The 10 Best Ophthalmology Conferences You Need to Attend
Each year, ophthalmologists around the world gather to learn and grow at ophthalmology conferences, meetings, and events.
From exotic locales to innovative research, these gatherings draw attendees with excitement, opportunity, and insight. Like most ophthalmologists, you want to attend an ophthalmology event, but do you know which conference is right for you?
With so many conferences and so little time, we put together our picks for the ophthalmology industry’s top 10 must-attend events so that you can choose the perfect experience:
Top 10 Ophthalmology Conferences
1. ESCRS
For 40 years, the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) has brought together top ophthalmologists from over 130 countries for one of the world’s most well-known ophthalmology congresses. With a forward-thinking approach, ESCRS strives to push the field of ophthalmology forward through the latest education and research in intraocular lens implantation and refractive surgery.
Location: Europe
Season: Fall
Next Conference:
September 8-12, 2023, Vienna, Austria
2. ASCRS
The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) is arguably the nation’s biggest ophthalmology meeting for anterior segment surgeons and the practice administrators that make their practices successful. As a hands-on experience, including instructional courses, films, and roundtable discussions—not to mention opportunities for nurses, office managers, and technicians—ASCRS is an excellent place for your entire practice to gain new skills and insights.
Location:
North America
Season: Spring
Next Conference:
April 5-8, 2024, Boston, Massachusetts
3. Euretina
European Society of Retina Specialists offers a highly specialized ophthalmology conference that breaks down the retina field into eight subspecialties: AMD/CSC, diabetes and vascular diseases, imaging, IRD & pediatric retina section, myopia, tumors, uveitis, and VR. Despite being one of the largest retina conferences you can attend, Euretina’s highly focused ophthalmology meeting remains accessible and informative.
Location: Europe
Season: Fall
Next Conference: October 5-8, 2023, RAI Amsterdam
4. AAO
The American Academy of Ophthalmology Congress (AAO) is among the best ophthalmology events for ophthalmologists seeking learning opportunities. AAO’s Skill Transfer program offers didactic lectures and over 50 labs where you can experience the latest ophthalmology techniques in action, like artificial iris prostheses and periocular rejuvenation.
Location:
North America
Season: Fall
Next Conference: November 3-6, 2023, San Francisco, California
5. COPHy
Congress on Controversies in Ophthalmology (COPHy) is a unique ophthalmology meeting that dives headfirst into the most exciting ophthalmology debates. By giving industry leaders a respectful platform to discuss controversies in medical retina, surgical retina, neuro-ophthalmology, and uveitis research, COPHy helps define the boundary of ophthalmology and makes the chance of breakthroughs more likely.
Location: Europe
Season: Spring
Next Conference: TBA
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6. Royal Hawaiian Eye and Retina
If you’re looking for a great ophthalmology event in an exotic and luxurious setting, the Royal Hawaiian Eye and Retina Meeting is for you. Located on the beautiful island of Maui, this annual retreat boasts an impressive agenda for your entire practice and one-on-one conversations with top industry leaders.
Location: Hawaii
Season: Winter
Next Conference:
January 13-19, 2024, Wailea, Maui
7. ARVO
Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out in school, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Meeting (ARVO) is a great choice. At ARVO, the broader ophthalmology community meets to share their latest research and collaborate on innovative solutions to treat, cure, and prevent blinding eye diseases.
Location: North America
Season: Spring
Next Conference:
May 5-9, 2024, Seattle, Washington
8. APAO
Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress (APAO) has a rich history of ophthalmic excellence spanning over six decades. Due to poor economic conditions and limited access to healthcare, studies estimate that the Asia-Pacific region contains 63% of all visually impaired people worldwide. That puts APAO on the frontline of fighting eye diseases and making a difference in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Location:
Asia-Pacific
Season: Spring
Next Conference:
February 22-25, Bali, Indonesia
9. AGS
The American Glaucoma Society (AGS) puts together one of the most successful ophthalmology conferences in North America. Best of all, participants have the option to attend AGS virtually. So, if you’re feeling sloth or antisocial, you can still make the most of this specialty-focused, educational event.
Location:
North America
Season: Winter
Next Conference:
February 28-March 3, 2024, Huntington Beach, California
10. WGC
Ready to publish the next great research paper on glaucoma? There’s no better place to make your debut than at the World Glaucoma Congress (WGC). This ophthalmology event offers ophthalmologists the chance to present their findings in front of their peers and the ability to attend educational symposiums, courses, and labs that focus on the glaucoma specialty.
Location:
Worldwide
Season: Summer
Next Conference:
June 28-July 1, 2023, Rome, Italy
Which Ophthalmology Conferences Are the Best?
Everyone has a different perspective on what makes a great experience. A fabulous ophthalmology conference for one ophthalmologist might seem lousy to another.
For those wondering about our criteria, these are the primary factors we consider when choosing an ophthalmology event that stands out from the rest.
Size
Sometimes, the sheer size and scope of an ophthalmology meeting make the most seasoned eye surgeon feel small. From massive lecture halls detailing the latest research to the hustle and bustle of an endless show floor, attending a large-scale conference can truly feel like you’re at the center of the ophthalmology field and part of something bigger than yourself.
On the other hand, some find a more intimate setting preferable. With fewer people in a more confined space, a small conference may give you an opportunity to engage with research and network on a higher level. When you want to connect with your peers more closely, consider a smaller-scale conference—especially one at a destination you’re excited to visit.
History
There’s something special about attending an event with a multi-decade history. Even if it’s impressive, an ophthalmology conference that started last week probably won’t have the same gravitas as one that’s already hosted some of the industry’s biggest names or premiered some of the most revolutionary research.
Specialty
Ophthalmology conferences are typically based on two specialties: cataract/refractive or retina. While both fields are fascinating, we recommend choosing an event that caters to your specialty to maximize the value of attending (if you’re currently practicing). That way, you’ll gain applicable knowledge you can use in your office.
Research
One of the primary reasons ophthalmologists attend ophthalmology events is to stay up-to-date on the latest research and discoveries. Take some time to explore ophthalmology meeting agendas and go with the program that excites you the most.
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Industry Leaders
The only thing better than hearing about the latest research is hearing about the latest research from the biggest names in your field. Going to an ophthalmology conference will allow you to experience breakthroughs from the source, and perhaps, connect with your heroes one-on-one.
Location
We hate to admit it, but we’d much rather attend an ophthalmology meeting in Toronto than Timbuktu. Before booking your tickets and packing your bags, explore where the events you’re considering are located, and be sure to factor transportation, lodging, and other logistical costs into your decision. If you’re interested in attending a particular conference but aren’t thrilled with its location, don’t forget to look ahead to next year’s event!
Community
It’s not always about what you’re doing, but who you’re doing it with. If you find an ophthalmology event with great people you enjoy spending time with, it doesn’t matter how big or how exotic its location is. You’ll have a great time and be more engaged in what you’re there for: to become the best ophthalmologist or ophthalmic professional you can be.
Did we forget to mention your favorite conference? Shout out your favorite ophthalmology event in the comments below, and we’ll see you there!
Connect With Your Friends at OphthalmologyEHR
OphthalmologyEHR, the industry’s #1 all-in-one EHR for ophthalmology, is dedicated to building the technology solutions that help ophthalmology practices like yours thrive.
We do our best to attend the leading ophthalmology events to bring our innovative tools straight to the people who use them. Our specialists look forward to meeting you and sharing our award-winning solutions at the next ophthalmology conference.
If you can’t wait and are ready to increase efficiency at your practice now—and why wouldn’t you—connect with our team to discover how to streamline your workflows and improve efficiency using specialized tools for ophthalmology providers, technicians, administrators, and more.
Streamline patient records, optimize practice performance, digitally plan and share surgery sheets, communicate with prospective patients, manage lens inventory, and coordinate quality care across your office with OphthalmologyEHR.