Early Bird Extended, Abstracts Accepted,
Day 1 Highlights & Manila

Issue 7 – September 2025

Great news for ophthalmologist and vitreo-retina specialists! The early bird registration deadline for the APVRS 2025 Manila Congress has been extended to October 10, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to secure discounted rates and join global experts for cutting-edge sessions on retinal advancements from December 12 - 14, 2025.

More information can be found here. The clock is ticking—register now at Congress system to lock in your savings before spots fill up!

Thank you for your enthusiastic support and overwhelming response to the APVRS 2025 abstract submissions! We’re thrilled to announce that 105 free papers, 57 posters, 255 e-posters, and 95 videos were accepted this year, showcasing the vibrant innovation within our vitreo-retina community. All accepted abstracts are now available for viewing on Congress website.

Best Paper Award recipients will be notified in October. Join us for the Award Ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10:30 - 11:00 AM at the Presentation Stage in the Exhibition Hall, where we’ll honor these outstanding contributions.

Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation Therapy - co-sponsored by APSOII

Posterior uveitis remains a significant cause of visual morbidity worldwide, demanding nuanced and multidisciplinary management strategies. This symposium brings together leading experts in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of current therapeutic approaches to posterior uveitis, spanning infectious and non-infectious etiologies. The session will open with a foundational talk on the principles of managing posterior uveitis, followed by focused discussions on common infectious causes including ocular tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, and syphilis. Experts will then delve into key pharmacological approaches, including the roles of corticosteroids, immunomodulatory therapies, and intravitreal interventions. The symposium will also spotlight novel therapeutic developments and conclude with practical guidance on patient counselling and long-term disease management. By integrating clinical experience with evolving treatment paradigms, this session aims to enhance diagnostic precision, therapeutic decision-making, and patient-centered care in posterior uveitis.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD)

This scientific session offers an in-depth exploration of non-neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (NNV AMD). We will critically analyze the intricate biological pathways contributing to geographic atrophy (GA) progression, including the burgeoning understanding of the gut-retina axis and the microbiome's influence on NNVAMD pathogenesis. The session will try to shed light on how systemic factors influence retinal health and disease progression. The session will also present an unusual clinical presentation of fluid accumulation in NNV AMD, challenging traditional views and examining its significance beyond neovascularization. Another segment will focus on advanced diagnostic modalities, showcasing the utility of multimodal imaging and innovative functional testing methods that extend beyond standard visual acuity assessments. The latter parts of the meeting will discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies for GA, and a thought-provoking discussion on the efficacy paradox of why GA drugs underperform. An interactive panel discussion, fostering dynamic exchanges on critical advancements will close this session.

Updates on Gene and Cell Therapy

There have been excellent advancements over the past few decades in treatment of both rare and complex eye diseases. But many remain irreversibly blinding and incurable. Rigorous molecular and cellular research, however, has been fruitful. In this symposium, we shall be updated by experts on the pioneering scientific outputs and practicing protocols based on gene and cell therapy of eye diseases. There will be critical discussions on the prospects and details of novel methodologies for the treatment of retinal diseases including AMS and inherited retinal dystrophies. Special references will be given to upfront work in ophthalmology and visual sciences in the Asia Pacific region for ophthalmic care of its populations.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through Manila, where history, culture and tantalizing flavors intertwine! Start your exploration within the majestic walls of Intramuros, the city frozen in time. There, behold the baroque grandeur of San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before journeying onward to the Kaisa Heritage Bahay Tsinoy. Here, discover the captivating story of Chinese migrants who shaped the Philippines, bridging two worlds into one.

Step inside Casa Manila, a meticulously recreated 19th-century house, offering a glimpse into the opulent life of a colonial family. The treasures inside the palace are something you have to see! Then take a moment to enjoy and let the cultural treasures be your lunch at Ilustrado, to enjoy authentic Filipino flavors in a setting that reflects Manila’s unique character. Savor traditional dishes like adobo and sinigang while soaking in the atmosphere.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Make time to discover the artistic wonders at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila or unravel the story of the Philippine economy at the Central Bank Museum. Gaze upon masterworks at the National Museum Complex, where the nation’s artistic soul comes alive. If you are really ready for something new and unique, visit Palacio de Memoria, where all sorts of secrets and artifacts await that you’re bound to be captivated and ready to understand the deepness of what went on. Manila is city that gives a trip like no other, where every destination is to be seen!

Ready to start planning your adventure in Manila and the Philippines? Head to the link below to book a tour and discover more incredible destinations.

Tours: APVRS 2025 Tours.pdf

Video: APVRS 2025 Teaser Video.m4v