EyeWorld Asia-Pacific September 2011 Issue

9 utilizing Prof. Barrett’s own “True-K formula”. The association also recently released the Principles of Preferred Practice series of handbooks. Authored by distinguished anterior segment ophthalmic surgeons from the Asia-Pacific, the series was designed to provide guidelines that are based on the latest medical evidence and expert opinion, geared specifically towards ophthalmologists and surgeons practicing in the region. Most powerful instrument Perhaps the most powerful instrument at the association’s disposal is its annual meeting. The APACRS annual meeting, held in different countries in the Asia-Pacific region, has become the most important regional meeting for cataract and refractive surgery. Doctors from all over the region are joined by renowned international speakers, delegates from other parts of the world who contribute to making the meeting “one of the most important educational events in the ophthalmological calendar”, said Prof. Barrett. The scope of the meeting, with attendees coming from all over the world, he added, also makes the meeting a great opportunity to meet new colleagues and renew friendships. During its annual meetings, the APACRS further promotes excellence by recognizing the outstanding work of ophthalmologists in the region, through various awards and distinctions including: the APACRS medal, honoring ophthalmologists in the region for outstanding contributions to the practice in terms of service, teaching, or research; the prestigious APACRS LIM Lecture, delivered by one ophthalmologist chosen each year to share their discoveries and innovations with their colleagues; and the APACRS Certified Educator (ACE) award, given through a program sponsored by Abbott Medical Optics, Alcon, and Bausch & Lomb, in close partnership with the Singapore National Eye Centre, established to recognize ophthalmologists who “have made significant contributions to train surgeons in the Asia-Pacific”. The upcoming 2011 APACRS Annual Meeting in conjunction with the 2011 Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (KSCRS) Symposium (the 6th International Meeting on Advanced Cataract and Refractive Surgery [IMACRS]) will run from 13 to 16 October 2011. As always, at its next annual meeting, expect the APACRS to bring together ophthalmologists and ophthalmic surgeons from all over the Asia- Pacific region, collaborating closely with experts from other parts of the world to serve the cataract and refractive surgery needs of over half the world’s population.