In Nice, the doctor presented the latest developments in therapeutic and cosmetic keratopigmentation to international experts in advanced eye surgery.
The third KOLOR Congress addressed topics such as innovation in iris colour, artificial intelligence, ocular reconstruction and visual customisation.
Professor Jorge Alió, an international authority in refractive and corneal surgery, chaired the third edition of the KOLOR Congress 2026, held on 29th and 30th May in the French city of Nice. His participation was particularly noteworthy, as keratopigmentation is a pioneering technique developed by the doctor and his team, which was studied and researched for 16 years before being introduced into clinical practice.
This international meeting has established itself as one of the leading scientific forums dedicated to corneal keratopigmentation, cosmetic iris surgery and new technologies for ocular customisation. To this end, specialists from various countries discussed the latest clinical and surgical advances in this highly specialised field.
He’s the author of the only book in the world on corneal pigmentation
During the event, the Professor of Ophthalmology and Honorary Researcher at the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) in Elche gave a series of presentations focusing on developments in therapeutic and cosmetic keratopigmentation, an innovative technique that allows the appearance of the iris to be altered or severe abnormalities of the ocular surface to be reconstructed through personalised corneal pigmentation. Jorge Alió is the author of the book “Text and Atlas on Corneal Pigmentation”, the only one of its kind in the world, now in its second edition with the aim of updating knowledge on this surgical practice.
‘Modern keratopigmentation should no longer be understood solely as a cosmetic technique. Today, it represents a highly valuable therapeutic tool for patients with complex anatomical abnormalities, severe photophobia or traumatic sequelae’, explained Dr Alió in one of his presentations.
He also shared his clinical experience with complex cases of aniridia, ocular trauma and aesthetic abnormalities of the iris. This provided an opportunity to demonstrate how the combination of new laser technologies, biomaterials and personalised planning is transforming the reconstructive and functional possibilities of this surgery.
President of the new Keratopigmentation International Society (KIS)
Furthermore, this congress saw the official launch of the Keratopigmentation International Society (KIS), dedicated to eye colour change techniques, with Prof. Alió as its president. His attendance thus reinforces the international leadership of Spanish ophthalmology in the development of advances in anterior segment surgery and visual personalisation. In turn, Alicante is positioning itself as one of Europe’s leading centres for innovation in refractive surgery, cornea and keratopigmentation.
Ophthalmic surgeons, researchers and specialists in ocular reconstructive surgery attending this conference discussed new clinical applications relating to iris colour, artificial intelligence applied to ocular design, and developments in minimally invasive techniques.
Indeed, one of the main themes was the impact of these techniques on patients’ quality of life, particularly for those affected by congenital or acquired conditions that alter ocular function and aesthetics. In this context, ‘the key is to combine technological innovation, surgical safety and personalised treatment to deliver satisfactory visual and psychological outcomes’, emphasised Jorge Alió; ranked 7th Most Influential and Inspiring Ophthalmologist in the World in Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the only Spaniard among the top 50, according to The Ophthalmologist Power List 2025.
