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This abstract is assigned to session AOB Free Papers 1

Presentation type	Oral presentation
Title	Beyond the Buckle : revisiting Charles Schepens, the belgian ophthalmologist who transformed retinal surgery

Purpose	To examine the life and legacy of Charles L. Schepens, a prominent Belgian ophthalmologist of the 20th century, and to delineate his influence in our field.
Methods	We conducted a comprehensive literature review across major bibliographic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), supplemented by biographic materials and verified reports from reliable press outlets, to reconstruct the life of Charles L. Schepens.
Results	Born in Mouscron and trained at Ghent University, Schepens later joined Harvard and established what became the world’s largest independent eye-research institute. Widely regarded as one of the most influential ophthalmic surgeons of the 20th century, he is credited with the invention of the indirect ophthalmoscope — a tool that transformed retinal examination and detection of tears and detachments — the development of scleral buckling, and the promotion of open-sky vitreous surgery. During his lifetime, he received numerous prizes and medals, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s highest honor. His personal life story was equally interesting, during World War II he served as a captain in the Belgian Royal Air Force and, as a member of the Resistance, he helped save many lives.
Conclusion	Charles L. Schepens helped shape modern retinal surgery by introducing tools, devices, and operative techniques. His legacy endures to this day : the head-mounted indirect ophthalmoscope remains widely used in clinical practice; his techniques and writings remain standard references to this day ; and his trainees, in turn, became distinguished and influential leaders in the discipline.
Conflict of interest	No

Authors 1

Initials	R
Last name	Ghazali
Department	Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles - Université Libre de Bruxelles
City	Bruxelles

Authors 2

Initials	L
Last name	Postolache
Department	Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola
City	Bruxelles