Ottawa, Canada
October, 2023
In early 2023, we cancelled plans for the 2023 conference in Ottawa, Canada, due to the timing of the International Society of Ocular Oncology congress in Africa – the first-ever meeting of ISOO on the continent. ISOO Africa 2023 will take place on August 21 – 23 in Mombasa, Kenya.
Key members of our One Rb World 2023 event planning and scientific program team from Canada, the UK and USA are involved in the planning and support of ISOO Africa, as are many of our anticipated speakers. We have therefore decided to cancel One Rb World 2023 so we can all prioritise retinoblastoma care In Africa without becoming too thinly stretched.
Most children with retinoblastoma in Africa die. Many never reach specialist care, and families who do often struggle to continue treatment due to the costs, lack of support, and practicalities of being far from home.
Well established retinoblastoma programs and partnerships in all regions of Africa show that childhood eye cancer can be cured throughout the continent, but the challenges are great for families and medical professionals.
ISOO is the primary organization for ocular oncologists and allied professionals, with a mission to advance eye cancer research and care worldwide. ISOO Africa 2023 will focus on retinoblastoma care in Africa, the challenges that cause so many children to die, and practical solutions to improve care and cure. The program includes sessions on early diagnosis, pathology, management of advanced Rb, vision-saving opportunities, psychosocial supports, and international collaborations.
We fully support this meeting, and we are delighted to be involved in its planning, promotion, and program. We appreciate your understanding of our decision to cancel One Rb World 2023, and we look forward very much to bringing you news from ISOO Africa in the Autumn.
Visit the ISOO Africa congress website to learn more and register to attend.
