EyeWorld Asia-Pacific June 2018 issue

perts on Friday, 20 July 2018, 07:15 - 08:15 hrs, Sukhothai Room 2. Fresh perspectives “Enlightenment is also about us- ing old knowledge in a novel way or from a fresh perspective,” Dr. Pangputhipong wrote. With around 20 years of his- tory in refractive surgery, two ses- sions in particular will look at the current state of the field bearing this context in mind. “Deeper Insights”, co-hosted by the Philippine Society of Cata- ract & Refractive Surgery (PSCRS), will look at current trends such as the latest results from ongoing studies on small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery, the resurgence of surface ablation, and ICL implantation, while also reflecting on the long history of LASIK to find what has been learned in the battle against keratectasia. Saturday, 21 July 2018, 11:15 – 12:30 hrs, Sukhothai Room 2. Meanwhile, in this year’s APACRS LIM Lecture, Eric Donnenfeld, MD, Long Island, New York, will grapple with the misconceptions regarding the risks and benefits of LASIK that have emerged throughout the proce- dure’s 20-year history. Many of these misconceptions persist not just among patients but among ophthalmologists as well, and have over the years eroded the proce- dure’s reputation. Dr. Donnenfeld will use an ev- idence-based approach to explore the “myths, misconceptions, and reality” influencing the practice of LASIK and evaluate upcoming advancements in refractive corneal surgery. Dr. Donnenfeld will deliver “Refractive Surgery Comes of Age: How Good is LASIK? The Myths, Misonceptions, and Reality” on Friday, 20 July 2018, 08:30 – 10:00 hrs, Lanna Ballroom 2. Experts will also revisit all the IOL options currently available for correcting presbyopia in a session co-hosted by the Japanese Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (JSCRS). “Far & Near: Balance in Correcting Presbyopia” offers a comprehensive overview of these options, from traditional multifo- cal IOLs to bifocal, trifocal, and extended depth of focus IOLs, looking at how each can best be used individually, as well as con- sidering the possibility of combin- ing them to optimize results. Saturday, 21 July 2018, 14:00 – 15:30 hrs, Lanna Ballroom 2. Discovery Finally, Dr. Pangputhipong wrote: “[M]ost importantly, enlighten- ment is about the wisdom of dis- covering what you do not know.” The scientific program might be the heart, but the complete experience of any APACRS annual meeting is not confined to the spaces between the walls of the conference venue. Chiang Mai is a city in moun- tainous Northern Thailand. While it is a cultural center in Thailand and part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, it is somewhat off the beaten path for such an impor- tant international meeting. It is, however, in keeping with the society’s philosophy of “going beyond the traditional capital city locations,” according to APACRS President Ronald Yeoh, MD, Sin- gapore. In addition to providing its attendees with intellectual nour- ishment through its scientific pro- gram, the society seeks locations that provide an ambience beyond the routine, globalized, and cos- mopolitan, creating a less familiar, more mind-expanding context for the program that, hopefully, will help open attendees and guests to deeper insights into the practice of ophthalmology. “Thailand is a vast and diversi- fied nation and I hope that our meeting will deliver the latest advances in cataract and refrac- tive surgery and elevate standards throughout the Asia-Pacific,” Dr. Yeoh wrote, welcoming members and guests, adding, “please do not forget to avail yourselves of the beautiful hill country of northern Thailand, try the delicious cuisine, mingle with the warm and friend- ly locals, see the sights, shop, and have great massages!” Chiang Mai is the perfect set- ting for attendees to discover what they do not know. Places such as the Bor Sang Umbrella Village, where artisans craft their famous Sa paper umbrellas and parasols, the Chiang Mai Gate Market, where visitors will find some of the best Thai street food, the Doi Inthanon National Park, situated on the highest peak in Thailand, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a temple housing the Buddha’s relics from Si Satchanalai and said to be the former residence of a hermit called a “benevolent god”, are ripe for discovery, the perfect setting for visitors to broaden their minds. “I hope you will discover why Chiang Mai is very well known throughout the world for its beauty and hospitality,” Dr. Pang- puthipong wrote. He added: “I hope this year’s meeting will spark your enlighten- ment in all dimensions.” EWAP “ [M]ost importantly, enlightenment is about the wisdom of discovering what you do not know ” - Pannet Pangputhipong, MD