Thank you for participating in the upcoming 2026 Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) Annual Congress on September 29 to October 2, 2026.. This is a face-to-face conference at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila. There will be 40 symposia, 2 named lectures, industry lectures, and a fellowship night during the 3-day conference.All sessions will be held in the function rooms and meeting rooms on the 2nd floor of the SMX Convention Center.
The scientific program, anchored on the theme “Vision Beyond Boundaries: Science, Skills, Systems, Society”, offers a comprehensive and forward-looking learning experience. It integrates core scientific updates with practical skills development, while exploring innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), training systems, and healthcare policies that shape modern ophthalmic practice. Complementing these are sessions on leadership, mentorship, and collaboration, fostering a stronger, more connected Ophthalmology Community.
The following information is provided to make your attendance at the Congress as pleasant as possible. If you have queries or require any assistance during the Congress, please visit the Help Desk located at the counter located near the registration area.
REGISTRATION and HELP DESK
The registration counters are located at the 2nd level lobby of the SMX Convention Center. For assistance, please approach any of the Congress Staff at the registration counters and function halls. The PAO Secretariat will be stationed in Meeting Room 2 and will also be ready to assist. The registration counters, help desk, and PAO Secretariat desk will be open from September 29 to October 2, 2026, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Pre-registered delegates may proceed to the badge printing counters for badge release. Please present the QR code in your registration confirmation e-mail to expedite the release of Congress kits.
ON-SITE PAYMENT
Delegates who would like to register at the venue will need to go through the website registration system. You may approach the registration desk for assistance during opening hours or access the registration website (paocongress.com/2026) using your mobile device. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted in local currency (Philippine Peso) only. Rates will be converted to PhP based on prevailing market exchange rate. Cheques will not be accepted.
Please note that trainees who have not verified their trainee status online will need to present their trainee verification form at the registration counter. The on-site rate will be applied should there be failure to provide verification and the price difference shall be charged.
CONGRESS KIT
Congress Kits may be claimed during opening hours at the Bag counters. The following are included in the Congress Kit:
The Name Badge will be the official pass and must be worn at all times while on-site by the named delegate only. You will not be admitted into the Meeting and Exhibit Areas without the proper badge. All name badges are non-transferable. Lost badges will be replaced at a cost to the participant.
Accompanying persons (if any) are entitled to a name badge, access to the exhibit hall, and fellowship night.
DRESS CODE
Neat casual attire is acceptable for attendance at Congress sessions and social functions.
PAO Connect SMARTPHONE APP
The PAO Connect App will be utilized as the Congress App. The mobile app provides interactive capabilities to enhance your Congress experience. Updating the app regularly is recommended. For help on downloading the app and navigating its functions, please ask for assistance at the PAO Secretariat Help Desk.
DIGITAL PROGRAM and ABSTRACT BOOK
A PDF copy of the Full Digital Program and Abstract Book will be available online. Please login to your user profile via the congress website at http://www.paocongress.com/2026 No hard copies will be distributed. A printed Quick Guide is included in the Congress kit.
SPEAKER READY ROOM
The designated speaker ready room is Meeting Room 11, located on the 2nd floor of the SMX Convention Center. Use this room to test your presentations for compatibility with the session room configuration.
Please load your presentations at least 6 hours prior to your session. For morning lectures, kindly load them the day before if possible. Personal laptops are allowed but strongly discouraged due to the potential for technical issues that may arise, leading to delays in the program. Please bring your own HDMI connectors and laptop chargers as back-up. It is advised that you review your presentation in the Speaker Ready Room where our technicians will help resolve any compatibility and/or formatting issues.
The Speaker Ready Room will be open starting September 28, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. It will be open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on September 29 - October 2, 2026.
ELECTRONIC POSTERS and SURGICAL VIDEO
The ePoster viewing area is in the Exhibit Hall. Computer terminals can be found in the Exhibit Hall, between the doors of Function Rooms 4 and 5.
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE
Certificates can be downloaded through the user dashboard on the website beginning October 2, 2026 and will be available until December 15, 2026. Please login using the same username that you used to register for the Congress. The website will direct you to an evaluation form prior to accessing the certificate of attendance.
