The APAO Congress is one of the most widely recognized international ophthalmology gatherings. The APAO, which currently has 19 member organizations, has been organizing world congresses for over half a century and strives, through its various activities, to promote and improve eye health for all citizens of the Asia-Pacific area. The APAO Congress gives all ophthalmologists, orthoptists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, and other allied eye health professionals and ophthalmic industry representatives the unique opportunity to see the specialty as a whole, in all its impressive breadth, depth and diversity. In addition, the APAO Congress is an unforgettable social gathering and educational opportunity.

Since its first academic meeting in Seoul in 1949, the Korean Ophthalmological Society (KOS) has held academic meetings twice a year, and has recently celebrated its 105^th meeting. The KOS academic meeting is now one of the largest medical meetings in Korea. At the 21^st International Congress of Ophthalmology held in 1970, the Society was approved to join the congress. In 1989, the KOS held the 12^th APAO Congress in Seoul with 1,200 delegates including 550 from other countries.

The KOS is proud to say that the meeting was a completely success and we look forward to the challenge of repeating this success in the APAO/SOE Busan 2012 congress.
The meeting venue in Busan will provide a very convenient setting with easy access from many international cities. The social program also promises to take advantage of the many offerings in Busan, allowing delegates and guests to enjoy the local culture, food and shopping.

Korea is one of the most connected countries in the world, powered by the rapid growth of its online and telecommunication sectors. Not only is it one of the fastest growing economies but Korea is also beginning to set international standards in medicine. Korean ophthalmologists provide optimum world-class healthcare for patients from around the world. Korean ophthalmologists are trying to build both social and virtual bridges, in order to share friendships and dreams with ophthalmologists from all around the world. This meeting will be the next juncture at which we can realize these ideals.

We are confident that the APAO/SOE Busan 2012 congress will offer an outstanding summary of the latest advances in all fields of ophthalmology from around the world and a chance to see the latest technology. Please join us with your friends and colleagues for what we believe will be an absolutely fabulous experience in Busan, Korea.