Dear Colleagues, dear EPOS friends,

It is our pleasure to welcome you to the 48^th Annual meeting of the European Paediatric Ophthalmology Society in the historic university city of Leuven, Belgium. This meeting is hosted by Ingele Casteels and Catherine Cassiman. In 2008, the 34^th meeting was also organized in Leuven with the main topic on ‘The Eye in Systemic Diseases’. For the 2023 EPOS meeting we decided for the same main topic. The mission of EPOS is to promote clinical and scientific paediatric ophthalmology throughout Europe and beyond, and in particular to attract young clinicians and researchers in the field. In this spirit, the concept of the meeting is to have keynote lectures, papers with sufficient  time for discussion, and ampel poster sessions that encourage a vivid exchange of ideas. Several outstanding experts have accepted the invitation to give a lecture  in their field of expertise. As always free papers and posters in other fields of paediatric ophthalmology and genetics are scheduled. We warmly thank all speakers and participants. In addition to the scientific programme there will be a welcome reception together with registration on Thursday evening October, 19^th 2023 at  6 pm at the University Hall, Naamsestraat Leuven and a Congress Dinner at the Faculty Club, Infirmerie of the Grand Beguinage, on Friday evening October, 20^th 2023 at 7 pm.

The hosts and the organizing committee is grateful to the president dr D. Hildebrand, the EPOS board and the scientific committee, to the exhibitors for the substantial financial support.

We wish you a wonderful meeting and an unforgettable stay in Leuven!

Catherine Cassiman and Ingele Casteels