International Vitreous Society mark: an eye enclosing a world globe, beside the IVS monogram
Founding phase · Rotterdam, Netherlands

International Vitreous Society

From basic science to clinical therapy

A learned society dedicated to the vitreous as a structure in its own right: its biology, its interface with the retina, and its surgical management.

Art. 2 · Object

Why this society exists

The Society advances scientific understanding, clinical management, and awareness of the vitreous as a structure in its own right: its composition, biomechanics and ageing; its role in vitreoretinal disease; and its replacement.

Art. 3 · Field of work

What the society covers

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Ultrastructure, composition and rheology of the vitreous

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Hyalocytes and the cell biology of the vitreous

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Vitreoschisis and vitreous cortex remnants (VCR)

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The vitreoretinal interface in health, ageing and disease

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The vitreous contribution to macular pathology, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)

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Vitreous opacities and their consequences and management

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Inflammatory and infectious disease of the vitreous

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Imaging and intraoperative visualisation of the vitreous

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Vitreous proteomics and biomarkers for retinal disease

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Surgical and enzymatic manipulation of the vitreous

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Intravitreal drug delivery and pharmacokinetics

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Vitreous substitutes, tamponades and replacement

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Terminology, classification and reporting standards

Founding sections

Three sections, one organ

Vitreous Biology and Structure

Ultrastructure, hyalocyte biology, ageing and the molecular composition of the vitreous body.

Vitreoretinal Interface and Surgery

Vitreoschisis, cortex remnants, PVR, retinal detachment and the surgical management of the interface.

Vitreous Substitution and Tamponade

Substitutes, tamponade agents and the physical and biological demands of vitreous replacement.

Art. 4 · Activities

What the society will do

4.1

Public communication and outreach, including social media, to raise awareness of the field.

4.2

Education and training, including courses held at meetings of other societies.

4.3

Multicentre research, registries and shared protocols, promoted across member institutions.

4.4

Publication of scientific information, independently or in partnership with an existing journal.

4.5

A recurring scientific meeting, held at least once every two years.

Art. 6 · Membership

Who the society is for

6.1

Members

Any physician, scientist or other professional with demonstrable involvement in the field of work, admitted on the recommendation of an existing member.

6.2

Members in training

Residents, fellows and doctoral candidates. Reduced dues.

6.3

Emeritus members

Members who no longer practise or research full time and request this status.

6.4

Honorary members

Appointed by the general assembly for exceptional contribution to the field. Dues exempt.

6.5

Company affiliates

Professionals employed by commercial organisations active in the field of work. Admitted by two-thirds vote of the board.

6.6

Patient representatives

Nominated by a recognised patient organisation. Take part in consensus panels and in setting research priorities. Dues exempt.

Governance

Founding board

Chair
Koen A. van Overdam, MD PhD
Erasmus MC · Retina Operatiecentrum, Ede
The remaining seats, an incoming chair-elect, secretary, treasurer, a chair of education and programme, and the three section officers, are being filled as colleagues are approached and confirm. The immediate past chair seat stays vacant until the first change of chair. Names will follow here once agreed. A scientific committee is being convened alongside the board.
Founding membership

The society is being founded now

Statutes are in preparation and the founding board is being formed. If your work touches the vitreous, its interface with the retina, or its surgical replacement, we would like to hear from you, whether as a founding member, a member in training, or in an honorary capacity, before the first general meeting.