Dear Colleagues and Friends,

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It is our great pleasure to announce that the 66th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Cataract Research, chaired by Takushi Kawamorita, and the 53rd Crystalline Lens Research Meeting, chaired by Yosuke Nakazawa, will be jointly held on September 4 (Saturday) and 5 (Sunday), 2027, at the Shirokane Campus of Kitasato University in Tokyo, Japan.

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We are deeply honored to bring together these two distinguished scientific meetings, both with long and respected histories, and would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported their continued development.

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The theme of our joint meeting is “Cataract Festival 2027 — A Celebration of Tradition and the Future.”

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Over the years, cataract research and treatment have advanced remarkably through the dedicated efforts of clinicians, researchers, and industry partners. Today, the knowledge, technologies, and experience accumulated over generations are opening the door to a new era.

Cataract surgery has evolved beyond the treatment of lens opacity into a field that seeks to enhance the overall quality of vision, including refractive correction and presbyopia management. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence, optical engineering, materials science, regenerative medicine, and other disciplines is expanding the possibilities of cataract care in unprecedented ways.

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At the same time, alongside continued advances in surgical treatment, researchers are exploring new approaches to preventing posterior capsule opacification, understanding the mechanisms of lens aging, slowing cataract progression, and potentially restoring lens transparency. These efforts represent an important shift in perspective—from treating cataracts after they develop toward a future in which cataracts themselves may be prevented or overcome.

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Realizing this vision requires close collaboration among basic scientists, clinicians, and industry partners. Our joint meeting aims to provide an open and inspiring environment where participants from diverse backgrounds, ranging from young investigators to experienced experts, can exchange knowledge, share their enthusiasm, and work together to envision and create the future of cataract research and care.

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While placing great importance on the lively discussions and personal interactions that only an in-person meeting can offer, we will also introduce “DIGITAL THEATER,” a new learning platform that makes use of digital technologies and enhanced on-demand content. Rather than simply providing recordings of lectures, we aim to offer a wide range of educational materials, including advanced and supplementary content, allowing participants to continue exploring new knowledge and deepening their understanding long after the meeting concludes.

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In addition, through an original story featuring three charming cats, we hope to create a unique conference experience that brings together scientific learning, creativity, and enjoyment.

We sincerely hope that this joint meeting will serve as a bridge between basic research and clinical practice, carrying forward the traditions and achievements of the past while opening new horizons for the future of cataract medicine. Above all, we envision Cataract Festival 2027 as a celebration where people, ideas, and discoveries come together to shape the next generation of cataract care.

We warmly invite you to join us, actively participate in the scientific discussions, and share in this exciting occasion.

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On behalf of the organizing committees, we look forward to welcoming you to the Shirokane Campus of Kitasato University in September 2027.

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Sincerely,

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Takushi Kawamorita
President, 66th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Cataract Research

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Yosuke Nakazawa
President, 53rd Crystalline Lens Research Meeting

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November 2026