PH hosts intl meet on vision health

The Philippines is host to the 18th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Vitreo-Retina Society (APVRS), a gathering of experts in vision health care, organized by the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Vitreo Retina Society of the Philippines (VRSP), and presented by global leader in biopharmaceuticals, Roche.

Guided by the theme “Retina 360: Learning, Application, Transformation, Synergy,” APVRS 2025 will gather global leaders in vision health on December 12 to 14 to share knowledge, present scientific advancements, and forge collaborations to make vision health a national policy across Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries.

This year’s Scientific Congress brings together retina specialists, researchers, and industry partners in a global destination that highlights emerging science and innovations in eye health.

As a global leader in pioneering therapies to prevent vision loss, Roche will contribute to key discussions that focus on advancing disease control and exploring new approaches to long-term retinal health,  underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting holistic, data-driven, and future-ready approaches to retina care.

Recent nationwide findings further highlight the urgency of this mission. Based on the Asia Pacific (APAC) Vision Health Survey conducted by GWI and commissioned by the pharmaceutical company and health advocate Roche (Philippines) Inc., eight out of 10 Filipinos with diabetes experience vision-related symptoms—the highest among surveyed countries in the region.

According to the International Association for the Prevention of Blindness and The Lancet, vision impairment has led to wider economic implications, including decreased productivity, absenteeism, and job losses, along with financial, social, and psychological issues that add burden to daily life and work.

Meanwhile, 89% of Filipino respondents living with diabetes also report daily challenges due to vision issues—many of which affect their ability to work, perform tasks independently, or manage medical expenses—resulting in financial strain, loss of independence, mental health impacts, and added burden on family and friends.

These realities reinforce the need for timely diagnosis, stronger public awareness, and sustained collaboration across the healthcare system: priorities that align closely with the conversations taking place at APVRS 2025.

A Platform Rooted in Asia-Pacific Retina Excellence

Hosted in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, APVRS 2025 offers scientific and regional relevance.

Roche (Philippines) Inc. welcomes this opportunity to engage with clinicians, researchers, the public, and private sectors across the Asia-Pacific region, while gaining deeper insights into region-specific challenges and opportunities in retina disease management.

“We believe that retina disease management requires a 360-degree approach: from early diagnosis and timely treatment to long-term monitoring and patient support,” said Roche (Philippines) Inc. General Manager Dr. Diana Edralin.

“At APVRS 2025, we look forward to collaborating with our peers to accelerate advances that translate into meaningful vision outcomes for patients across the Asia-Pacific,” she added.

Edralin emphasized that Roche is deeply committed to shaping the future of retina care through investing in innovation and advocating for data-driven approaches.

“Our priority is to help patients preserve their sight so they can enjoy meaningful time with their families and maintain a better quality of life,” she shared.

“We know that the challenges in retina care cannot be solved alone. At APVRS 2025, we hope to strengthen partnerships with clinicians, researchers, the public, and private stakeholders who share our vision of advancing better care for every patient and their families who rely on their sight and independence,” she added.