​ President: Prof. Ger (GHMB) van Rens, MD, PhD, FEBOphth Head of the Low Vision Research group, dept. ophthalmology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, and medical manager dept. ophthalmology Elkerliek Hospital, Helmond Ophthalmologist Past president and honouree member Dutch Society for Low Vision Rehabilitation , president ISLRR until March 2014, member of the board of Vision 2020 the Netherlands and the advisory board of the International Council of Ophthalmology
	Ruth (RMA) van Nispen, MA, MSc, PhD Assistant professor Low Vision Research group, dept. ophthalmology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Psychologist / Epidemiologist President Dutch Society for Low Vision Rehabilitation
	Bart (BJM) Melis-Dankers, MSc, PhD Clinical physicist, Senior Researcher, Royal Dutch Visio Past president Dutch Society for Low Vision Rehabilitation, member of the executive board of ISLRR and ESLRR
	Peter Verstraten, MSc Program manager Expertise, Innovation, Knowledge (EIK), Robert Coppes Foundation Registered Health Care Psychologist
	Nienke (FN) Boonstra, MD, PhD Paediatric Ophthalmologist / Senior Researcher Bartiméus, member of the executive board of the Dutch Society for Paediatric Ophthalmology Ophthalmologist
	Cornelis A. Verezen, PhD, FAAO, FEAOO Past president of the Dutch Optometric Association Optometrist

Counselors

	Marten de Bruine, MBA CEO Royal Dutch Visio
	Jopie Nooren, MSc CEO Bartiméus

The organizing committee of an international rehabilitation congress brings together clinicians, researchers, and educators who share a commitment to advancing care for people with vision impairment. Drawing on expertise from ophthalmology, optometry, and low vision rehabilitation, members help shape the scientific programme and ensure that sessions reflect the breadth of the field. Their work supports dialogue between practitioners and academics across borders, encouraging collaboration that can translate into better assessment methods, interventions, and long term support for patients navigating daily life with reduced vision.

Collaboration is central to the committee's approach, with representatives from universities, hospitals, and partner organizations contributing to planning efforts. By involving stakeholders from the Netherlands, Belgium, and other European networks, the group aims to reflect a genuinely international perspective on rehabilitation science. This diversity of input helps the congress address both established practices and emerging questions, from clinical assessment through to the design of services that respond to the evolving needs of individuals and families affected by visual impairment.

Strong scientific leadership is a hallmark of the committee, with senior figures guiding abstract review, session design, and the selection of invited speakers. Members often hold academic positions in ophthalmology and rehabilitation research, lending credibility to the review process and ensuring that accepted work meets high standards of methodological rigour. Their involvement also helps to connect the congress with broader scholarly communities, strengthening pathways for future collaboration and encouraging early career researchers to engage with international audiences.

Beyond scientific content, the committee plays an important role in shaping the overall congress experience, from the choice of venue to opportunities for networking and professional exchange. Practical considerations such as accessible facilities, comfortable housing options, and a welcoming host city are reviewed alongside the academic programme. By balancing scientific ambition with attention to participant comfort, the committee helps create an environment where delegates can focus on learning, discussion, and the development of long lasting professional relationships.

The committee's work reflects the values of the wider rehabilitation community, emphasizing partnership, inclusion, and shared purpose. Sponsoring organizations, patient foundations, and professional societies all contribute to a sense of collective responsibility for the field's development. Through this collaborative spirit, the organizing group seeks to ensure that the congress serves not only as a venue for presenting research, but also as a meeting point where the global rehabilitation community can reaffirm its commitment to improving outcomes for people with visual impairment.