Retina Future Forum
Newly established in 2026, the APVRS Retina Future Forum aims to fill the gap in direct communication and foster collaboration among physicians, researchers, industry partners, regulators, and investors engaged in retinal innovation.
The inaugural APVRS Retina Future Forum will be held on August 27, 2026 (Thursday) (Day 0), from 12:00 to 18:00, as a kick‑off event of the APVRS 2026 Gold Coast Congress.
This dedicated half‑day pre‑congress meeting will focus on:
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- Highlighting emerging technologies, surgical innovations, and evidence‑based practices in vitreoretinal care
- Bridging gaps between clinical practice, research, and industry within the Asia‑Pacific context, including region‑specific challenges such as high myopia, diabetic retinopathy prevalence, access to care, and novel therapies
- Encouraging broad participation and diverse perspectives to reflect the unique needs in vitreoretinal field
Program Rundown (subject to changes)
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffee |
| 13:00 – 13:05 | Opening Remarks |
| 13:05 – 13:35 | Session 1: From Clinical Insight to First-in-Human Study |
| 13:35 – 14:05 | Session 2: Regulatory Pathways: What Retina Innovators Need to Know |
| 14:05 – 14:35 | Session 3: Funding Retinal Innovation: VC, Pharma, Grants and Strategic Partnerships |
| 14:35 – 15:00 | Ask the Masters: Unfiltered Dialogue |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Coffee Break & Networking |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Session 4: Next Generation Retinal Therapeutics (Second Generation anti-VEGF, TKI, Gene Therapy, Novel Pathways) |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Session 5: Emerging Innovations in Diagnostics and Surgery in Vitreoretinal Diseases |
| 16:30 – 16:55 | Session 6: Startup Spotlight & Speed Pitch |
| 16:55 – 17:15 | Session 7: Why Retinal Trials Fail – and How Startups Can Avoid It |
| 17:15 – 17:50 | Retina Innovation Exchange |
| 17:50 – 18:00 | Closing Pearls: What Comes Next? |
| 18:00 | Networking Cocktail |
Organizing Committee
Chair
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- Andrew Chang (Australia)
Members
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- Gemmy Cheung (Singapore)
- Brad Doerschuk (USA)
- Timothy Lai (Hong Kong, China)
- Hemal Mehta (Australia)
- Firas Rahhal (USA)
- Michael Singer (USA)
- Nicole Eter (Germany)
Further details will be announced in May 2026.