Host society
Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society (APGS)
The mission of APGS is to promote excellence in the diagnosis and care of patients with glaucoma of all types, at both individual and community levels.
Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness in Asia, where patterns of the disease and treatment outcomes can differ from those in other parts of the world. APGS was established to connect glaucoma specialists in the Asia-Pacific region, encourage collaborative research and service projects, and help eye care professionals keep up with advances in the field.
Congress
APGS hosts the Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Congress, most recently in Singapore in 2026.
Guidelines
The Society publishes the Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Guidelines, a practical reference for glaucoma care in the region.
Education
Programs include webinars, masterclasses, instruction courses, surgical training and the Young Glaucoma Experts Program.
Research and partnerships
APGS supports glaucoma research and works with universities, hospitals and like-minded organisations.
Three societies, one voice for glaucoma
APGS was formed by bringing together three regional groups: the South East Asia Glaucoma Interest Group (SEAGIG), the Asia-Oceanic Glaucoma Society (AOGS) and the Asian Angle Closure Glaucoma Club (AACGC). The three societies held their first joint scientific meeting in Taipei in December 2010, and the merger agreement was signed in Sydney in March 2011.
The Society is led by a Board elected by its members, with no more than two Board members from any one country, so that the whole region is represented.
Co-host
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)
RANZCO is the specialist medical college for ophthalmologists in Australia and New Zealand.
Its mission is to lead eye care by setting and improving standards, providing lifelong education, promoting research and innovation, and advocating on behalf of patients, their communities and its members.
Training
RANZCO delivers the five-year Vocational Training Program that leads to Fellowship of the College (FRANZCO), the qualification for specialist ophthalmologists in both countries.
Lifelong learning
The College supports its Fellows with continuing professional development, an Annual Scientific Congress, and publications including Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.
Advocacy and global eye health
RANZCO works with governments and health partners to promote equitable access to eye care, and helps strengthen the eye care workforce across the Asia-Pacific region.
A long history of collaboration
RANZCO’s roots go back to 1899, when the Ophthalmological Society of Victoria was founded. The national college was established in 1969, received its Royal prefix in 1977, and joined with the Ophthalmological Society of New Zealand in 1997. It has been known as RANZCO since 2000.
Today the College represents a number of Felloes and trainees across Australia and New Zealand.
