751! The number of fellows trained in ophthalmology by the Open Medical Institute since the course first took place in 2004 speaks for itself. This week, we were thrilled to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the Weill Cornell Ophthalmology program in Salzburg from November 8 to 14, 2026. The course drew 212 applications, out of which 37 lively doctors from 28 countries were selected.
Over the years, the field of ophthalmology has become more and more advanced, with the introduction of new technologies, medications, and treatments. We believe in the importance of up-to-date education for physicians that helps them tackle and overcome modern challenges in ophthalmology. Therefore, the expert faculty ensure their lectures are filled with the most cutting-edge information and willingly share their expertise. Leading this effort is none other than Vice Chair and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology Dr. Gary J. Lelli Jr. from Weill Cornell Medicine.
Course director Dr. Lelli Jr. is known for his quick smiles, outgoing manner, and extensive knowledge of ophthalmic plastic, reconstructive, and orbital surgery. The expert has been part of the ophthalmology seminar, as faculty and then course director, since 2010. This week marks his 15th participation in Salzburg, and he also lectured at the inaugural OMI MEX course in 2023. This achievement, combined with the 22nd anniversary of the program, is a big milestone for the ophthalmologist. Dr. Lelli reflects on the impact the OMI seminars and his involvement in them have had on his life and professional career:
“Wow! I can’t believe we have completed 22 Ophthalmology seminars in Salzburg, and I feel so fortunate to have participated in 15 of them. I look at this opportunity as a chance to share knowledge, foster cultural changes in education globally, and develop a network of phenomenal ophthalmologists across the globe. Of all the components of my academic career, the Salzburg seminars, and especially the connections made therein, have been a true highlight.”
The course director was supported by an international faculty of nine. From Weill Cornell, Dr. Marc J. Dinkin, who participated for the 13 time, as well as newcomers Dr. Sirikishan Shetty and Dr. Grace Sun, joined the effort. From Austria, Dr. Herbert A. Reitsamer (sixth participation), Dr. Johann P. Colvin (fourth participation), and Dr. Sandra Karimi (third participation), all from the General Hospital of Salzburg, Dr. Christiane I. Falkner-Radler from the Medical University of Vienna (15th participation), Dr. Ulrike Stolba (16th participation), as well as Dr. Susanne Binder (20th participation) were present.
The course reviewed key concepts and cutting-edge techniques related to vitreoretinal surgery, glaucoma, anterior segment surgery, oculoplastics, and neuro-ophthalmology. Outstanding cases were presented by the fellows, and a two-way learning culture was enjoyed by attendees and faculty alike.
The fellows this week were, according to Dr. Shetty, “simply amazing. They were interested and engaged in the talks.” The expert emphasized enthusiastically that, as a newcomer, he was impressed when he experienced the collaborative spirit of the participants first-hand after hearing about it from Dr. Lelli Jr. before the start of the course. “They were discussing cases and experiences during the breaks, over meals, and after the lectures. This networking is what the program emphasizes, and it really does take place and makes a difference.” The participants were not only motivated to network with their peers on site but also looked forward to sharing the lessons learned with their colleagues back home.
One of these participants was Dr. Kibruyisfaw Abore from St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, which is one of Ethiopia’s premier public teaching and referral hospital, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His fellowship was generously sponsored by the Lions Club Hohensalzburg. Dr. Abore emphasized that he felt grateful for this unique opportunity. The OMI was enthusiastic to welcome two representatives of the Lions Club Hohensalzburg, Christoph Steiner, President, and Christoph Ortner, GTS Activity Coordinator, to the Friday graduation ceremony of the course. Here, they could meet their awardee and experience the spirit of the Open Medical Institute first-hand.
Kibruyisfaw Abore, MD, MPH
OMI fellow from Ethiopia
“I am grateful to the OMI for the great work they are doing to close the gap in knowledge and practice in different parts of the world. The thought-provoking lectures have been an eye-opening opportunity and have inspired me to improve my clinical practice.”
Eva Elksne, MD, PhD
OMI fellow from Latvia
“Dr. Lelli’s enthusiasm, positive energy, and engaging teaching style always created a wonderful learning atmosphere. His lectures offered several valuable clinical insights. In particular, he emphasized the importance of selecting appropriate imaging modalities when evaluating suspected intraorbital foreign bodies.”
Diego Roccatti Ortiz, MD
OMI fellow from Mexico
“The topic of neuro-ophthalmology is not part of my day-to-day business, yet Dr. Dinkin masterfully presented it in his lectures. I never thought nystagmus could be explained in such a simple, yet profound and interesting, manner.”
