Speaker Biography

Dr Elon van Dijk is an accomplished ophthalmologist and researcher, currently working as a medical and surgical retina specialist in Leiden University Medical Center (Leiden, The Netherlands) and Rotterdam Eye Hospital (Rotterdam, The Netherlands), since he completed his fellowship at the prestigious Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Perth, Australia). His research career as a clinician-scientist began with a PhD trajectory that culminated in a cum laude thesis defense in 2018. His thesis, which covered clinical, genetic, and fundamental studies in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and related retinal diseases, had contributed significantly to the understanding of the condition. Elon is one of the leading researchers focusing primarily on CSC, while also exploring overlapping conditions such as macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). His clinical, genetic, and fundamental work has led to significant changes in clinical guidelines and treatment protocols. He initiated two multicenter controlled clinical CSC trials, the PLACE and SPECTRA, where his findings have benefitted the whole retina community in the management of CSC.

Dr van Dijk’s active research work has successfully attracted substantial research funding from several foundations, totalling approximately €700,000. Dr van Dijk has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and six book chapters. His current H-index is 34. In addition, he serves as Associate Editor for the European Journal of Ophthalmology, Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, and Ophthalmologica, and is a reviewer for numerous journals. Dr van Dijk is dedicated in teaching and mentoring. He currently co-supervises five PhD students and several Master’s students and is as often presents at courses and often gives lectures.