AICO 2026

Pakistan Orbit & Oculoplastics Association (POA) Activities at AICO 2026 The Pakistan Orbit & Oculoplastics Association (POA) actively participated in the Annual International Conference of Ophthalmology (AICO) 2026 with an extensive academic program spanning three days. The scientific activities reflected POA's commitment to advancing education, surgical training, research, and clinical excellence in orbit, oculoplastics, and lacrimal surgery.

Pre-Conference Surgical Workshop

The academic program commenced with a hands-on surgical workshop on Fascia Lata Harvesting and the Fox Method of Open Brow Suspension Technique, conducted at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital. Participants received practical training under expert supervision, with emphasis on operative techniques and surgical pearls for ptosis management.

POA–PSYO Collaborative Clinical Skills Session

In collaboration with the Pakistan Society of Young Ophthalmologists (PSYO), POA organized an interactive Proptosis Examination Technique session. The workshop combined short instructional presentations with facilitator-led bedside examination stations, providing postgraduate trainees with valuable hands-on experience and examination-oriented learning.

Scientific Symposium on Eyelid Disorders

POA conducted a dedicated scientific symposium featuring presentations on contemporary eyelid surgery and reconstructive techniques. Topics included blepharoptosis, blepharoplasty, lateral tarsal strip surgery, lower eyelid malpositions, congenital eyelid anomalies, evisceration, canthopexy, and ectropion management. The session showcased innovative surgical approaches and clinical outcomes presented by experts from across Pakistan.

Expert Panel Discussion on Orbital Disorders

A multidisciplinary panel discussion brought together senior oculoplastic surgeons to discuss challenging orbital and oculoplastic cases. Interactive case-based discussions focused on thyroid eye disease, orbital tumors, pediatric proptosis, orbital trauma, reconstructive surgery, and complex clinical decision-making, encouraging audience participation and evidence-based management strategies.

Instructional Course on Lacrimal Surgery

POA organized a comprehensive instructional course covering the contemporary evaluation and management of lacrimal disorders. Faculty members delivered focused lectures on lacrimal anatomy, diagnostic procedures, pediatric lacrimal diseases, punctal and canalicular disorders, external and endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, advanced lacrimal reconstruction, canalicular repair, and surgical management of rhino-orbital mucormycosis.

Hands-on Oculoplastic Skills Workshop

The conference concluded with a practical workshop on Direct Lid Closure and Lateral Tarsal Strip techniques using goat eyelid models. The workshop provided participants with supervised surgical practice, reinforcing essential reconstructive skills in a structured simulation environment.

Commitment to Academic Excellence

Through live surgical demonstrations, instructional courses, scientific symposia, panel discussions, and hands-on training, POA delivered one of the most comprehensive subspecialty programs at AICO 2026. These activities reaffirmed the Association's mission to promote excellence in orbit, oculoplastics, and lacrimal surgery through education, collaboration, innovation, and high-quality patient care.