VISION
To develop a strong, ethical, and collaborative community of ophthalmology leaders who will advance the profession, safeguard patient care, and serve society across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
MISSION
The values of the medical professional organization guide doctors (our members), empower the profession, and protect the community, while the professional paradigms are competence, accountability, ethics, altruism, and collegiality.
In the spirit of those values and paradigms, the aims of the APAO Leadership Development Program are to provide systematic orientation and professional development skills for the future leaders of ophthalmology within the Asia-Pacific region.
GOALS
- Identify individuals with the potential to become leaders in ophthalmology.
- Provide orientation and skills to allow potential leaders to promote ophthalmology locally and regionally.
- Facilitate the promotion of program graduates into leadership positions both locally and regionally.
- Facilitate a spirit of collegiality and networking among future regional ophthalmology society leaders.
- Build a culture to serve the ophthalmology society.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The LDP is a one-year program spanning from one APAO Congress to the next.
- Orientation Class
A 1.5-day program held during the APAO Congress. Participants are introduced to key leadership concepts, including Insights Discovery and color energy. The program also provides opportunities to engage with peers, faculty, alumni, and the APAO leadership.
- Self-initiated LDP Project
Participants develop and implement a project during the program year, with the aim of advancing ophthalmology, improving eye care services, or serving the broader community.
Key focus areas include:
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- Patient care enhancement
- Training and education
- Research and development
- Community work
- Leadership development
- Advocacy
Mentorship will be provided throughout the project.
- Master Class
A three-day intensive program held 4–6 months after the Orientation Class. It covers key leadership competencies such as communication skills, ethics, project management, team leadership and collaboration, advocacy, industry engagement, and organizational skills. Networking and cultural exchange are also integral components.
- Graduation Class
Participants present their project outcomes at the following APAO Congress. Successful completion of all program components is required for graduation.
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
Participants who successfully complete all program components, including the self-initiated project, will be awarded a Certificate of Completion at the LDP Alumni Reception cum Graduation Ceremony.
Graduates will also have the opportunity to express interest in joining an APAO Standing Committee to further their leadership journey.
NOMINATION & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
Participation in the LDP is by nomination only. Individual applications are not accepted.
Each APAO member society may submit one (1) nomination for consideration. APAO Council members are encouraged to recommend candidates through their respective societies.
Nominees should:
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential, vision, and commitment to serving the profession and society
- Be a qualified ophthalmologist
- Be highly proficient in English
- Be under 50 years of age
- Be committed to completing all program components
APAO will cover the costs of organizing program activities. Registration fees for the Congress and Master Class will be waived. Travel and accommodation expenses are to be borne by the participant and/or the nominating society. Member societies are encouraged to support their nominees where possible.
The call for nominations is typically issued between August and September each year.
PARTICIPANT SELECTION
The Selection Committee will review all completed nominations submitted by the deadline.
- Geographic diversity and gender balance will be considered
- Each cohort is limited to 30 participants
- Unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years
- Selected candidates will be notified approximately 3 months prior to the Orientation Class