Industry

Haag-Streit Reopens Global Slit Lamp Imaging Competition for 2026

Eyewire+2d ago2 min read

Haag-Streit announced the reopening of its annual “Slit Lamp Imaging Competition,” now entering its 8th consecutive year. The competition serves as an international platform celebrating excellence in ophthalmic imaging, inviting eye care professionals, imaging specialists, and slit lamp users worldwide to submit high-quality images and videos. Open to participants of all experience levels, the initiative showcases both the clinical significance and visual artistry of slit lamp imaging across a wide range of ocular conditions. According to Haag-Streit, since its inception 7 years ago, the competition has grown into a globally recognized forum highlighting the precision, detail, and storytelling capabilities of slit lamp technology. The 2025 edition drew 384 submissions from 32 countries, underscoring the strength and diversity of the global ophthalmic imaging community. Entries are judged on image quality, technical execution, and pathological relevance. Last year, Kasi Sandhanam of the Singapore National Eye Centre took top honors in the imaging category with a composite image captured using the Haag-Streit BX 900. Second place was awarded to James Gilman of JPG Imaging LLC in the United States, while Angela Chappell of Flinders Medical Centre in Australia secured third place. In the video category, Augusto Paranhos Jr. of Forno e Paranhos Oftalmologia in São Paulo, Brazil, claimed the top prize with an entry captured on a Haag-Streit BQ 900 slit lamp equipped with the Imaging Module 910 3D. Winning entries from the 2025 competition are featured on Haag-Streit’s “wallpaper collection” page. Expert Panel Returns for 2026 The 2026 competition will again be evaluated by an international panel of experts spanning ophthalmology, imaging, and slit lamp technology. Returning judges include: Marc Curchod, professional photographer (Swiss Visio Lausanne, Switzerland) Jesús Conejero, ophthalmologist (Hospital de Mérida, Spain) Cynthia VandenHoven, medical imaging specialist (FOPS) Jacqui Kenyon, product expert (Haag-Streit) Joining the panel this year is Marcel Meyer, a slit lamp imaging specialist at Haag-Streit. Submission Details and Timeline Submissions for the 2026 Slit Lamp Imaging Competition open on March 30, 2026, and will be accepted through July 30, 2026. Winners will be announced on September 30, 2026, via Haag-Streit’s digital and social media channels. Participants will compete for a range of prizes selected by Haag-Streit imaging professionals. Full submission guidelines, terms and conditions, and entry details are available on the official competition website.

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AI Summary

Quick Take

Haag-Streit has announced the 2026 Slit Lamp Imaging Competition, its 8th annual event, following a record-breaking 2025 edition that saw 384 entries from 32 countries. The contest invites global eye care professionals to submit high-quality clinical images and videos, with judging based on technical execution and pathological relevance.

Why It Matters

Beyond the artistic appeal, this competition highlights the critical role of high-resolution documentation in modern ophthalmic practice. As telemedicine and digital health records become standard, the ability to capture precise, detailed images of ocular pathology is no longer just for academic publishing—it is essential for longitudinal patient care and inter-specialty referrals. This event also serves as a benchmark for the capabilities of current imaging hardware, such as the BX 900 and 3D imaging modules, showcasing the highest level of detail achievable in a clinical setting.

Key Details

The 2025 competition featured 384 submissions from 32 countries, with top honors going to Kasi Sandhanam of the Singapore National Eye Centre for a composite image captured on a Haag-Streit BX 900.
Submissions are evaluated by an international panel of experts, including ophthalmologists, professional photographers, and imaging specialists from Switzerland, Spain, and the US.
Entries are judged on three primary criteria: image quality, technical execution, and the clinical relevance of the pathology shown.
The 2026 judging panel will include new member Marcel Meyer, a slit lamp imaging specialist, alongside returning experts like Dr. Jesús Conejero and Cynthia VandenHoven.
The video category recently highlighted advanced technology, with the 2025 top prize awarded for an entry captured using the Imaging Module 910 3D.

Practice Implications

Clinicians should view high-quality slit lamp imaging as a vital tool for both patient education and improved diagnostic accuracy. Reviewing winning submissions can help clinical staff refine their imaging techniques, ensuring that subtle pathological changes are captured and documented effectively for the medical record and surgical planning.

Who's Affected

OphthalmologistsOptometristsOphthalmic Imaging SpecialistsClinical PhotographersPractice Owners

What's Next

The submission window for the 2026 competition opens on March 30, 2026, and remains open through July 30, 2026. Winners will be officially announced across Haag-Streit’s digital and social media platforms on September 30, 2026.

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