Talking Heads - Insight

In the organizer's words:

// english //

Insights from Prof. Dr. Gerd Auffarth, Director of the Heidelberg Eye Clinic.

In 1886, a young Philippine ophthalmologist spent 6 months in the city of Heidelberg, attending the surgeries and lectures of Dr. Otto Becker, the first director and professor of the University Eye Clinic. The young doctor's name was José Rizal, whose literary work and intellectual life would soon play an important and decisive role in the Philippine independence. The reason for Rizal's research stay in Heidelberg was to see and expand his knowledge of then state-of-the-art cataract surgery, which is today performed by Prof. Dr. Gerd Auffarth, a successor of Otto Becker. Auffarth's cataract surgeries make use of advanced 3D technology to perform cutting-edge precision and efficiency in surgical procedures of the eye.

In 2024 Prof. Dr. Gerd Auffarth opened the doors for Philippine artist Stephanie Misa, who spent 5 weeks in the archives and operating theatres of the Heidelberg Eye Clinic. The Artistic Research Residency at the Augenklinik in Heidelberg laid the foundation for her works in the exhibition OCULUS at the Heidelberger Kunstverein.

In his talk, Prof. Auffarth will give an insight into his daily practice in the operating theater and invite visitors on a journey into the interior of the human eye.

The first Artistic Research Residency in Heidelberg was organized by Talking Heads e.V. with the support of the City of Heidelberg. It is part of the Cultural Program of the Philippines as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, a visionary Project of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).


Find out more

Prof. Dr. Gerd Auffarth
https://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/personen/prof-dr-med-gerd-u-auffarth-febo-591

Stephanie Misa
www.stephaniemisa.com/

Talking Heads e.V.
www.talkingheads.live



// German //

Insights from Prof. Dr. Gerd Auffarth, Director of the Heidelberg Eye Clinic.

In 1886, a young Filipino ophthalmologist spent 6 months in Heidelberg to attend the operations and lectures of Dr. Otto Becker, the first director of the Heidelberg University Eye Clinic. The name of this young doctor was José Rizal, whose literary works and intellectual life were to play an important and decisive role in the independence movement of the Philippines. The reason for Rizal's stay in Heidelberg was to expand his knowledge of surgical procedures on the eye and bring it up to date. Procedures that are now performed by Prof. Dr. Gerd Auffarth, the current successor to Otto Becker. Auffarth uses advanced 3D imaging technologies to ensure the greatest possible precision and efficiency in his operations.

In 2024, Prof. Dr. Gerd Auffarth opened the doors to the Filipino artist Stephanie Misa, who was given access to the archives and operating theaters of the Heidelberg Eye Clinic for 5 weeks for her research. The Artistic Research Residency laid the foundation for her work in the OCULUS exhibition at the Heidelberger Kunstverein.

In his lecture, Prof. Auffarth will provide unusual insights into his day-to-day work in the operating room and take visitors on a journey inside the eye.

The first Artistic Research Residency in Heidelberg was organized by Talking Heads e.V. with the support of the City of Heidelberg. It is part of the Cultural Program of the Philippine Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, a visionary project of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).


Find out more

Prof. Dr. Gerd Auffarth
https://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/personen/prof-dr-med-gerd-u-auffarth-febo-591

Stephanie Misa
www.stephaniemisa.com/

Talking Heads e.V.
www.talkingheads.live