge themes, reflecting the most active areas of modern vision science. Topics range from novel biomedical imaging techniques and optical methods (including advances in OCT) to applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in ophthalmology, as well as the latest findings in retinal neuroscience and gene therapy. Attendees will hear from renowned experts from leading institutions worldwide - with speakers from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and the UCLA School of Medicine among many others sharing new research and technological insights. Plenary talks will delve into state-of-the-art developments, including a progress update on translating stem cell therapy for age-related macular degeneration into the clinic and breakthroughs in adaptive optics imaging that reveal microscopic details of ocular tissue. Such presentations underscore the innovative character of CRATER 2025 and its emphasis on real-world impact.

Bridging Vision Science with Industry

For representatives of business and industry - especially those active in biomedical imaging, AI, optics, or neuroscience - CRATER 2025 offers an invaluable forum to engage with the forefront of eye research. As a translational conference, CRATER places strong emphasis on moving laboratory breakthroughs toward practical applications, including discussions on how to facilitate the rapid implementation of new eye therapies in clinical practice.

The presence of venture investors, biotechnology entrepreneurs, and medical technology companies alongside academic scientists is expected to spark collaborations that drive innovation. The event is structured to maximize interaction: extensive networking opportunities are built into the schedule, with lunches and coffee breaks covered by the conference to encourage informal discussions and partnership building.

Participants will also have the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at innovation in action through lab tours at ICTER’s state-of-the-art facilities, offering insight into the cutting-edge imaging and diagnostic technologies being developed on-site. This collaborative environment makes CRATER 2025 particularly relevant for industry professionals looking to discover emerging technologies, find research partners, or explore investment opportunities in the vision science field.

Registration and Contact

Business and industry leaders passionate about innovation in eye care are warmly encouraged to attend and can register via the official conference website.

For more information or inquiries, please visit crater.icter.pl or contact the organizers directly at crater@candela.org.pl.

Join us in Warsaw this October to connect with the world’s leading vision scientists and innovators - and be part of shaping the future of eye research and technology.

CRATER 2025 is organized by ICTER under the Polish Academy of Sciences, with support from IPC PAS and the Candela Foundation.