Aims of the Society
The International Society of Dacryology & Dry Eye aims to bring together general and specialist ophthalmic surgeons, otolaryngologists (ENT) and other Consultants worldwide who share a common interest in patients with watering and dry eyes.
The aims of the Society are:
To advance the clinical knowledge and practice, research and education in the aetiology and treatment, and advances in the field of watering and dry eyes (dacryology).
To provide a website as a forum for education, information and events for members to meet, discuss and share their specialist knowledge, expertise and experience in dacryology, the science and practice of watering and dry eyes.
A commitment for organising a biennial Congress, with the location and congress organiser elected by the Committee and members.
Provide Membership open to Ophthalmologists, Oculoplastic and lacrimal Surgeons, Otolaryngologists, and other Medically qualified (M.D.) including Endocrinologists and oncologists, involved in the care of and / or research into patients with watering and / or dry eyes.
To provide information and advice to the public in order that they may have a better understanding of wet and dry eyes and be able to access a specialist in their country or continent.
ISD-DE aims to evolve and develop into an influential organisation with a worldwide role in education, training, research and promotion of dacryology, ocular surface and dry eye, watering eyes and outflow problems, within ophthalmology.
The ISD-DE website is accessible by the general public for general dacryology information and to assist them find a specialist in their own country or further afield, who can help them with information about watering and dry eyes and the treatment thereof.
The ISD-DE also provides specialist information to Members, via its Forums and educational events: webinar, podcasts, and biennial congress.
The Original Aims OF ISD
The International Society of Dacryology was founded between 1982 and 1985 as a scientific society for the research and diffusion of the knowledge in the lacrimal domain and its main topics basic research on tears and ocular surface, medical application, and lacrimal surgery.
It also accepted contributions in psychology, phylogeny, ontogeny, zoology, arts, history and any topics related with tears. The Society also included a division for the membership of patients with dry eye or any other dacryological diseases.
The membership included courses that may eventually contribute with the individuals experience and collaboration to the Society.
During the 2002 Congress in New Orleans, the International Society of Dacryology (ISD) decided to suppress the annual fee of the members and to limit the income of the Society to the registration fees to the congresses. Although this Congress was only attended by four members, it was an influential meeting.
Further changes included renaming of the Society in 2005 to be the International Society of Dacryology & Dry Eye
Current Aims of ISD-DE
Membership fees were reintroduced in 2019 with the Full Committee agreement, in order to cover society costs and run a permanent website for the ISD-DE members and providing access to the public. This website helps direct the biennial meetings, called the Congress event, where ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists and others from all over the world will gather in order to update on the latest advances in ocular surface, lacrimal drainage passages, watering and dry eyes. ISD-DE refers to the clinical and scientific aspects of tears and lacrimal diseases.
The Future of ISD-DE
Each year and President advances the society and 2019 – 2020 were again pivotal years in our history, with the establishment of a permanent website for the society with a temporary rebranding of the society logo, interim updating of the society bylaws (originals from 1985) and reintroduction of Membership fees. The Society Aims changed the frequency of the congress meetings to biennial and accepted bids for the forthcoming 2022 from interested parties. Unfortunately when the 2020 13th Congress was cancelled due to COVID, it was still uncertain times, so the 14th Congress was held successfully in 2024 in London.
The current Executive Committee with the help of the Communications Officer, the Education Committee and the Membership Advisory Committee are working to advance the Society with inter-Congress Events, including a structured Education programme, podcasts, World Region representatives, clinical practice surveys, logo design competition, increasing active membership, World Map members, and more. The Constitution is being revised and then we will apply for ICO status (Incorporated Charitable Organisation).