Upcoming 15 International Ophthalmology Congress to Attend in 2025

With 2025 already underway, several major international ophthalmology conferences have released their programs or held their events, setting the tone for this year’s key developments in the field. The conferences provide a wide range of opportunities including discovering the latest developments, sharing insights and networking.

Here is a comprehensive list of the top 15 international ophthalmology conferences scheduled for 2025, each providing a unique platform for learning.

1. International Congress of German Ophthalmic Surgery (DOC 2025)

Date: 15 May  – 17 May 2025

Location: Nuremberg, Germany

Venue: NurembergConvention Center

The 37th International Congress of German Ophthalmic Surgery (DOC 2025) will take place from May 15 to 17, 2025, at the NürnbergConvention Center, NCC East, in Nuremberg, Germany. Recognized as one of Europe’s leading events in ophthalmic surgery, the congress will bring together renowned surgeons, clinical researchers, and industry innovators to exchange knowledge on the latest techniques, technologies, and advancements in eye surgery.

The program will feature live surgeries, hands-on workshops, and a comprehensive exhibition, providing attendees with practical insights and exposure to cutting-edge surgical tools and devices. DOC 2025 continues its mission to foster clinical excellence and education across subspecialties in ophthalmology, making it a key event on the international eye care calendar.

Learn more about the program.

2. Austrian Ophthalmological Society Congress (ÖOG 2025)

Date: 29 May – 31 May 2025

Location: Schladming, Austria

Venue: Congress Schladming

The 65th Annual Meeting of the Austrian Ophthalmological Society (ÖOG 2025) will take place from May 29 to 31, 2025, at Congress Schladming in Schladming, Austria. As the country’s leading ophthalmology event, the congress is expected to attract over 800 participants, including ophthalmologists, orthoptists, nurses, and clinical staff.

The scientific program will feature a wide range of lectures, workshops, and seminars covering all major subspecialties, with participants eligible to earn over 35 DFP/CME credits. Dedicated sessions for orthoptists and nursing staff, as well as the CSA Schielsymposium—focused on strabology, neuro-ophthalmology, and pediatric ophthalmology—will also be part of the program.

3. Canadian Ophthalmological Society Annual Meeting (COS 2025)

Date: 19 June - 22 June 2025

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Venue: Vancouver Convention Centre (East Building)

The 2025 Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) Annual Meeting and Exhibition will be held from June 19 to 22, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre (East Building) in Vancouver, British Columbia. As Canada’s leading ophthalmology event, it will bring together eye care professionals from across the country and beyond to explore the latest developments in vision science and clinical practice.

The program will feature invited lectures, scientific sessions, wet labs, and hands-on workshops, including Self-Assessment Programs (SAPs) and Surgical Skills Transfer Courses (STCs). An extensive exhibition will showcase the newest ophthalmic technologies and services.

Explore more at the website.

4. World Glaucoma Congress (WGC 2025)

Date: 25 June - 28 June 2025

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Venue: Hawaii Convention Center

The 11th World Glaucoma Congress (WGC-2025) will be held from June 25 to 28, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii, bringing together glaucoma specialists, researchers, and eye care professionals from across the globe. Organized by the World Glaucoma Association (WGA), the congress will offer a comprehensive scientific program featuring plenary sessions, wet labs, surgical courses, and a film festival dedicated to glaucoma education and awareness.

As the largest international meeting focused exclusively on glaucoma, WGC-2025 provides a unique platform for sharing the latest advancements in clinical practice and research, while fostering global collaboration to improve outcomes for patients with glaucoma.

For more information, visit the website.

5. Precision Ophthalmology 2025 Conference

Date: 12 June - 14 June 2025

Location: New York, USA

Venue: Columbia University Irving Medical Center

The Precision Ophthalmology 2025 Conference, titled “In Our DNA”, will take place from June 12 to 14, 2025, in New York City, hosted by Columbia University Irving Medical Center. This three-day event will explore the future of personalized eye care, focusing on artificial intelligence, genomics, regenerative biology, and innovative strategies for complex ophthalmic diseases.

The conference features keynote presentations from leaders in the field, including Dr. Michael F. Chiang, Dr. Cecilia Lee, Dr. Thomas Reh, Dr. Janey L. Wiggs, and Dr. Andrea Califano. The program includes a dedicated Resident & Fellow Research Day, a Clinical Care Day on collaborative approaches to difficult cases, and a Vision Science Day highlighting emerging research in precision medicine.

6. American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS 2025)

Dates: 25 April - 28 April 2025

Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center

From April 25 to 28, 2025, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting is set to take place in Los Angeles, CA, USA, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

This prestigious event serves as a leading platform for ophthalmic professionals to come together and explore the latest advancements in cataract and refractive surgery. Known for its comprehensive program, the ASCRS Annual Meeting brings together experts and practitioners to discuss state-of-the-art technologies, innovative surgical techniques, and groundbreaking scientific developments.

Learn more by visiting the ASCRS website.

7. Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology (ARVO 2025)   

Dates: 4 May - 8 May 2025

Location: Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Venue: Salt Palace Convention Center

The ARVO Annual Meeting will take place from May 4–8 in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a focus on how vision research is being transformed by emerging technologies and data advancements.

The event is the premier global event for eye and vision scientists, attracting professionals at all career stages, including students and those from related fields, to present cutting-edge research and collaborate on innovative solutions.

Enhanced computing power is driving artificial intelligence and big data capabilities, while molecular innovations such as CRISPR, mRNA technologies, advanced imaging, virtual reality, and gene therapy breakthroughs are accelerating efforts to treat, cure, and ultimately prevent blinding eye diseases.

Visit the ARVO website for detailed information.

8. European Glaucoma Society (EGS 2025)

Date: 30 May – 31 May 2025

Location: Thessaloniki, Greece

This meeting is set to take place in Thessaloniki, Greece, on May 30–31, 2025. The event will provide a platform for members to discuss advancements in glaucoma research and treatment

Learn more at EGS website.

9. Pan-American Congress of Ophthalmology (PAAO 2025)

Dates: 30 May - 2 June 2025

Location: Bogota, Colombia

Venue: Agora Convention Center

The Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) Congress, slated to occur from May 30 to June 2, 2025, in Bogota, Colombia at the Agora Convention Center, unites global experts to share practical knowledge in ophthalmology, covering topics from foundational to advanced levels.

This 3 ½-day event provides attendees with insights into the latest advancements across various subspecialties, making it ideal for both general and specialized ophthalmologists.

Participants have an opportunity to network with leading international professionals and access the latest scientific and technical developments. Dedicated to ongoing education, blindness prevention, and fostering cultural exchange, the PAAO serves ophthalmologists across the Americas, Spain, and Portugal.

Learn more about the Program Schedule at a glance.

10. SOE 2025 Congress

Date: 7 June - 9 June 2025

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Venue: Lisbon Congress Centre (CCL)

From June 7 to 9, 2025, the SOE 2025 Congress will be hosted in Lisbon, Portugal, at the Lisbon Congress Centre (CCL). The event, organized by the European Society of Ophthalmology, will gather ophthalmologists worldwide to exchange the latest advancements and research in ophthalmology.

Attendees can look forward to a comprehensive program featuring educational sessions, exhibitions, and ample networking opportunities designed to enhance knowledge and skills. Emphasizing sustainability, the Congress is moving towards a fully paperless format.

For further information visit the website.

11. American Society of Retina Specialists Annual Meeting (ASRS 2025)

Date: 30 July– 2 August 2025

Location: Long Beach, California, USA

Further details will be shared when available.

12. Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS 2025)

Date: 21 August – 23 August 2025

Location: Ahmedabad (Gandhinagar), India

The Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS), in partnership with the Ahmedabad Ophthalmological Society and All Gujarat is scheduled for August 21–23, 2025, in Ahmedabad (Gandhinagar), India.

APACRS meetings are known for their cutting-edge focus on cataract and refractive surgery, delivering world-class, practical education and valuable networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals. Under the theme of “Learning from the Masters,” the event brings together top minds through masterclasses, symposia, and well-curated scientific sessions designed to elevate cataract and refractive practices.

Find more information on the APACRS website.

13. EURETINA Congress 2025

Dates: 4 September - 7 September 2025

Location: Paris, France

Venue: Le Palais des Congres

The EURETINA Congress 2025, which is scheduled for September 4–7, 2025, in Paris, France at the Le Palais des Congres, is set to unite global experts and researchers in the field.

With a strong focus on the latest advancements in retina research, diagnostics, and treatment, this event is a must-attend for those dedicated to retinal health and innovation.

Visit the EURENTINA website for more information.

14. European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons Congress (ESCRS 2025)

Date: 12 September - 16 September 2025

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

Venue: Bella Centre

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Congress is poised to take place from September 12 to 16, 2025, in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark, hosted at Denmark Bella Centre.

Further details will be shared when available.

15. American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting (AAO 2025)

Date: 17 October - 20 October 2025

Location: Orlando, FL, USA

Venue: Orange County Convention Center

Scheduled from October 17 to 20, 20245 in Orlando, FL, USA, the AAO Annual Meeting will take place at the Orange County Convention Center.

Further details will be shared when available.

Noteworthy Ophthalmology Congresses Concluded in Early 2025

Several key ophthalmology congresses have already taken place in early 2025, offering valuable insights, clinical updates, and networking opportunities for professionals across the eye care spectrum. These events featured cutting-edge research, surgical innovations, and discussions on emerging technologies shaping the future of ophthalmology. Below is a recap of some of the most impactful meetings that concluded in the first quarter of the year.

1. The American Glaucoma Society (AGS) 2025

The American Glaucoma Society (AGS) 2025 Annual Meeting took place from February 26 to March 2, 2025, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., marking the society’s 40th anniversary. The event brought together leading glaucoma specialists, researchers, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge, showcase advancements, and collaborate on improving glaucoma care.

Highlights included Advocacy Day, a robust scientific program featuring symposia, paper and poster sessions, and a celebratory “40 Years of Impact” event hosted by the AGS Foundation. Discussions centered on clinical innovations, surgical techniques, and future research directions. The meeting also provided ample networking opportunities and served as a platform for shaping policy and education in glaucoma care.

2. ESCRS Winter Meeting 2025 

The 29th ESCRS Winter Meeting took place from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre in Athens, Greece, and was held in collaboration with the Hellenic Society of Intraocular Implant and Refractive Surgery (HSIOIRS). This landmark event brought together 1,924 participants from across the globe, highlighting its growing importance in the field of cataract and refractive surgery.

The meeting featured innovative programming such as the Toga Sessions, inspired by Athens' legacy of dialogue and debate, alongside Live Surgery Sessions, Free Paper presentations, BOSS Speed Mentoring, and Medical Writer’s Workshops. The event offered dynamic opportunities for professional exchange, skill-building, and networking, solidifying ESCRS's commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing education in ophthalmology.

3. International Ophthalmology Conference (IOC 2025)

The 3rd International Ophthalmology Conference (IOC 2025) took place from March 10 to 12, 2025, in Rome, Italy, under the theme “Visionaries Unite: Redefining Ophthalmic Excellence for a Brighter Tomorrow.” This hybrid event brought together ophthalmologists, vision scientists, clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals from around the world to explore the latest innovations in eye care.

Key topics included advanced diagnostics, AI integration in ophthalmology, and next-generation surgical techniques aimed at improving patient outcomes. The conference featured keynote lectures, oral and poster presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions that encouraged collaboration and knowledge sharing. A notable highlight was the exhibition of the MIOK Keratoprosthesis by Beijing Microkpro Medical Instrument Co., Ltd.—a synthetic implant designed to restore vision in patients with corneal blindness.

4. World Cornea Congress IX (WCC 2025)

The World Cornea Congress IX (WCC 2025) was held from March 20 to 22, 2025, at The Westin Washington, DC Downtown, bringing together leading experts in corneal science and surgery from around the world. Organized by the Cornea Society, this prestigious triennial event featured a comprehensive program of scientific sessions, clinical symposia, surgical videos, and abstract presentations focused on the latest advances in corneal disease, transplantation, imaging, and therapeutics.

WCC 2025 provided a unique platform for collaboration, education, and innovation, aligning clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals in their shared mission to improve outcomes in corneal care. The congress served as a cornerstone event in the global ophthalmology calendar, preceding the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting.

5. Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress

The 40th APAO Congress, held alongside the 83rd AIOS Annual Meeting in New Delhi, highlighted major innovations in ophthalmology. Key sessions featured advances in AI-assisted glaucoma detection, methotrexate use in pediatric retinal detachment, and ray-tracing guided LASIK, which outperformed topography-guided techniques. Promising results were also shared on EVO Viva ICL for presbyopia. 

The event addressed challenges in retinal care delivery, advocating for AI-based portable imaging, and explored both the potential and safety concerns of red light therapy for myopia. Discussions emphasized aligning real-world AMD management with clinical trial outcomes.
 

International Ophthalmology Congress Calendar for 2025