Policies and Disclaimers

The PAO is committed to making this Congress inclusive, professional, collegial, and safe for everyone. We value each member, staff, and participant, and want each attendee to have a fulfilling and enjoyable meeting. Accordingly, we expect all attendees to treat each other with respect and courtesy. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience of varying cultural backgrounds. The actions of the participants are entirely their own.

SECRETARIAT and HELP DESK

The Secretariat is located at Meeting Room 2, SMX Convention Center. Please approach any staff for concerns regarding the congress.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

All lectures, papers, and videos are presented in English.

TRADE EXHIBIT

A trade exhibit will run simultaneously with the meeting featuring the latest ophthalmic products and services, medical and operating room equipment and supplies, pharmaceuticals, and publications related to Ophthalmology.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

The organizers of the 2024 PAO Congress wish to ensure that no individual with disability is excluded or denied services, segregated, or otherwise treated differently from other individuals. If you need any auxiliary services, please approach the Secretariat.

NO SMOKING POLICY

All forms of smoking are prohibited in all meeting and exhibit areas. Your cooperation is appreciated.

MOBILE PHONES

Mobile telephones must be switched off or set to silent mode during all sessions.

CAMERAS AND RECORDING DEVICES

Recorders, cameras and video cameras are not allowed in lecture halls during the scientific sessions.

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION COUNTER

PAO will provide free WiFi internet connections within the congress venue throughout the whole duration of the meeting. The Secretariat and staff will readily assist you regarding any relevant queries about the meeting.

DISCLAIMER

While every attempt has been made to ensure that all aspects of the Meeting mentioned in this program will take place as scheduled, the organizers reserve the right to make last minute changes without prior notice, should the need arise.

Some parts of the Congress are user-generated, and you may find communications, graphics, audio files, or other information harmful, offensive, inappropriate, demeaning, and/or deceptive. If you experience any harassment or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, we ask that you inform us at secretariat@pao.org.ph so that we can take the appropriate action. We appreciate your assistance in making this a friendly and welcoming place for everyone.

BEHAVIOR

In the interest of open and honest communication, we request that you:

• Behave responsibly and professionally.
• Abide by this Code of Conduct.
• Exercise professionalism, consideration, and respect in your speech and actions, and refrain from disruptive, demeaning, threatening, discriminatory or harassing behavior and speech.
• Participate with an open mind, and an inclusive attitude with tolerance for those who may not agree with you.
• This policy applies to anyone present and participating in events, including attendees, members, speakers, staff, contractors, exhibitors, and guests. By extension, this also applies to all forms of communication, including social media.

The Organizers of the 2024 PAO Congress reserve the right to:

• Revoke, without refund, registration credentials of any attendee not in compliance with this policy.
• Refuse the registration of any individual, as long as such refusal is consistent with the Congress policies.