
Sydney’s Darling Harbour will be the focus of one of the biggest eye-health conferences ever held in Australia, with almost 4,000 people from 67 countries attending the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress this month.
Organisers say the APAO Congress – to be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from 20-24 March – is a “once-in-a-decade opportunity when the ‘who’s who’ in their respective fields will educate, enlighten and entertain.”
Congress President A/Professor Ivan Goldberg AM said the focus of the congress has spread beyond the Asia-Pacific region, making it a truly international event.
“We will be welcoming ophthalmologists, orthoptists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, other allied eye-health professionals and ophthalmic industry representatives,” he said.
The APAO Sydney Congress will put the spotlight on the full spectrum of eye disease and vision problems.
Professor Charles McGhee, Chairman of the Congress Scientific Program Committee, said some 700 speakers and more than 2000 presentations will provide a comprehensive and robust scientific program.
“From contact lens and external eye, refractive surgery, to contemporary cataract surgery and the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and retinal diseases, every aspect of eye care will be covered,” he said.
He said a particular focus of the Congress would be age-related macular degeneration and the burden it poses on the aging population in Australasia and elsewhere.
“With four, 90-minute, sessions per day and each session comprising between 12-20 symposia and courses, every delegate will be absolutely spoiled for choice in updating their clinical needs.”
He said the invited speakers include outstanding international names in ophthalmology, optometry, visual sciences, and blindness prevention.
A large clinical and applied laboratory research section will also run parallel to the clinical sessions for those wanting a preview of the future of eye health.
Further information on the Congress is available online at: www.apaosydney2011.com/