Australia to host global ophthalmic event

The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) made the selection in March at the 2017 Asia-Pacific Acady of Ophthalmology (APOA) Congress in Singapore following a vote by its Board of Trustees.The biennial event, which was first held in 1857 and is said to be the world’s longest-running continuous international medical meeting, brings together ophthalmologists from more than 140 different countries.It features a scientific program that addresses all sub-specialties and related interests in the field, showcases the latest products and services, and provides a platform for networking.According to CEO David Andrews, RANZCO, with assistance from the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), had been preparing the bid for two years and it was gratifying to see their hard work pay off.“The MCB were instrumental in sourcing financial and in-kind support that underpinned the bid and RANZCO current President, Associate Professor Mark Daniell, was the driving force,” he said.“Hosting WOC2022 gives us the opportunity to showcase the excellent work that is being done here in Australia and New Zealand and across the Asia Pacific Region.“We are also excited to be setting up a legacy project which will give eye health professionals from developing countries the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills alongside other WOC delegates,” Andrews said.However, while selected provisionally, the bid is not quite over the line yet. Both the ICO and RANZCO have to sign an Agreent of Expectations for WOC2022, before the ICO Board makes its final decision. A formal decision is expected in the next months.In the meantime, Andrews said RANZCO would continue to work closely with the ICO and MCB to ensure the success of the event.The next WOC will take place in Barcelona in June 2018.