Welcome Message

From APVRS 2025 Congress President

Issue 1 – March 2025

Dear Esteemed Colleagues and Friends,

Mabuhay! On behalf of the APVRS, Vitreo-Retina Society of the Philippines and Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, we warmly invite you to attend the upcoming 18th APVRS Congress to be held in the vibrant and historic city of Manila, Philippines from December 12 to 14, 2025.

With the theme, RETINA 360, APVRS 2025 brings together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe to share clinical insights, showcase innovations, and foster collaboration in the field of vitreoretinal care. This premier educational event has evolved into an enriching platform for learning, transformation and strengthening our collective commitment to improve patients' lives.

This year's meeting features 42 high impact and curated sessions that cover a wide range of topics from basic sciences to late breaking developments in our field. New for 2025 is a surgical wet lab that will provide supervised, hands-on, training for residents, fellows and new consultants. A collaboration with the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology creates opportunities to learn from other subspecialties as well.

Manila, a city renowned for its rich culture, warm hospitality, and dynamic energy, serves as the ideal host for this year’s meeting. In addition to an inspiring scientific program featuring distinguished speakers, interactive workshops, and state-of-the-art presentations, attendees can experience the unique charm of the Philippines, visit the historic streets of Intramuros, tour the world's oldest Chinatown, indulge in the country’s mouthwatering cuisines, and relax on the idyllic beaches of our scenic 7641 islands.

The meeting venue is at the SMX Convention Center along scenic Manila Bay with its world-famous sunset. The adjacent Mall of Asia offers boundless shopping and dining and entertainment options. A wide range of hotel and lodging facilities are available for all budgets and tastes. Your visit to Manila will undoubtedly be both professionally enriching, fun and personally memorable.

So, mark your calendars and make it Manila in 2025! We eagerly look forward to welcoming soon. Please reach out to our APVRS team for any questions and assistance.

Sincerely,

Harvey S. Uy, MD
Congress President
18th APVRS Congress

Important dates for the 18th APVRS Congress are provided below. Remember to mark your calendar accordingly so that you won’t miss any of the events.

Starting from APVRS 2025 Manila, a new abstract protocol will be adopted. Before submission, please read the guidelines on the congress website: https://2025.apvrs.org/abstract-submission/

Abstract submitters could specify the most preferred presentation type at abstract submission.

• Free Paper

• Poster

• E-Poster

• Video

All submitted abstracts would be peer-reviewed by the Selection Committee. The review process is confidential, and the decision is final. Authors will be notified of the abstract selection results no later than late September 2025. Submitted abstracts will be reviewed and selected as illustrated in figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Abstract Selection Process 

Please note that the abstract selection process is unidirectional. This means that a poster abstract receiving sufficient scores can only be accepted as a Poster or an E-poster, but cannot be upgraded to a Free Paper.

Abstract Submitter will receive abstract result email from congress system. According to the corresponding accepted presentation type, the abstract submitter can make final decision on the presentation type as illustrated in figure 2 below.

Figure 2: Illustrated congress system webpage allowing abstract submitter to make final decision on the presentation type

Mabuhay!

Welcome to the Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient Seas. We are an archipelago nation of 7641 islands nestled between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Our beautiful land is rich in natural resources, stunning landscapes, and warm smiles, inviting everyone to join in the fun—whether it's exploring our captivating coastlines, discovering unique native crafts, or indulging in diverse culinary delights.

Manila, the vibrant capital, serves as a pivotal hub for trade, education, and innovation, shaped by its rich history from the pre-colonial era through Spanish colonization to American occupation. Established as the seat of the Spanish colonial government within the fortified walls of Intramuros in 1565, Manila quickly became a center of commerce and culture in Southeast Asia. The city has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, enduring foreign invasions and world wars until achieving independence in 1898.

Today, remnants of Manila's colonial past coexist with contemporary developments, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into its heritage. Explore the iconic structures of Intramuros and the lively markets of Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown. Additionally, Metro Manila features thriving districts like Makati, known for its towering skyscrapers, high-end shopping, and vibrant nightlife, as well as Bonifacio Global City (BGC), where modern art installations and parks enhance the urban experience.

During your visit for APVRS 2025, take the time to explore our historic districts, savor local cuisine, and connect with our welcoming community.

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