Dear Colleagues and Friends from Around the World,

With great enthusiasm, I welcome you to the 41^st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress, taking place in the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong, China, from February 5 to 8, 2026.  

Each year, our congress gathers thousands of ophthalmologists and visual scientists from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. It has become an increasingly prominent event in our field, as the growth of APAO in recent years has made us larger and stronger than ever. Since its inception in 1960, the academy has expanded to encompass 27 national and territorial societies plus 12 subspecialty societies, representing approximately 120,000 eye doctors — a remarkable 59% of the global ophthalmology community. Leveraging this collective strength, our annual congress offers you an unparalleled opportunity to meet your international peers, share knowledge, and build friendships.  

Through the pooling of expertise, research and innovation, we strive to push the boundaries of ophthalmology, continuously improving patient outcomes and making a lasting impact worldwide. I extend my utmost gratitude to our local hosts and everyone involved in the organization of this congress, whose hard work and commitment are making this meaningful exchange possible. Their tireless efforts ensure a rewarding experience for all delegates, fostering collaboration, education, and discovery. Equally important, your active participation and contributions are crucial to the success of this event, as they will inspire fresh perspectives and spark the next wave of breakthroughs in our profession.  

Building on the solid foundation of our previous congresses, I am confident that this meeting in Hong Kong will scale new heights. Let us come together to shape the future of ophthalmology and strengthen our global vision!  

With best regards,   

Tetsuro OSHIKA 
President 
Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology 

Our dedicated team from Hong Kong is getting ready to create an unforgettable congress experience for delegates from all over the world. Check out their faces on the Organizing Committee website and say hello when you see them at APAO 2026!

Proudly standing on the waterfront of the iconic Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has been voted the Best Convention and Exhibition Centre in Asia 13 times.   

Conveniently accessible, the location is just a 10-minute walk from three major transport hubs: the MTR Exhibition Centre Station (in service since May 2022), Wan Chai Station, and the Wan Chai Ferry Pier.  

For more information about the HKCEC and its transport options, please visit our venue guide.    

We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the APAO 2026 Travel Grants, offering financial support to selected delegates through two categories: 

• Prof. Yasuo Tano Travel Grants – 10 slots

• Young Ophthalmologists (YO) Travel Grants – 5 slots 

These grants provide an excellent opportunity to connect with regional and global experts, expand your professional network, and participate in high-level scientific sessions.  

Benefits Include: 

• Funding of US$1,000 (or US$300 if the recipient lives in Hong Kong) 

• Complimentary registration for APAO 2026 

• Invitation to the Congress Cultural Party  

How to Apply: 

Applications must be submitted via the congress system. After logging in, go to the ‘Registration’ section and click on the ‘APAO Travel Grants’ tab. 

Application Deadline: 

For full eligibility requirements and detailed information, please visit: https://2026.apaophth.org/travel-grants/.

Early bird registration for APAO 2026 is available until October 30, 2025. Register now to secure your spot at a discounted rate!   

And be sure also to mark these important dates: 

† All the dates are indicated in Hong Kong Time (GMT +8). Please check the time difference from your location to avoid missing any deadlines.

APAO^® Secretariat