Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you to the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Congress 2026, to be held from September 29 to October 2, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center.

This year’s theme, “Vision Beyond Boundaries: Science, Skills, Systems, Society,” reflects our shared commitment to advancing ophthalmology not only within the clinic and operating room, but across the broader landscape of healthcare and community. It challenges us to look beyond traditional limits—embracing innovation in science, refining our surgical and clinical skills, strengthening healthcare systems, and deepening our responsibility to society.

The Annual Congress has always been a cornerstone of learning, collaboration, and professional growth. This year, we aim to bring together leading experts, educators, and practitioners from across the country and around the world to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and inspire one another. It will also provide a valuable opportunity to engage with fellow ophthalmologists and our industry partners from different regions—both within the Philippines and internationally—fostering meaningful connections and collaborations that extend beyond the Congress.

Through a dynamic scientific program, hands-on learning opportunities, and meaningful discussions, we hope to equip every participant with insights that can be translated into better patient care.

More importantly, this Congress is a celebration of our unity as a community of ophthalmologists. In a rapidly evolving world, our strength lies in our ability to work together—across subspecialties, institutions, and regions—to ensure that quality eye care reaches every Filipino.

As we gather once again, may we continue to push boundaries, uphold excellence, and remain guided by our shared purpose: to preserve and restore sight, and to improve lives.

We look forward to welcoming you to an engaging, enriching, and inspiring Congress.

Welcome to the PAO 2026 Annual Congress

On behalf of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, it is my distinct honor to welcome you to our 2026 Annual Congress. This year, we gather once again at the SMX Convention Center Manila from September 29 to October 2 to explore a theme that reflects the transformative era we are living in: "Vision Beyond Boundaries: Science, Skills, Systems, Society."

For decades, the heart of our profession has been found within the sterile walls of the operating room and the focused intimacy of the clinic. However, the horizon of eye care is expanding. To remain relevant and effective, we must now look beyond our traditional borders. This congress is designed to do just that: to be the bridge between our clinical mastery, and the broader world that influences and is influenced by our work.

The theme of this year’s meeting is structured around four critical pillars that define the modern ophthalmologist:

• Science: We continue to push past the edge of discovery. From gene therapies to the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, we remain committed to the evidence-based advancements that make the "impossible" cures of yesterday, the standard of care of today.
• Skills: Surgical and clinical precision remains our foundation. This congress provides a platform to refine our manual dexterity and cognitive decision-making through high-level symposia, hands-on learning, and surgical video showcase, ensuring our hands keep pace with our minds.
• Systems: Our practice does not exist just between us and our patients. We must navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery in general: from digital integration of processes to establishing institutional frameworks. By optimizing our systems, we ensure that high-quality eye care is not just a luxury, but a streamlined reality for all.
• Society: This is perhaps our most vital frontier, now more than ever. Ophthalmology is evolving into a discipline of deep social accountability. We are now addressing the "outside the clinic" topics that determine our long-term impact: sustainability in our surgical waste, accountability to our patients, responsibility in public health, and the unwavering ethics that must guide our professional conduct.

This congress would be impossible without the unwavering support of our industry partners. To our sponsors: your commitment to innovation and education fuels the progress of our academy. You are not merely exhibitors; you are essential collaborators in our mission to eradicate avoidable blindness in the Philippines. We thank you for your continued trust and presence.

Let us use these four days to expand our boundaries, challenge our perspectives, and sharpen our vision for the future.

Welcome to Manila. Welcome to PAO 2026!