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Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week
The Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology organized its 7th Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week during the second week of October, from Oct. 9 to 15, in conjunction with World Sight Day 2017 on Oct. 12.
The suggested themes for this year’s event were “What glaucoma patients need to know but were too afraid to ask” and “Retinoblastoma.” Two of APAO’s Subspecialty Member Societies, the Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society and the Asia-Pacific Society of Ocular Oncology and Pathology, co-organized the 2017 Eye Care Week and helped to produce a comprehensive set of educational materials and media kit.
Throughout the week, the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB) organized various events. These included a seminar at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University on glaucoma and retinoblastoma for ophthalmologists, residents and postgraduate students.
Additionally, two different outreach screening programs were offered in the village of Hemayetpur and the outpatient department of the glaucoma clinic at the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), respectively. These activities were later featured in local media reports. Another awareness program was held at Dhaka Medical College.
In conjunction with World Sight Day, a presentation in Bengali was given to patients at OSB Eye Hospital on Oct. 12. This was followed by an exciting discussion session between patients and ophthalmologists.
World Sight Day was officially observed on Oct. 15 in conjunction with the government’s national eye care program. There was a large rally, which began at the NIO and ended after a kilometer. At a seminar that day, honored guests included the Honorable Health Minister, Honorable State Minister of Health, Health Secretary, Director General Health Service and former Director General Health of Bangladesh.
In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, together with the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, organized a public education day at Discovery Park estate in the Tsuen Wan district. Dr. Tak Yi Chui, Under Secretary for Food and Health, and Dr. Pierre Chan, a member of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council representing the medical sector, were guests of honor at the event, which included educational lectures, eye checkups and patient sharing sessions.
To observe Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week and World Sight Day, the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology carried out a major eye screening program in the state of Terengganu, together with the Royal Foundation of Sultan Mizan, the Association of Malaysian Optometrists and the state government departments.
More than 1,000 people from the state were examined for refractive errors, glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases. Their blood pressure and blood glucose levels were also examined. A total of 15 ophthalmologists and 15 optometrists volunteered their services during this weekend event.
The Myanmar Ophthalmological Society, one of APAO’s newest member societies, organized eye health presentations on both glaucoma and retinoblastoma at five different teaching hospitals in observance of the 7th Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week. These educational activities were held in the cities of Yangon, Mandalay and Magway.
For further details and additional photos from the 7th Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week, please visit the APAO website.
Inaugural APSPOS-HKPOC Congress
The Asia-Pacific Strabismus and Paediatric Ophthalmology Society (APSPOS), a subspecialty member of the APAO, held its inaugural Congress from Oct. 11 to 12 in conjunction with the Hong Kong Paediatric Ophthalmology Congress (HKPOC).
Attracting nearly 400 delegates, speakers and sponsors from 43 countries, the inaugural APSPOS Congress was a great success thanks to generous support from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, host; the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, co-hosts; and several esteemed international organizations in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.
Highlights of the scientific program included the Keynote Lecture by APSPOS President Prof. Frank Martin on the newly discovered ROSAH syndrome, comprising retinal edema, optic nerve edema, splenomegaly, anhidrosis and headaches (migraine). The Plenary Lecture session also showcased distinguished speakers from around the world, including Dr. Scott Larson, Prof. Ken Nischal, Dr. Seyhan Ozkan, Dr. John Sloper, Prof. Clement Tham and APSPOS Congress President Dr. Jason Yam.
The social program of the Congress featured a tour of the Congress venue, Hong Kong Eye Hospital, as well as the Gala Dinner at Royal Plaza Hotel, where guests enjoyed a traditional lion dance and a special lecture by Dr. Tze-Leung Lee, chief executive of the new Hong Kong Children’s Hospital. Three important awards were also presented at the event: APSPOS Asia-Pacific Award to Prof. Kanxing Zhao of China, APSPOS International Award to Dr. Marilyn Miller of the United States, and APSPOS Young Investigator Award to Dr. Jason Yam of Hong Kong.
Congress participants are reminded that certificates of attendance and participation are now available for download after logging in to the APSPOS Congress system. The final program of the event remains available on the Congress website. Photos of the scientific sessions and social events have also been uploaded.
Organizers are pleased to announce that, in 2019, APSPOS will hold its 2nd Congress in Sydney, Australia. More details will be provided in due course.