The 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology) Congress (APAO 2026) takes place from February 5–8, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together ophthalmologists, researchers, and industry representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
ELZA was represented at APAO 2026 by its Chief Executive Officer, Nikki Hafezi, MAS IP ETHZ, and by its Chief Medical Officer, Farhad Hafezi, MD, PhD, FARVO, who participated in the scientific program as an invited speaker. During APAO 2026, Nikki Hafezi’s attendance focuses on institutional and strategic interactions with academic partners, professional societies, and industry stakeholders. These meetings are directed toward discussion of collaborative frameworks, translational research pathways, and organizational aspects relevant to large-scale ophthalmic initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. Her presence supports ELZA Institute’s ongoing involvement in international professional exchange and coordination, rather than participation in the formal scientific program.
Prof. Hafezi delivered a 10-minute presentation entitled “Custom CXL” during the “Customization of the Refractive Procedures – How Far We Are, How Much We Need” session, addressing individualized approaches to corneal cross-linking within the broader context of refractive surgery customization. The presentation is positioned alongside contributions on wavefront-optimized LASIK, phakic intraocular lenses, and IOL power customization in complex corneas, providing a comparative framework for discussing personalized refractive strategies.
Both Nikki and Farhad Hafezi wish to thank the meeting organisers for the opportunity to attend and contribute to the congress.
About the APAO congress
The Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress is one of the largest recurring international meetings in ophthalmology, bringing together clinicians, researchers, educators, and industry representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Held annually in major regional hubs, the congress provides a comprehensive scientific program covering the full spectrum of ophthalmology. Core subspecialties include cornea and ocular surface disease, refractive surgery, cataract and intraocular lens surgery, glaucoma, retina and vitreoretinal disease, pediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, uveitis, and ocular oncology. Sessions range from state-of-the-art lectures and symposia to instructional courses, wet labs, and case-based discussions.
A defining feature of the APAO congress is its emphasis on education and regional relevance. Scientific content frequently addresses conditions of high prevalence in Asia-Pacific populations, such as myopia, myopic maculopathy, keratoconus, and glaucoma, while also incorporating global standards, consensus frameworks, and emerging technologies. Invited symposia and joint sessions with international societies facilitate cross-regional exchange and comparison of clinical practice patterns.
In parallel with the scientific program, APAO hosts a large technical exhibition, where diagnostic platforms, surgical devices, pharmaceuticals, and digital solutions are presented. This exhibition functions as a forum for structured demonstrations, expert discussions, and evaluation of new technologies within a clinical context, rather than as a purely commercial showcase.
The congress also serves an important organizational and professional role, providing a venue for society meetings, leadership forums, and collaborative initiatives involving national ophthalmological societies, subspecialty groups, and academic institutions. These activities support coordination of education, research priorities, and training standards across the region.