Current Position:
Medical Director (Chefarzt) at Augenzentrum Bahnhof Basel since January 2025. He is elected President of the Swiss Ophthalmological Society (SOG).

Professional Background:
With nearly a quarter century of experience in ophthalmology, primarily at university eye clinics in Switzerland (Basel and Bern) and Denmark, Dr. Hasler has been practicing eye surgery since 2003 and has trained numerous ophthalmologists.

Expertise & Achievements:
Dr. Hasler has published 102 articles with 2,491 citations, with expertise in retina, photoreceptor cells, OCT, macular degeneration, optical coherence tomography, and cataract surgery. He is a visionary in ophthalmology and vitreoretinal surgery whose extensive clinical and surgical expertise, coupled with robust scientific curiosity, has significantly advanced the treatment of vitreoretinal disorders through pioneering work and innovative surgical techniques. 

Surgical Specialization:
Dr. Hasler specializes in cataract surgery, complex intraocular anterior segment surgery, and vitreoretinal procedures, combining cutting-edge diagnostic imaging with advanced surgical techniques.

Professional Position

Professor Sandrine Zweifel is Vice Chair and Head of the Medical Retina and Imaging Unit at the Department of Ophthalmology at University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. She is a leading retinal specialist and authority in advanced retinal imaging, with extensive expertise in age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases. She holds the title of Visiting Professor at Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne and has received her "venia legend" (authorization to teach) in ophthalmology, particularly in retinal diseases, from the University of Zurich (2014).

Academic Impact & Research Metrics

Professor Zweifel's contributions to ophthalmology are reflected in substantial research impact. She has authored 149 peer-reviewed publications that have accumulated 4,516 citations in scientific literature, demonstrating significant global influence in her field. Additional metrics indicate 123 papers with 2,700 indexed citations, reflecting consistent high-quality research output across multiple database platforms.

International Training & Mentorship

Professor Zweifel's training reflects exposure to world-leading retinal specialists. After completing specialty training in Switzerland, she undertook a prestigious clinical and research fellowship in New York under the mentorship of:

• K. Bailey Freund – leading retinal imaging specialist
• Richard F. Spaide – pioneer in OCT and retinal imaging innovation
• Lawrence A. Yannuzzi – renowned retinal disease expert

This exceptional training in the United States positioned her at the forefront of advanced retinal imaging and diagnosis.

Professional Recognition & Awards

"Godmother of the Association of DMLA (AMD)" (2011) – A unique honor recognizing her foundational contributions to age-related macular degeneration research and patient advocacy.

Visiting Professor Appointment (2013) – Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne, acknowledging her international standing in ophthalmology.

Venia Legend Ophthalmology (2014) – University of Zurich, formally recognizing her qualification to teach ophthalmology at the highest academic level.

She has received awards for her contributions to scientific research and serves as a reviewer for many international journals, reflecting her peer recognition as an authority in her field.

Professional Position

Professor Adnan Tufail is a highly esteemed consultant ophthalmologist and clinical and research lead for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, where he has worked since 2003. He holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer position at the Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, and serves as an NIHR Theme Lead for Translational Research in Age-related Macular Degeneration.

Academic Impact & Research Metrics

Professor Tufail's contributions to ophthalmology are reflected in his substantial research impact. He has authored or co-authored 346 peer-reviewed publications, with citations reaching 23,207, establishing him as one of the most cited researchers in his field. Professor Tufail served as a co-principal investigator in the seminal ABC Trial, which examined the efficacy of bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. This influential trial has significantly impacted treatment protocols worldwide and contributed substantially to his citation count.

Current Research Leadership

At Moorfields Eye Hospital, Professor Tufail leads both laboratory and clinical research initiatives focused on:

Translational research bridging basic science and clinical practice

Development of novel therapeutic strategies for blinding retinal diseases

Investigation of rare retinal pathology

Integration of advanced imaging and computational approaches in ophthalmology

Recognition & Standing

Professor Tufail is recognized internationally as a leading expert in medical retina and is frequently invited to lecture at major ophthalmological conferences. His consistent publication record, high citation metrics, and roles in clinical research leadership position him among the most influential retinal specialists in the United Kingdom and globally.

Professional Position

Dr. Richard F. Spaide is a leading and highly accomplished retinal surgeon and vitreoretinal specialist in New York with over 45 years of clinical experience. He is a Partner at Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York (VRM), one of the most prestigious retinal surgical centers in the United States. He is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai.

Academic Impact & Research Metrics

Dr. Spaide's contributions to ophthalmology are extraordinary, evidenced by his exceptional research metrics. His work has generated over 51,993 citations in scientific literature, making him one of the most highly cited ophthalmologists globally. He has authored or co-authored 535 peer-reviewed publications, along with 50 book chapters and 9 authored books on retinal disease diagnosis and treatment.

Pioneering Innovations

Dr. Spaide is renowned for multiple "firsts" that have transformed ophthalmology globally:Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Dr. Spaide developed the first practical method to image deeper eye structures with OCT, a technique now used worldwide as the gold standard for retinal imaging. Autofluorescence Imaging: He pioneered autofluorescence imaging using a fundus camera, enabling non-invasive assessment of retinal pigment epithelium health. This technique is now routinely employed in clinical practice worldwide. Surgical Innovation: He has created numerous surgical instruments named after him and holds multiple patents for ophthalmic inventions, demonstrating his sustained innovation in surgical technology. Novel Disease Discovery: Dr. Spaide has described new eye findings and diseases that have expanded understanding of retinal pathology and helped develop novel treatment approaches.

Educational Leadership

Dr. Spaide has lectured extensively worldwide, sharing his expertise with ophthalmologists globally. He has authored 50+ book chapters and 9 books, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in retinal disease diagnosis and treatment.

Major Awards & Recognition

Dr. Spaide's distinguished career has been recognized with numerous prestigious honors:

Roger H. Johnson Macular Degeneration Award (2016) – a prestigious biennial honor in macular degeneration research

Richard and Hilda Rosenthal Foundation Award in Visual Sciences

Senior Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Life Achievement Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Senior Honor Award from the American Society of Retinal Surgeons

Founders Award from the American Society of Retinal Surgeons

Prix Soubrane de la Recherche en Ophthalmologie

Award of Merit from the Retina Society

Henkind Award

Coscas Award

George Theodossiadis Award

W. Richard Green MD Award

Nataraja Pillai Award

Simon Gratz Award from Thomas Jefferson University

Huge Clinical Impact

With 45 years of dedicated practice in retinal disease, Dr. Spaide has personally cared for thousands of patients with complex retinal disorders. His comprehensive clinical experience combined with his prolific research output has established him as one of the most influential retinal specialists in contemporary ophthalmology.

Current Position:
Medical Director at vue. Eye Centre in Grenchen since 2023.

Professional Background:
During his extensive tenure at the University Hospital Basel, Dr. Rothenbühler developed broad experience in general ophthalmology with a specialized focus as a retinal specialist and eye surgeon. He completed a research fellowship in Denmark and continues his research activities as a researcher at the OCTlab of the University of Basel.

Expertise & Achievements:
Dr. Rothenbühler has published 29 articles with 784 citations, specializing in optical coherence tomography (OCT), retinal diseases, and macular degeneration. He is recognized as a distinguished ophthalmologist known for his dual expertise in clinical practice and advanced research, focusing on innovative treatments for eye diseases.

Surgical Specialization:
Dr. Rothenbühler performs cataract surgery with specialized lenses and lens replacement, as well as vitreous and retinal operations. He holds the credential of Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO), indicating his high standing in the international ophthalmology community.

Current Position:
Medical Co-Director (Ärztliche Co-Leitung) at AugenCentrum Zytglogge AG.

Professional Background:
Dr. Zuche specializes in treating and managing retina conditions, with particular focus on macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. She was previously a senior resident and researcher at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Basel.

Research & Academic Contributions:
Dr. Zuche has published 29 articles with 85 citations. Her research expertise encompasses ophthalmology, clinical ophthalmology, eye diseases, OCT, retinal imaging, vision science, retinal diseases, and cataract extraction. Her work focuses on innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes in retinal disease management.

Areas of Expertise:
Dr. Zuche is involved in clinical research on retinal conditions including persistent macular holes, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy. While she has transitioned from the IOB and University Hospital Basel, she continues to collaborate on advancing diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in retinal disease management.

Current Position:
Ophthalmologist at the Ophthalmic Clinic, Macerata Hospital, Macerata, Italy

International Experience:
Dr. Claudia Bruè brings valuable international clinical and research experience, having spent several formative years working in New York. During this time, she was affiliated with leading academic institutions including VRM Consultants New York and Columbia University, where she contributed to ophthalmological research and clinical practice.

Professional Credentials:
Dr. Bruè holds both an MD and a PhD, reflecting her commitment to combining clinical excellence with scientific research. Her dual qualification positions her as a clinician-scientist capable of bridging patient care and laboratory investigation.

Clinical & Research Focus:
Dr. Bruè's work encompasses medical retinal disorders and ophthalmic imaging, with research contributions in retinal pathology and diagnostic techniques. Her training in leading academic centers in the United States has equipped her with expertise in advanced retinal imaging and clinical investigation.

Awards:

 BEST POSTER IN AMD, ASRS, August 28 – September 1 2010, Vancouver, Canada. C.Bruè, J Slakter, KB Freund, RF Spaide, G Barile, L V Del Priore. OCT-based Detection and Treatment of Asymptomatic Sub retinal Fluid in the Second Eye in Exudative AMD.
BEST PAPER 91 SOI 2011 National Congress, November 23 2011, Milan, Italy. C. Bruè, K Bailey Freund, Richard F Spaide, Lawrence A Yannuzzi, Gaetano R. Barile. Refractive state, axial length, and choroidal thickness in Central Seros Chorioretinopathy. 

PREMIO MARIO GELSOMINO 2012. SOI, Milano, May 2012

C. Bruè, K Bailey Freund, Richard F Spaide, Lawrence A Yannuzzi, Gaetano R. Barile. Refractive state, axial length, and choroidal thickness in Central Seros Chorioretinopathy.

BEST PAPER SOI 2013 National Congress, May 2013, Milan, Italy.
 

Current Role:
At Macerata Hospital, Dr. Bruè continues to apply her internationally-developed expertise to patient care while maintaining involvement in collaborative research. 

Associate Professor Javier Zarranz-Ventura (MD, PhD, FEBO) is a Consultant Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon at the Institut Clínic d'Oftalmologia (ICOF) at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, and a R3A researcher at August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
 

Training & Education

He obtained his medical degree and specialist training in ophthalmology at Universidad de Navarra, and earned his PhD in Medicine with Cum Laude and European honors from the same institution. His postgraduate training included a fellowship in Medical Retina and Uveitis at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London (2012), followed by two fellowships in Vitreo-Retinal Surgery in the United Kingdom (2013–2014). He also completed a Master for Medical Directors from the National Health School in Madrid, Spain (2019).
 

Clinical Expertise

His primary clinical and research interests focus on vitreo-retinal surgery, retinal imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), age-related macular degeneration, and cataract surgery.

Research & Academic Leadership

In the clinical research field, Prof. Zarranz-Ventura has received multiple competitive national and international European research grants, he has coordinated multicenter research projects and currently serves as Clinical Research coordinator in Ophthalmology at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelonaa and the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS). He is co-director of multiple PhD projects in diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, AMD, and vitreo-retinal surgery across the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and the University of Navarra. He has authored over 300 scientific communications, >130 peer-reviewed papers, >45 book chapters, and 4 books, with over 240 invited lectures. 
 

Recognition

In 2021, Prof. Zarranz-Ventura received the prestigious Premio Arruga award from the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology for the best curriculum vitae in ophthalmology for professionals under 40. He serves on the Editorial Board of Eye journal, BMC Ophthalmology, Therapeutic Advances in Ophthalmology ,Annals of Eye Science and Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmologia, among other scientific journals. 

Collaboration

Based on this excellent background, we work togenther on Virtual reality applications and diabetic retinopathiy analysis in 3D.