Professor José Cunha-Vaz was a towering figure in European retina and one of the true architects of Euretina. As a founding member of the Society and its President from 2007 to 2009, he played a pivotal role at a crucial stage in its development, helping to professionalise the organisation and lay the foundations for the strong, internationally respected community it is today. He was later honoured with the Euretina Award Lecture in 2016, a fitting recognition of a lifetime of scientific leadership and of the profound impact he had on the Society and on the field of retina.

Through his vision, leadership and tireless commitment, Professor Cunha-Vaz shaped Euretina into far more than a congress, creating a true home for retinal specialists across Europe. Countless colleagues will remember his drive for quality, his generosity in fostering cooperation across borders, and his ability to bring people together around a shared purpose.

Beyond his immense professional achievements, Professor Cunha-Vaz was a generous mentor, a wise colleague and a warm, thoughtful friend. He challenged us to think critically, to push the boundaries of what is possible, and to hold fast to the principle that rigorous science must always be in the service of patients – a legacy that lives on in the standards, culture and purpose of Euretina.

Today, Euretina has lost one of its founding spirits and guiding forces. Professor Cunha-Vaz will be enormously missed – a brilliant mind, a trusted leader, and above all a remarkable human being whose influence will continue to be felt in the society he helped build and in the many people he inspired.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his family. We remember Professor Cunha-Vaz not only for what he created, but for the kindness, integrity and humanity that were so evident in everything he did.