The 39th Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress held Feb. 22-25 in Indonesia represented a critical junction in ophthalmic dialogue, offering hands-on experiences with advanced techniques and the latest tools under the guidance of experts.
See a slide show of some of Dr. Othman's photos from APAO 2024.
Held at the Bali Nusa Dua Conference Center, the workshops and live demos were just the cherries on top.
Wetlab workshops on phacoemulsification and manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) were both valuable sessions where young ophthalmologists had the opportunity to learn from the experts and gain tips and skills to perform surgeries better and safer. It was such an invaluable chance for young ophthalmologists like me to polish my skills and advance my clinical capabilities.
The program brimmed with diverse topics from across ophthalmology’s many subfields. It felt like navigating through a vast ocean of innovation and wisdom. Sessions weren’t just informative; they were interactive, encouraging lively debates and collaborative thinking, which made for a truly enriching scholarly environment.
For example, I went to a cataract session on intraocular lens ()IOL fixation techniques, some of which I have never seen or learned about yet. These sessions continue to inspire me to learn more. The fun part is that you get to choose whatever subspecialty talks you would like to learn more about — you are literally spoiled for choices!
The YO standing committee meeting was a highlight, allowing me to contribute to shaping the future of our field and meet with the Academy’s YO committee. It also opened doors to collaboration and learning that were previously unimaginable. One important topic was using social media as a way to spread information. This is such a great idea to reach out to more people on awareness, knowledge exchange and latest updates.
Forging Friendships Across the Globe
This APAO congress was an intense session for myself as a YO representative. However, I have taken home so much new knowledge, networking skills, leadership skills from this congress. I have made so many new YO friends from all over the globe — Fiji, Maldives, Mongolia, Timor Leste, just to name a few.
Stepping into the lively ambiance of the Bali Nusa Dua Conference Centre, I was instantly enveloped in an authentic blend of scholarly dedication and genuine professional warmth.
As someone deeply entrenched in ophthalmology, being part of such an esteemed assembly wasn’t just refreshing — it was a profound learning experience. Reflecting on my time there, I’m keen to share the rich insights and knowledge I gathered.
It offered a unique stage for knowledge sharing, exploring new trends, and building connections, all set against Bali’s stunning vistas. This year’s agenda promised and delivered stimulating conversations and academic ventures.
Networking Opportunities
The YO symposium was a hub of mentorship, offering young ophthalmologists like myself a chance to learn from the best, network, and discover opportunities for training and research. The informal gatherings, like the YO night and dinner, as well as the fundraising run along Nusa Dua’s scenic coastline, added layers of personal connections and unforgettable memories to the professional enrichment.
Connecting with YOs from Bangladesh, Philippines, India and other countries allows me to exchange information and help in setting up our own YO group officially, with ideas of activities and future collaboration.
As Brunei Ophthalmology Society’s Youth Ophthalmology (YO) leader, I had the privilege to connect with young ophthalmologists from across our region, sparking conversations and sharing experiences that bridged the gaps between us.
Some of our interesting conversations were figuring out where Brunei actually was and how tiny our ophthalmology population is! However, I am proud to present Brunei and make it known to the ophthalmology world however tiny we are.
Participating in the APAO Leadership Development Program (LDP) was transformative. Collaborating with fellow leaders, we delved into leadership, advocacy, and growth, all while building a network that felt more like a family, bound by shared goals and mutual respect.
One of the sessions taught us about what type of personalities we have. It was amazing how accurate my own feedback was. Learning that everyone can change their color codes (personality types) according to the situation will make them good and effective leaders.
The APAO Congress was more than just an event; it was a milestone in my professional journey. The knowledge, connections, and memories I left with have fueled my passion and commitment to our field. I’m already looking forward to what the next APAO Congress in New Delhi in 2025 will bring, ready to embrace the future of ophthalmology with open arms.
About the author: Fitri Othman, MBBS, Mmed, is a senior resident and the current YO leader of the Brunei Ophthalmology Society.
APAO 2024 in Bali