Solemn opening ceremony of the new academic year

20/10/2023

At Instituto Barraquer we enjoyed a great evening with the inauguration of the new academic year 2023-2024

After four years of not being able to celebrate in-person events due to the pandemic, this year, at Instituto Barraquer we have been able to enjoy one of the most anticipated nights. On October 10, we celebrated the Solemn Opening Ceremony of the 2023-2024 academic year, an event that marks the beginning of a new year full of learning, achievements and dreams to fulfill. It was a night full of emotions and good times, in which students from the different teaching programs, residents, professors and staff gathered to commemorate such a special night. The event was held in a hybrid format, offering the possibility of connecting online to some of our students and other colleagues from the international sector.

The evening began with the parade of prestigious doctorates and professors dressed in cap and gown, accompanied by music that seemed to weave a symphony of history and tradition. With great enthusiasm and amid applause from the public, Professor Rafael I. Barraquer, President of the Board of the Barraquer Institute, entered the auditorium. Behind him were Professor Eduardo Alfonso, President of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of Miami, Professor Manuel Armengol, Delegate of Relations with Health Institutions, on behalf of the Magnificent Rector of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, ​​Professor Albert Balaguer, Delegate of Relations International, on behalf of the Magnificent Rector of the International University of Catalonia and Dr. Elena Barraquer, Vice President of the Board of Instituto Barraquer. Renowned personalities who have left an indelible mark in the field of ophthalmology and teaching in the history of Instituto Barraquer.

Professor Rafael I. Barraquer began the ceremony and highlighted the importance of education in ophthalmology, and also introduced and welcomed Professor Eduardo Alfonso, who gave the Inaugural Conference entitled "Evolution of Ophthalmology in to the Digital and Information Age". Professor Alfonso is an eminence in the field of ophthalmology and his knowledge and experience were an inspiration for all attendees.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the presentation of the Gold Medal to Professor Alfonso, by Professor Barraquer, in recognition of his work in improving the visual health of millions of people around the world. He has become an eminence in the history of Instituto Barraquer, and this medal is a reflection of our deep admiration and gratitude.

Professors Armengol and Balaguer also had the opportunity to share some emotional and grateful words, in which they expressed their appreciation for contributing to the fruitful trajectory of Instituto Barraquer in the ophthalmology teaching sector.

The event ended with a cocktail in which all attendees could enjoy a very pleasant moment and share their own anecdotes and experiences, in addition to being happy to begin an academic year full of enthusiasm and motivation.