Kathmandu, June 17

Fourteenth Biennial SAARC Academy of Ophthalmology Conference 2018 and 20th Nepal Ophthalmic Society Annual meeting is going to be held in Kathmandu from June 21 to June 24 with the theme ‘Vision Beyond Borders’.

SAO is an assembly of ophthalmologists from eight countries in south Asia and is recognised by the governments of SAARC countries. During the press meet at Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Prof Suman Thapa, president of the organiser committee of the conference, said that the conference would focus on the latest updates on ophthalmic innovations and technology, evidence-based practices in various sub-specialties of ophthalmology and it would also be a time to connect with old and new colleagues.

“Nearly 600 participants from 21 nations, including the USA, the UK, Russia, Japan, Canada, China, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Ghana, Ethiopia, will be participating in the conference,” he informed.

Talking to The Himalayan Times, Dr Eli Pradhan, chief of scientific committee of the conference, said people from all SAARC nations had been facing similar eye problems. “The conference will provide a platform to share and learn from each other’s work experiences,” she said. She also said that doctors would get the opportunity to learn about common practices and latest treatment methods for eye diseases.

During the conference, participants will present research papers on pediatric ophthalmology, cornea, cataract, refractive surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, oculoplasty, advocacy and hospital administrations. The presentations will be followed by discussion.

According to cataract and oculoplasty surgeon Dr Ben Limbu, Nepal has advanced and latest technology and equipment for eye treatment.

“We don’t have ophthalmologists in sufficient numbers and patients lack awareness of eye health,” said Ben.