Gert Heijkoop-Consul General of Netherlands Inaugurates SROC & KOSCON 2018 at A J Institute
Gert Heijkoop-Consul General of Netherlands-Bengaluru Inaugurates Southern Regional Ophthalmic Conference ( SROC) & 37th Karnataka State Ophthalmic Conference 2018 ( KOSCON 2018) at A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The Southern Regional Ophthalmic Conference and 37th Karnataka State Ophthalmic Conference, held in Mangaluru after a gap of 22 years (last conference was held in Mangaluru in 1996) from the 7th to 9th of December 2018, under the aegis of South Kanara Ophthalmic Society, was inaugurated on 7 December at A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangaluru. The Conference was organized in collaboration with the respective State Ophthalmic Societies of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Pondicherry and Goa.
The conference was aimed at to unite all the Ophthalmologists from the Southern States and help sharing advanced scientific knowledge in the fraternity. The conference boasted of nine scientific halls with packed sessions which included didactic lectures, live surgeries and orations. Free paper presentations and Post Graduate presentations were also a part of the schedule to promote scientific and research activities in the young and budding doctors. There were prizes awarded for the best paper presentations.
One of the key highlights of this conference was the FIRST ever live Ophthalmic surgical transmission from any medical college in a conference in Karnataka. In addition to the scientific delight, arrangements were made to promote local tourism in and around Mangaluru. The delegates had a chance to visit all temples and tourist destinations around Mangaluru, and everyone enjoyed a glamorous and fun-filled banquet at a Restaurant/Lounge very close to the Panambur Beach. Surfing introductory classes, river rafting and kayaking, cycling and some sports events had been offered to the delegates as options, and many delegates availed those offers, specially those delegates coming from Norther part of India.
The conference was organized by South Kanara Ophthalmic Society under the President and Organizing Chairman Dr. Sudhir Hegde, Dr. Sai Giridhar Kamath and Dr. Vijay Pai, Organizing Co Chairman’s, Dr. Ajay Kudva and Dr. Vikram Jain, Organizing Secretaries and all members of South Kanara Ophthalmic Society. The inaugural ceremony was held on 7 December at A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre at 5 pm- presided over by Dr A J Shetty- Chairman of Laxmi Memorial Trust/A J Hospital, and the chief guest was Dr Ajit Babu Majji, the President of All India Ophthalmological Society. A host of other dignitaries from all over India, and a few from abroad, including Dr J Vandersteen, Ophthamologist from Netherlands, and also Gert Heijkoop- Consul General of Netherlands-Bengaluru also graced the conference. Dr Sai Giridhar Kamath-President of Karnataka Ophthalmic Society, and Dr Krishna Prasad Kudlu- Secretary of Karnataka Ophthalmic Society, Dr Divakar- KMC Observer, Dr N S Muralidhar – President elect KOS, Dr Mahipal S Sachdev- Vice President-AIOS; Ms Dr Namratha Sharma-Hon Secretary, KOS, were among many who also grace the occasion. 
The Conference was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the chief guest, and all other dignitaries on the dais. Awards presentation from the last years Conference 2017 for the Best Paper Presentation and other, was done on the occasion. The Life Time Achievement Award was given to Dr Umesh Megur. The main sponsors of the Conference were also honored during the occasion. Consul General of Netherlands Gert Heijkoop briefed about the close relationship between India and Netherlands, in the field of education and trade, and He said that Netherlands will look forward for a very good relationship in future too, and he welcomed anyone who wants to know more about Netherlands are welcome at his Office in Bengaluru or call his office. 
Dr Sudhir Hegde welcomed the gathering, while Dr Sai Giridhar Kamath appreciated the support lend to him by the members during his tenure as President of KOS, and narrated about his achievements as the President of KOS. Dr Ajit Babu Majji, the President of All India Ophthalmological Society also spoke about the contribution made to the society by the Ophthalmic Society of India. The Conference souvenir was released during the occasion. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Ajay Kudva.