It is our great honor and privilege to welcome you to the 9th Asia Pacific Ocular Trauma Society (APOTS) Meeting, held jointly with the 28th Nepal Ophthalmic Society Annual Conference(NOSCON) and the 6th Nepal Society of Oculoplasty Conference (NESOSCON). It is a moment of immense pride and joy for us to host the APOTS meeting in Nepal for the very first time.

Ocular trauma remains a major and often under-recognized cause of visual impairment and blindness, particularly in developing countries like Nepal. With a predominantly agrarian population, rapid urbanization, increasing road traffic accidents, occupational hazards, and limited access to early specialized eye care in many regions, ocular injuries continue to pose a significant public health challenge. Importantly, many of these injuries affect young and economically productive individuals, making ocular trauma not only a medical issue but also a profound social and economic concern.

Hosting this prestigious international conference in Nepal is therefore both timely and meaningful. It reflects the growing commitment of the Nepalese ophthalmic community to improving ocular trauma care, prevention strategies, and clinical outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings. This meeting offers a unique platform for meaningful exchange between international experts and regional clinicians—allowing us to learn from global best practices while also highlighting regional experiences, innovations, and challenges from South Asia and similar contexts.

The first-ever APOTS meeting in Nepal marks an important milestone for our country and the region. It symbolizes Nepal’s increasing engagement in global ophthalmology and underscores the vital role of collaboration in addressing complex challenges such as ocular trauma. Beyond scientific advancement, this gathering aims to strengthen professional networks, inspire young ophthalmologists, and foster long-term partnerships dedicated to improving patient care.

We warmly encourage all delegates to participate actively—engage in scientific discussions, share your experiences, present your work, and make the most of this exceptional opportunity to learn and collaborate. Your active involvement will be instrumental in shaping the future directions of ocular trauma care and prevention across the Asia-Pacific region.

We look forward to welcoming you all to Nepal and to a scientifically enriching, professionally rewarding, and memorable conference.

Dr. Tejsu Singh Malla
General Secretary, NOS
Organizing Secretary - 9th APOTS Meeting | 28th NOSCON | 6th NESOSCON