World Ophthalmology Congress® (WOC)
Abdulaziz Ahmad Abdulaziz Al Saud
Chairman, MEACO Board
MEACO is proud to host the oldest running medical meeting and one of the most prestigious ophthalmology meetings on the international calendar, in Abu Dhabi, UAE from 16-20 February 2012. This is a unique opportunity to have the World Ophthalmology Congress® (WOC) held in the Middle East and Africa region.
We will support the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) to organize the most scientifically rewarding congress.
In pursuance of that we have chosen to hold the meeting in one of the most modern exhibition centers in the world - the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). We will strive to ensure that all participants experience a stimulating environment for all the scientific meetings, symposia, instructional courses, exhibitions and business meetings.
The partnership between MEACO and the Abu Dhabi government in this meeting is a model of the quality of support that medicine and scientific activities are receiving. Abu Dhabi is definitely presenting itself as an ultra-modern, highly advanced, medical and business meeting destination.
We will strive to develop culturally rich social events during the congress.
You will see, hear and taste the unique Arabian culture.
We look forward to seeing you in Abu Dhabi.
Ahlan Wa Sahlan
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Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan
Chairman - Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
Welcome to Abu Dhabi – Your Congress Destination
Dear congress participants and delegates,
Abu Dhabi was thrilled to be chosen, as the host city for the World Ophthalmology Congress ® 2012 and together with our valued partner, MEACO, I can promise you all that we are already working on ensuring that this destination will live up to all you may expect of it.
Certainly we believe that in Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre you will find a venue that compares favourably in terms
of facilities and services with the very best the world has to offer. We value our host city role as it sits very comfortably with our long-held tradition of dispensing Arabian hospitality at its finest.
We also recognise that the congress gives us an unparalleled opportunity to show the UAE capital, and the wider emirate, to a worldwide audience who we hope will become great exponents for the destination – and will return to sample the destination’s attractions at their leisure.
Abu Dhabi’s visitor proposition is continually growing and by the time you arrive in the capital for the congress, we envisage there being much more available for you to do and see across cultural, leisure and business platforms.
I can assure you now that Abu Dhabi’s entire business tourism community is working together as Team Abu Dhabi to ensure the success of the congress and that it leaves a progressive legacy for the science of ophthalmology in the UAE and throughout the world.
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Bruce E. Spivey, MD, MS, MEd
President - International Council of Ophthalmology
Dear Colleagues,
It is my honor and pleasure to invite you to attend the World Ophthalmology Congress® (WOC) 2012, February 16–20, 2012
in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This is the 33rd International Congress of Ophthalmology, and the first to be held
in the Middle East.
As the longest continuous international medical meeting, the WOC brings together ophthalmologists from all over
the world. With Abu Dhabi as the backdrop, you will be sure to enjoy the varied social and scientific offerings of the 2012 World Ophthalmology Congress. The region’s unique heritage alongside the latest scientific breakthroughs in ophthalmology provide a special opportunity for all who attend.
You can expect another world-class congress, matching those in Berlin (2010), Hong Kong (2008), and Sao Paulo (2006).
We are planning an outstanding program with renowned speakers, the latest in scientific practice, and exhibits of the newest ophthalmic drugs and equipment; all enriched by attendees and representatives from countries throughout the world.WOC 2012 will offer thousands of international experts presenting a rich variety of topics in hundreds of scientific sessions.
Along with the hosts the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO) and the International Council
of Ophthalmology (ICO), I encourage you to join us in Abu Dhabi.
With my very best regards.
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Dr. Abdulaziz AlRajhi, MD
President - WOC 2012
Dear Colleagues,
I would like to extend a warm welcome to the participants of the World Ophthalmology Congress® 2012 (WOC 2012.)
This year is the first time such a prestigious international ophthalmology meeting will be hosted in the Middle East and Africa Region, and the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO), welcomes our ophthalmology colleagues from around the world.
The WOC 2012 will take place in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The city is rapidly developing into a vibrant city: with extraordinary sky scrapers, glamorous shopping malls, top quality hotels, interesting museums, beautiful parks, and adventurous water and other sports.
The city has been converted into a great destination for business travelers: offering affordable transportations through taxis and public transport and hotel rates that will suit every budget. However, although this is a modern city it is very proud of its rich cultural heritage and this can be seen in the architecture, food and fashion.
I am confident that WOC 2012 will prove to be an enriching experience to all the participants and delegates with our aim
to continue to provide the high quality scientific content that is expected from WOC with participation from all over the world.
Preparations are well underway to ensure you and your accompanying guests experience the very best of the well known Arabian hospitality. I encourage you to explore the unique social and cultural heritage of the UAE and wish you a great stay
in amazing Abu Dhabi!
I look forward to welcoming you at the WOC 2012.
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Prof. Dr. Peter Wiedemann
Chairman, WOC Scientific Program
Dear Colleagues,
It is with great pleasure and honor that I invite you to attend the World
Ophthalmology Congress® 2012 in Abu Dhabi.
Preparations are underway to develop an outstanding the scientific program at the 2012 WOC, with critical contributions from leading ophthalmologists around the world as coordinators, chairs, moderators and speakers.
Due to the hard work of these experts, we expect to have an important and valuable program at the WOC, which incorporates the 33 International Congress of Ophthalmology. The world’s leading experts in ophthalmology will present the latest in scientific practice with the newest cutting edge treatments.
The scientific program will cover 35 subspecialty and topic areas, with a subspecialty day, more than 45 sessions organized by International Council of Ophthalmology members and participating societies, and more than 2000 internationally recognized speakers.
I invite you to experience the first large international medical congress in Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital city of the United Arab of Emirates. A modern city combined with a rich cultural heritage, Abu Dhabi promises to be an ideal setting for scientific communication and innovation.
I encourage you to join us in Abu Dhabi for an outstanding scientific program.
