"I want to express my appreciation to the faculty, foreign and Russian, not only as specialists, but as individuals who facilitated their work as a single team. I appreciate the prevailing work also by Ted and Arlyn. I think the idea to give a wide road for further contacts to the younger generation is being implemented. And this year, I already have the feeling that we have made excellent progress in overcoming all possible difficulties in becoming good friends.

As for the future, I believe the core relationship between GlazMed International and the IAO (Russia) will continue the work for the benefit of Russian patients and the expansion of relations between Russian and foreign ophthalmologists."

Dr. Yuri Astakhov, Co-Chair

"I have come to many White Nights Congresses over the years and have also enjoyed a GlazMed fellowship in the USA. I believe a critical outcome of these meetings is our mutual ability to challenge each other and medical ideas. This dialogue can only mean an improvement in care for our patients world-wide."

Dr. Feodor Shadrichev

Head of the Ophthalmology Dept. of the Territorial Diabetology Center

"This represents my third visit to White Nights Congress. As a regional site in eastern Russia, we have limited resources to send all of my staff. However, I have found continuing great value in gaining knowledge through the lectures and seminars and bringing that information back to my colleagues"

Dr. Ludmilla Chernyh from Sverdlovsk, Ru on the far left

"I applaud the efforts being made in this region through the White Nights Congress. Its very existence broadens the world-wide network of ophthalmology and gives all us a platform for future discussions. I have found a spectrum of participant knowledge and believe there is more work to be accomplished in the future to upgrade patient services. I am optimistic of the potential for assured successes with such eager audiences."

Dr. Andrew Lee, Iowa University

2007 Lecturer

"As an habitual White Nights attendee, I have observed that the Congress has raised the bar for all medicine in Russia. The open atmosphere has become a key for active participation and expanded learning."

Alla Lisochkina, M.D., Ph.D.

Associated Professor,

I.P. Pavlov State Medical University

Dr. Vitaly Sokolov of the St. Petersburg City Clinic joined the White Nights Congress more than eleven years ago. Today, he insures his own staff has access to the lectures personally and values the interaction with medical leadership throughout Russia and eastern Europe.

Professor Shamshinova Angelika Michailovna, Ph.D, Moscow Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases, confirms what was repeated often during the White Nights Congress by many participants and key leadership. "White Nights lectures offer a deeper understanding into pathogenesis and a thought process on diagnosis. Each year, more of us attend and deepen our ability to discuss openly approaches to treatment and ultimately, our patients will benefit."

During the Cherneys’ visit to Irkustk (see home page for more details) in December, this was the view of the original ball room under the process of restoration. While we might imagine glittering balls held here in the early twentieth century, the room has been empty.

Now, the ballroom has been turned into a renovated performance theatre for performance by the 3600 young students at the school. Imagine hundreds of voices in song or a classical concert resonating through this space and the entire school!

"I’d have to say it was the most enjoyable foreign trip I’ve ever had…..You and Ted have made a wonderful contribution to the education of the Russian ophthalmologists and in the process probably have the sight of many people."

Dr. William Culbertson

Bascom-Palmer

Miami, FL