The 40th Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress (APAO), held in conjunction with the 83rd Annual Conference of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), was held in New Delhi, India from 3-6 April 2025.  The Congress was attended by more than 14,000 participants from all across the globe. 

The scientific program was rich and encompassed all fields of ophthalmology. Traditionally, the greatest attention was drawn to cutting-edge advances in cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, refractive corneal surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastic and orbital surgery and potential applications of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology. 

Delegates from Ufa Eye Research Institute headed by the director, Professor Mukharram Bikbov, presented their talks in five different sessions of the Congress:

• «Glaucoma in Urals: regional prevalence variations», 
• «Age related macular degeneration epidemiological characteristics in Southern Urals», 
• «Prevalence and Associated Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy in Urals», 
• «Pathological Myopia in Russia: The Ural Eye and Medical Study»,
• Poster presentation «Prevalence and associated factors of cataract and cataract-related blindness in the Ural Eye and Medical Study». 

The Opening Ceremony was held on Day 1 of the Congress. Each year, the APAO Congress recognizes outstanding ophthalmologists for their contribution to the development of science and ophthalmic services in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Individual awards were presented to outstanding researchers and special awards were given to specialists for contributions to the improvement of ophthalmic science and the prevention of blindness in their countries. On Day 2, a charity run "Run for Sight! Run for Life!" was held.

An exhibition which was held during the Congress, showcased various advances in the field of ophthalmology - newest microscopes, OCT devices, fundus cameras, etc. 

At the personal invitation of Professor Radhika Tondon, the team of Ufa Eye Research Institute, together with doctors from Great Britain, Australia and Japan, visited the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). During this visit they discussed mutual cooperation, establishment and maintenance of long-term professional relations.

The APAO 2025 Congress provided an excellent opportunity for world-renowned ophthalmologists to share their knowledge and experience with clinicians, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic surgeons and researchers from the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. Participants gained insights into the latest scientific innovations and new trends in treatment methods.