Rayner 'Changes the Game' at the 2014 ESCRS Congress

ESCRS President Professor Bellucci, Professor Amon, Professor Osher, Professor Alio, Professor Arshinoff, Professor Guell and Professor Mrukwa-Kominek are just a few of the surgeons who ‘hopped on board’ Rayner’s double-decker bus at the XXIII ESCRS, to rediscover the rich history behind Harold Ridley and his invention that revolutionised ophthalmology.

With the 2014 ESCRS Congress being held in Rayner’s home country it was the perfect opportunity to do something special. Having manufacturedthe world’s first IOL in 1949, Rayner decided to mark this event by sponsoring (and curating) the Birth of the IOL Museum, which was housed in an original 1950’s London Routemaster bus. Rayner is the only British manufacturer of IOLs, so to showcase the Museum in such an iconic symbol of England was a perfect match for the company’s profile.

The Birth of the IOL Museum was divided into distinct sections: the evolution of cataract surgery; the evolution of the IOL as well as a tribute to Harold Ridley. The museum boasted a rich mix of historical elements – old IOL models, written information, photos and some video archives. The lower deck of the museum mainly focused on a ‘wall of fame ‘; a showcase of all Rayner Medal Lecture winners dating back to when the prestigious medal was first awarded in 1980 through to the 2014 winner, Professor Harminder Dua.

Rayner’s unique exhibition booth received a substantial amount of press coverage, and was a nice compliment to the company’s more 'traditional' booth, which focussed on the Mini Incision campaign as well as promoting the updated version of Raytrace - Rayner’s online IOL calculation software - prior to its market launch later in September.

The Birth of the IOL Museum was a fun and memorable way to deliver a more serious message – Rayner’s unique role in the creation of the IOL.

The XXIII ESCRS took place over 13-17 September 2014, at the ExCel Centre, London, United Kingdom.

Stay tuned for the Birth of the IOL Museum video footage!