EURETINA 2025: Marion Munk, Md, PhD, discusses the IntRIS symposium

Marion Munk, a medical retina and uveitis specialist from Switzerland, introduced the International Retinal Imaging Society (IntRIS), a unique organization that brought together retina specialists, ophthalmologists, PhDs, and biomedical engineers. The society was dedicated to advancing retinal imaging through collaborative efforts.

Munk highlighted the IntRIS symposium at the 2025 EURETINA annual meeting, which is taking place in Paris, France. The symposium featured several distinguished speakers who presented groundbreaking research. Giovanni Staurenghi discussed color autofluorescence. Phil Rosenfeld explored the impact of ocular perfusion on geographic atrophy progression. Srinivas Sadda presented on metabolic activity in RPE cells using adaptive optics fluorescein lifetime imaging. The symposium also included an overview of recommendation guidelines for fibrosis, focusing on development, quantification, and appropriate imaging modalities.

Munk emphasized the society's unique approach, which brought together diverse specialists to provide comprehensive perspectives on medical challenges. A key strength of IntRIS was its collaborative model. Biomedical engineers worked closely with physicians to develop clinically relevant imaging technologies. This approach ensured that new devices addressed real-world medical needs and had potential market viability. The interdisciplinary nature of the group allowed for innovative thinking and novel approaches to understanding retinal diseases.

Munk stressed the importance of ultra-widefield imaging and its potential to transform clinical decision-making. She noted that imaging technologies must go hand-in-hand with drug development, providing robust methods to quantify and visualize conditions like non-perfusion and fibrosis. The conversation highlighted the challenges in current imaging technologies, particularly in differentiating between various types of retinal tissue. Munk argued that as drug therapies advance, more sophisticated imaging techniques would become crucial for precise diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The IntRIS symposium represented a forward-thinking approach to retinal imaging, combining clinical expertise, technological innovation, and collaborative research to push the boundaries of medical understanding and treatment.