Hybrid Ophthalmology Conferences: Paradigm Shift in 2022

Abstract

Introduction: It has been almost a year since our journal talked about ophthalmology conferences under the COVID-19 era [1]. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing throughout 2022, scholars and academics are finding their ways out for scientific exchange of knowledge and research advances [2]. Virtual conferences were mostly turning into hybrid form to cater for delegates from around the world both physically and electronically [3]. Going through the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) official website’s meeting calendar page, recent international conferences are 40th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) held on 16-20 September 2022; American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2022 held on 30 September to 3 October 2022, and 15th Asia-Pacific Vitreo-Retina Society (APVRS) Congress held on 18-20 November 2022. These are all conducted in hybrid formats. There are few similarities, but also differences, across these hybrid conferences.