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Editorial Board: Hunter Yuen (Editor-in-Chief); Robert Lam; Srinivas Rao; Ursula Wong
Advisory Panel: Rubens Belfort Jr.; William Felch; Simon Ko; Dennis Lam; Stephen Ryan; Bruce Spivey; Yasuo Tano; Jialiang Zhao
In this issue
I. Scientific Program Highlights

Complementary & Alternative Medicine

International Coordinators:
Local Coordinator:
Robert Nussenblatt, MD
Robert Ritch, MD
Dennis Lam, MD
(in alphabetical order)
 
- Complementary & Alternative Medicine is arousing more interest in recent years. More than twenty renowned experts in the field will be sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise in Hong Kong as speakers this June.(List of Chairs of Scientific Sessions)
-

Three symposia have been developed to cover a variety of topics including the possible roles of Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as Diet and Supplement in the treatment of eye diseases.


Low Vision

International Coordinator:
 

August Colenbrander, MD

- Comprehensive Health Care has three major components: Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation. Often, the attention paid to medical and surgical treatments eclipses the importance of prevention and rehabilitation. This program focuses on vision rehabilitation and the need for adequate documentation in an age which increasingly requires evidence-based documentation of outcomes
-

One session focuses on the development of clinical guidelines for general ophthalmic practitioners and on follow-up of the implementation. The next session points to the increasing prevalence of AMD in Western societies and to the fact that rehabilitative efforts are the main modalities available to improve the Quality of Life of those affected.

-

In developing countries, other causes of vision impairment may exist, and rehabilitation is equally needed. It constitutes an important part of the Vision-2020 program. A special panel will discuss the ways in which Low Vision programs have been successful and how it overcame the initial resistance in various Asia countries.

-

A report on the Assessment and Rehabilitation of Visual Functioning has been prepared for presentation at WOC 2008 and at the international Low Vision meeting "Vision-2008" in Montreal. It is the subject of another symposium. The last symposium brings together various experts to discuss the importance of Low Vision rehabilitation in their practices. (List of Chairs of Scientific Session)


Neuro-ophthalmology
International Coordinator:
Local Coordinator:
Christian Luco, MD
Carman Chan , FRCS
 
-

The invited neuro-ophthalmology program consists of a workshop, a symposium and a panel, with presentations from 18 leading international neuro-ophthalmologists.

- The workshop will cover neuro-ophthalmic topics pertinent to the general ophthalmologist, including the systematic approach to the management of diplopia, optic disc swelling, pupil evaluation and neuro-imaging.
- The symposium and the panel will encompass recent advances and controversies in neuro-ophthalmology and will include topics like the latest understanding and management of optic neuritis and other optic neuropathies; and the most up-to-date technologies with applications in neuro-ophthalmology. (List of Chairs of Scientific Session)



World Forum of Non Profit Organization in Vision and
Prevention of Blindness
International Coordinators:
Local Coordinator:
Nag Rao, MD
Brad Straatsma, MD
Pak-chin Chow, FRCOphth
(in alphabetical order)
 
-
The World Forum of Non Profit Organization in Vision and Blindnesss Prevention brings together more than 40 leaders of nongovernmental and governmental organizations, ophthalmology societies and institutes, entities that serve the visually impaired, and the ophthalmic - eye care industry to decrease avoidable blindness for all people throughout the world.
-

Presentations in the five symposia are concerned with:
1) Building Sustainable Programs for Blindness Prevention in the Developing World;
2) Activities of Non Profit Organizations in Support of Eye Care Education;
3) Management of Human and Economic Resources;
4) Public Policy and Actions to Improve Quality of Life for the Visually Impaired;
5) Using the Internet and Technology to Extend Eye Care.

-

Presentations and discussions in each symposium will outline the directions for program enhancement and cooperative action. (List of Chairs of Scientific Sessions)



List of Chairs of Scientific Sessions
(Complementary & Alternative Medicine)

 
(in alphabetical order)
#
Type Topic Co-Sponsoring Society
Chairs

1

Symposium Acupuncture - bases and possible roles in treating eye diseases  

Nobuo Fuse
Wen Ming Hsu
Dennis Lam

2

Symposium Traditional Chinese Medicine - bases and possible roles in treating eye diseases  

Wei He
Ming Jin
Jorn Hon Liu

3

Symposium Diet and Supplements (1): Emerging role in treating eye diseases  

Robert B Nussenblatt
Robert Ritch
Martin Wax



List of Chairs of Scientific Sessions
(Low Vision)

 
(in alphabetical order)
#
Type Topic Co-Sponsoring Society
Chairs

1

Symposium
Clinical guidelines for vision rehabilitation  
Bharkbhum Khambhiphant
Ger H.M.B. Van Rens
Christina Wat

2

Symposium
Treatment of Dry AMD (the only available treatment is rehabilitation)  
Alvin Kwok
Ger H.M.B. Van Rens
Paisan Ruamviboonsuk

3

Symposium
Vision rehabilitation in the developing world  
Haroon Awan
Jill Keefee
Yolanda Y. Y. Kwong

4

Panel
Vision rehabilitation in Asia: a report on the state of low vision - efforts and achievements  
Nongnart R. Chan
Thaivadee Dulayachinda
Shawn Tsai

5

Symposium
Assessment of functional vision (ICO/ISLRR report)  
August Colenbrander
Jill Keefee
Wilson Yip

6

Symposium
Clinical Low Vision - East meets west  
Nongnart R. Chan
Donald J. D'amico
Gwen K. Sterns



List of Chairs of Scientific Sessions
(Neuro-ophthalmology)

 
(in alphabetical order)
#
Type Topic Co-Sponsoring Society
Chairs

1

Symposium Recent advances in neuro-ophthalmology  

Thomas Hedges III
Satoshi Kashii
Xiaojun Zhang

2

Panel Controversies in neuro-ophthalmology  

Anthony Arnold
Carmen Chan
Gordon Plant

3

Course Neuro-ophthalmology for general ophthalmologists  

Pinar Aydin
Navin Jayakumar
Cristian Luco



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List of Chairs of Scientific Sessions
(World Forum of Non Profit Organization in Vision and Prevention of Blindness)

 
(in alphabetical order)
#
Type Topic Co-Sponsoring Society
Chairs
1 Symposium Using the Internet and Technology to Extend Eye Care  

Philip T. H. Lam
Perumalsamy Namperumalsamy
Yasuo Tano

2 Symposium Building Sustainable Programs for Prevention of Blindness in Developing Countries  

Arthur S.M. Lim
Akef al Magrabi
Gullapalli N. Rao

3 Symposium Activities of Non-Profit Organizations in Support of Eye Care Education  

H. Dunbar Hoskins, Jr.
Bruce Spivey
Wing-kun Tam

4 Symposium Management of Human and Economic Resources  

Prince Abdulaziz Ahmad Alsaud
Rubens Belfort, Jr.
Jia Liang Zhao

5 Symposium Public Policy and Non-Profit Organization Actions to Improve Quality of Life for the Visually Impaired Person  

Walton Li
Serge Resnikoff
Hugh Taylor



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II. WOC 2008 Social Programs

1) Presidential Dinner (Jun 27, 2008)
This is the most prestigious social event for the invited Ophthalmological leaders from all over the world. The Presidential Dinner will be held at Café Deco, atop The Peak, providing spectecular views of the famous Victoria Harbor.

2) Reception for delegates (Jun 28, 2008)
The Reception of Delegates will be held at Hall 5, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, this also symbolizes the official opening ceremony of WOC exhibition. Come and visit the most updated exhibits provided by over 150 companies around the world, and enjoy the refreshment time with friends and colleagues.

3) Opening Ceremony (Jun 29, 2008)
The Opening Ceremony will be held at Hall 3, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, we are pleased to announce that Mr. Donald Tsang, The Chief Executive of The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People’s Republic of China, will be the Guest-of-Honor of the opening ceremony. This esteemed event will be well attended by over 3,500 international renowned faculty members of Ophthalmology.

4) Gala Dinner (Jun 29, 2008)
This event is sponsored by Santen and will be held at Grand Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibtion Center. On line ticket sales will be available from May 2008.

5) Reception for Speakers (Jun 30, 2008)
The Reception for Speakers creates a platform for faculty members and speakers to meet and share ideas in an relaxed enviornment. This will be held at Central Plaza, which stands majestically opposite to the Congress venue, providing great views of the Victoria Harbour.

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III. Hong Kong Delights

Transportation in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is very convenient when it comes to getting around. You will love the subway (known as the MTR) because it is efficient, clean, and safe. Then there are the ever-present air-conditioned double-decker buses.

MTR (Mass Transit Railway)
In service since 1979, the MTR is the most popular public transport in Hong Kong. The urban lines have trains running every 2 to 3 minutes, while the Tung Chung lines have trains running every 4 to 5 minutes during peak hours.

The MTR has around 50 stations located at major entertainment, shopping, dining, commercial and residential areas of Hong Kong. Catching the MTR is the first choice for public transportation in Hong Kong!
http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/homepage/cust_index.html

 

Buses
Bus routes cover most areas of Hong Kong. Buses are the best means of traveling to Hong Kong Island's Southern District, like the Ocean Park, Repulse Bay and Stanley. Major routes provide 24 hour services.

 

Hong Kong Tramways
In operation since 1904, the Trams service northern Hong Kong Island areas. The trams run between Kennedy Town on the west side, to Shau Kei Wan on the east side, passing through shopping and commercial districts like Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, North Point and Tai Koo Shing. The slow pace of Trams is a big contrast to Hong Kong's fast paced lifestyle. The fee is only HK$2 for adults.

 

Peak Tram
The Peak Tram is the best way to reach the peak. It provides spectacular views of Central and the Victoria Harbor. Please refer to our introduction to The Peak.

 

Taxis
Often the best choice for short distances, taxis are ubiquitous in major areas and fares are comparatively low. Flag fall is HK$16 in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island. Many drivers speak some English, but it is wise to have your destination written in Chinese characters. Only Hong Kong dollars are accepted.

 

Star Ferries
Most notable of all is the humble but legendary "Star" Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. It offers a memorable and scenic boat trip across one of the most-photographed harbors in the world for just HK$2.2 to $5.3 for the upper deck, depending on the route.

 

Outlying Island Service
Ferries operating from the Central Ferry Piers in Central provide service to the main outlying island of Peng Chau, Cheung Chau, Lamma Island and Lantau Island including Discovery Bay. Two types of ferries operate on most routes: standard ferries and the slightly more expensive fast ferries.



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