Awardees to Date

APAO awards the prestigious Jose Rizal Medal to an outstanding ophthalmologist annually for his/her excellence in ophthalmology in the Asia-Pacific region. This medal was instituted to commemorate Jose Rizal, an ophthalmologist who became a national hero in the Philippines. The medal is awarded at the APAO Congress by the APAO Council and presented by the dignitary who officiates the opening ceremony.

As this medal recognizes outstanding contributions, it may not be awarded if there is no suitable candidate.

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The Jose Rizal International Medal recognizes outstanding personalities from outside the Asia-Pacific region whose contributions have been exceptionally valuable to ophthalmological developments in the Asia-Pacific region.

It may not be awarded if there is no suitable candidate.

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Initiated by the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) and as a token of the ICO’s commitment to improving ophthalmic education worldwide, the ICO Mark Tso Golden Apple Award honors the most dedicated teacher of clinical ophthalmology in the Asia-Pacific region. It is named after Mark OM Tso, former ICO Director of Education.

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The De Ocampo Lecture is the highest award for excellent academic achievements in clinical and/or basic eye research. Speakers are ophthalmologists from the Asia-Pacific region. The De Ocampo Lecture is named after Geminiano de Ocampo, the founding president of the APAO.

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The Holmes Lecture is the highest award for exceptional contributions to preventive ophthalmology, especially in the prevention of blindness in the Asia-Pacific region. The Holmes Lecture is named in memory of William J Holmes, the founding Secretary-General of APAO.

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The Susruta Lecture recognizes extraordinary contributions to the cataract subspecialty. Priority is given to ophthalmologists who contribute substantially to the control and elimination of mass cataract blindness, which is a perennial problem in the Asia-Pacific region. The Susruta Lecture is named after Susruta, an ancient Indian physician.

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Aimed at encouraging young ophthalmologists to play a more active role in ophthalmological development, the Nakajima Award honors young individuals for their outstanding international work in ophthalmology. The candidate should preferably be 40 years or below and has been actively involved in international activities that assist in the development of ophthalmology, particularly in relation to the prevention of blindness, ophthalmic service and research pertinent to major blinding conditions such as cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, corneal grafting, keratomalacia, trachoma and corneal ulcer.

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The Arthur Lim Award recognizes ophthalmologists who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the field of ophthalmology and subsequently made substantial improvements in ophthalmic teaching and training in their countries and beyond. It is named after Arthur Lim, former President and Secretary-General of the APAO.

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Distinguished Service Awards are presented to ophthalmologists of APAO member societies for their distinguished services towards enhancing ophthalmic care in their home country / territory and the Asia-Pacific region. The Selection Committee shall recommend to the APAO Council not more than one name from each national member society each year.