International Congress of Ophthalmology:

Policies for Future International "World" Congresses of Ophthalmology

On this page:

• Policy I
  
  
• Policy II
  
  
• Policy III
  
  
• Policy IV
  
  
• Policy V
  
  
• Policy VI
  

Adopted, Hong Kong, 26 June, 2008

These policies are the basis for decision making by the International Council of Ophthalmology regarding the World Ophthalmology Congress (which incorporates the International Congress of Ophthalmology).

Policy I

The World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) will be scheduled every two years in even years (2010, 2012, etc.). There will be a prescribed rotation for the WOC among four regions of the World: the Asia/Pacific, Europe, Middle East/Africa and the Americas.

The order of rotation may be changed and exceptions to this rotation may be made when circumstances dictate. The site of all future congresses must be carefully considered in consultation with Supranational organization and potential sponsors and exhibitors.

Policy II

The Supranational ophthalmologic society in whose area the Congress is to be held will submit one to three venues (with or without prioritization) with a business plan for each consistent with the guidelines and framework provided by the ICO Board of Trustees, six years prior to the Congress being held.

A minimum financial guarantee shall be included in the business plan. From that list, the International Council will select the site and host organization.

Policy III

The decision on the venue and host will be contingent on the ICO and host agreeing on and approving a Statement of Expectations for the Congress, which will specifically address goals, planning and management, facilities, scientific program, promotion, sponsorship, division of proceeds and other details.

Policy IV

The division of excess income over costs (audited) from the Congress will be defined in the Statement of Expectations, with no less than 34 percent of the profit going to the ICO. If there is a single host (e.g., either a supranational or national society) the ICO will receive no less that 50 percent of the profits.

Policy V

There shall be a formal liaison between the ICO and the Host and its Local Organizing Committee. This liaison shall be active and organized to review program planning and assist when necessary with Industry Relations, Scientific Programs, Social Functions, Awards, etc.

Policy VI

The tradition of numbering International Congresses will be continued. Following is an example of an appropriate description:

2006 World Ophthalmology Congress

XXXth International Congress of Ophthalmology

Held in conjunction with the:

XXI Pan American Congress of Ophthalmology
XXX Brazilian Congress of Ophthalmology

Sponsored by the International Council Ophthalmology

Hosted by the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology

Co-hosted by the Pan American Association of Ophthalmology

Next: Regulations of the International Congress

Also see: News of International Congresses of Ophthalmology