The World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC2020) has decided to make its June meeting virtual, to provide "an opportunity to come together, collaborate and share the latest advancements in eye care".
In a statement, the President and CEO said: "The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) is deeply committed to the health and safety of our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, due to escalating risks, a physical meeting of our international colleagues and partners at the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC2020) in Cape Town 26–29 June, is no longer possible. While we are all disappointed that our face-to-face meeting is cancelled, the ICO remains devoted to bringing together the world's ophthalmologists to learn the latest from one another, and to advance eye care during these extraordinarily challenging times.
"With this in mind, the ICO has decided to bring the world congress to each of you in the form of a virtual experience – WOC2020 Virtual®, 26–29 June 2020. This will be an exciting, exceptional experience that showcases an outstanding scientific program with over 2,000 presentations of the highest level given by leaders and experts from around the world. WOC2020 Virtual® will offer interactive networking opportunities with live streaming features that will include our committed corporate partners, with industry symposia and more. The virtual experience will be an opportunity to come together, collaborate and share the latest advancements in eye care."
Everyone already registered for the WOC2020 meeting will automatically be transferred to WOC2020 Virtual® with information to follow regarding additional features. In a few weeks, all presenters and participants will be contacted by the WOC2020 team with instructions and more detailed information. If you have any questions, contact the WOC team at icowoc@icoph.org. To register for WOC2020 Virtual® and for future updates go to the WOC2020 website.
