Following the success of our inaugural event in 2022, the Asia-Pacific Ocular Imaging Society (APOIS) is pleased to announce the 3^rd edition of APAO-APOIS Imaging Competition. This competition is an open platform for professionals, enthusiasts, and the general public to showcase their skills and creativity in ocular imaging. With the theme “Imaging the Eye: Helping the World to See,” we aim to highlight the importance of imaging in eye care, foster community engagement, and inspire innovation through powerful visual storytelling.

Participants can submit their best images in one of ten categories, contributing to the promotion of eye health awareness through striking and informative visuals. This is an opportunity to be recognized for your work, share your expertise, and connect with a community that values the intersection of art and science in ophthalmology.

Participants are invited to submit images under one of the following categories:

• Anterior Segment Photography:Focus on capturing the structures at the front of the eye, including the cornea, iris, lens, and anterior chamber, highlighting any pathological or clinical details.
• Arts and Crafts:Showcase creative and artistic images that interpret ocular anatomy, eye health, or visual phenomena through unique artistic expressions.
• External Photography:Images focusing on the external aspects of the eye and surrounding structures, including eyelids, lashes, and ocular surface conditions.
• FFA / ICG Angiography:Highlight images using Fluorescein or Indocyanine Green Angiography techniques, demonstrating retinal or choroidal circulation and abnormalities.
• Gateway to the Health System:Images that reflect how ocular imaging serves as a critical entry point for broader health assessments and disease management.
• I Haven’t Seen That Before:Unusual, rare, or surprising images that capture unique or unexpected ocular findings.
• OCT, OCT-A:Images obtained through Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or OCT Angiography, illustrating detailed retinal layers, vascular networks, or disease markers.
• Posterior Segment Photography:Focus on the back part of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and vitreous, capturing both normal and pathological states.
• Seeing is Believing:Images that convey impactful stories or messages about eye care, disease detection, or treatment outcomes, making complex concepts accessible to all.
• Windows to the Soul:Artistic or clinical images that capture the eye’s role as a reflection of one’s health, emotions, or deeper conditions, often going beyond the obvious.

Artistic – Aesthetic – Storytelling

Images that somehow convey beyond the scientific scope the human nature through the eye.

Images that show how a systemic disease can manifest itself through an ophthalmic sign conveying the concept that ophthalmologists are not only MDs but often first line responders that can help save lives through prompt detection.

Eg: A previously undiagnosed Behcet Patient´s shifting hypopyon

Witness the weird & wild nature of ophthalmic pictures. Share, educate, raise awareness or just marvel at these uncommon findings by our colleagues.

Images of preoperative findings such as trauma- iridodialysis, other categories such as aniridia iols, will be placed initially. And then post operative images will be placed along side with one other similar image ( normal image) and then viewers will be asked to choose which is the post operative eye.

For every selection which would be made for the incorrect post operative image, a point will be scored for the image. (this indirectly implies that the surgery has been performed so well that viewers cannot identify that the eye has been operated. Afterall , surgery is an art and the outcome depends on the craftsmanship)

Unravel the pathology which would otherwise not have been seen by regular examination.

Examples include use of autofluorescence imaging or OCTA.

Winners of the competition will receive:

1. Complimentary registration for the APAO 2025 Congress.
2. Cash vouchers and a certificate of recognition.
3. A feature in the “Virtual Exhibition” on the APOIS website, with potential display at other educational and promotional events organized or attended by APAO and/or APOIS.

1. Submissions are open to APAO and APOIS members, non-members, and the general public. We encourage participants to become APOIS members to enjoy additional benefits (http://apois.org/membership/).
2. Participants must hold sole copyright to their images and grant APOIS full rights to use the images for marketing and communication purposes.

Participating is simple and straightforward:

1. Sign up via the link: https://apois.ocularimaging.net.
2. Check your email for a link to activate your submissions (please check your spam folder if the email does not appear).
3. Use the ‘My Submissions’ tab to upload as many images as you like.
4. Each image must include a brief description (under 100 words) detailing:
   o The significance of the image.
   o Techniques used to generate the image.

Submissions are open until December 31, 2024, and voting closes on the same date. Winners will be announced on January 30, 2025.

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

1. Image Quality: Clarity, detail, and overall visual appeal.
2. Significance and Novelty: Scientific or aesthetic impact and uniqueness of the image.
3. Message: The context and story conveyed by the image.
4. Selections will be made at the sole discretion of the APOIS judging panel, and all decisions are final.

We encourage participants to share their submissions on social media. Tag @APOIS and @APAO, and we will help amplify your work by liking or retweeting your posts. Invite your friends, family, and colleagues to participate and help us spread the word about eye care through impactful imaging.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or someone with a passion for ocular imaging, this competition is your chance to make a difference in the world of ophthalmology. Let your images inspire and educate the community about the critical role of eye health.

A/Prof Rupesh Agrawal, Singapore

Executive Committee Member

Asia-Pacific Ocular Imaging Society

Hong Kong

Dr. Chitaranjan Mishra

Council Member

Asia-Pacific Ocular Imaging Society

Hong Kong

For further information, please contact