By Bus

There's plenty of bus service to, from, and around Vancouver along with scheduled service throughout BC, including Whistler, Seattle's SeaTac Airport, Bellingham Airport and Vancouver Island - which are all 2-3 hours out of Vancouver by car.

By Train

TransLink provides city transit for tourists and residents seven days a week via buses through its rapid transit system, SkyTrain. With the opening of the Canada Line, the Skytrain's newest line, travel between the Waterfront Station and Vancouver International Airport has been significantly reduced to 26 minutes per one-way trip. This allows for a more convenient trip for international travellers to and from downtown Vancouver.

In addition, Via Rail's western transcontinental train follows Highway 1 from Vancouver to Kamloops.Amtrak's Pacific Northwest route travels daily between Seattle and Vancouver.

By Boat

There are many ways to get around Vancouver on the water, including the SeaBus which connects downtown to the mountainous North Shore. You can also take the ferry to Victoria and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

By Air

Located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport(YVR) is ranked one of the top airports in the world and is served by a wide variety of local, national and international air carriers with direct routes to most major destinations.

For more information about transport from the airport to hotels/congress centre, please visit:
Vancouver International Airport or
www.tourismvancouver.com.

The 5th World Glaucoma Congress will be held at the Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada from July 17 - 20, 2013. The World Glaucoma Association is pleased to host this World Congress together with the local host, the Canadian Glaucoma Society.

The World Glaucoma Congress is the largest glaucoma meeting held anywhere in the world to date. Following the successful Congresses in Vienna, Singapore, Boston and Paris, WGC-2013 will be open to all glaucoma care providers including glaucoma specialists, other ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, technicians, and others with an interest in glaucoma. A technical exhibit area will be available to learn about the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies and possibilities.

Vancouver is a city of tremendous natural beauty and world class amenities. The Organizing Committee invites you to join us in Vancouver July 17-20, 2013 for World Glaucoma Congress 2013!

Robert D. Fechtner - WGA Executive Vice President

Preliminary congress Topics

Grand Rounds

A call for clinical cases to be presented and discussed by a panel of international experts. The WGC will organize Grand Rounds which will include six clinical cases, chosen by the scientific committee as the most original, interesting and challenging among all submitted cases. The chosen cases will be presented by the author in Grand Rounds, 3-4 minutes per case, and the case will be then discussed by the panel.

We highly recommend that residents, fellows and young ophthalmologists will participate in this exciting 'competition'. We expect high quality photos, imaging and/or video to be included in the case description. Individuals in training chosen to present cases may apply for a travel award to Vancouver per WGA policy.

Please send a short (no more than one page) description of the case with sample illustrations addressed towgc-2013-abs@mci-group.com mentioning 'Grand Rounds' in the subject line.

Extended Deadline: Tuesday, February 19 at midnight GMT (was February 15, 2013)

Film Festival

Film festival Submission Deadline (April 15, 2013)

The top 30 film submissions as judged by the Program Committee will be shown in the video theater at least twice during WGC-2013 and special prizes will be awarded to the three winning films. The film submissions should directly or indirectly relate to glaucoma.
The deadlines for the abstract and film submissions have been extended until Tuesday, February 19 at midnight GMT (was February 15, 2013) and April 15, 2013 respectively.

Submit film online 

Guidelines for the film submission

1. Up to 3 films per producer will be accepted. The primary producer may be co-producer of other films.
2. The producer must be a registered delegate for the World Glaucoma Congress 2013.
3. The deadline for abstract submission of videos is February 15, 2013. All films in CD/DVD should reach the secretariat before April 15, 2013. No films submitted after the deadline will be accepted for judging.
4. Theme(s) of the films must be related to "Glaucoma" directly or indirectly.
5. All the films will be reviewed by our panel of judges that comprises leading experts in the field.
6. Up to 30 top films will be shown in the Video Theatre during the congress. There will be prizes for the best 3 films. The decision of the Judges is final.
7. Films must not exceed 8 minutes including opening, introduction and closing acknowledgments. Films should not promote the use of any commercial product.
8. All submitted CD/DVD will not be returned to the producer - please do not send the original. Be sure to review the copy you are sending for audio and video clarity.
9. The World Glaucoma Congress 2013 holds the non-exclusive copyright for all materials to be presented at the Congress and in the Program Book.
10. All presentations and materials must be in English.
11. Opening must include financial interest statement. Financial and proprietary disclosures should be placed right after the title of the film.
12. Acknowledgement should be given to relevant contributors.

World Glaucoma Congress 2013 - Film Festival

Checklist for film submission

1. Limit: 3 films submissions per producer
2. Length: Films must not exceed 8 minutes including opening, introduction and closing acknowledgments.
3. Judging Criteria:

1. Scientific content
2. Applicability / educational value
3. Clarity
4. Cinematic / technical excellence
5. Format and rules compliance: e.g. financial interest disclosure
6. Other criteria as deemed appropriate by the panel of judges

4. Title: The title should be entered in title format and should describe the material appropriately.
5. Abstracts: An abstract of not more than 80 words of your proposed film is mandatory and must be submitted by sending the Film Form (click here to download) to wgc-2013-abs@mci-group.com before February 15, 2013. Abstracts will be published exactly as submitted in the Final Program Book.
6. Format: The film should be produced in the following format:
- DVD
- MPEG2 in NTSC (720 x 480 Resolution).
Please ensure that the film is in the correct format. We strongly recommend that you preview your film in a system other than the one on which it was produced before submission to the World Glaucoma Congress 2013.
7. Shipping: Film must be received by the WGC Congress Organizer MCI on or before April 15, 2013. Please send your film via air courier (Federal Express, DHL, etc.) so you can trace its receipt, or on-line viawww.wetransfer.com (please address to wgc-2013-abs@mci-group.com and enter the producer�s name and film title exactly as stated in the abstract submitted through the online system in the we-transfer message box).

The shipping address:

World Glaucoma Congress 2013

C/o MCI Amsterdam

Jan van Goyenkade 11

1075 HP Amsterdam

The Netherlands

T: +31 20 679 3411

Since your film will not be returned, do not send the master/original copy. 5 copies of CD/DVD with the submitted abstracts in hard copy are required. Your film should be properly labeled with the producer�s name and film title exactly as stated in the abstract submitted through the online system.
8. Contact: Should there be any enquiry, please kindly email to wgc-2013-abs@mci-group.com.

Language

The official language of the congress is English.

For more information please contact:

World Glaucoma Congress 2013
C/o MCI Amsterdam
Jan van Goyenkade 11
1075 HP Amsterdam
The Netherlands
T: +31 20 679 3411
E: wgc-2013-abs@mci-group.com.

Submit film online

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Social Program & Tours

Wednesday evening (July 17): Reception in the Convention Center.
The reception will be held in the area of the technical Exhibition

Friday evening (July 19): Congress dinner
The congress dinner will be held on the Friday evening. Venue will be a surprise!

Price: $ 65 as a small fee to cover the costs.

The WGC-2013 Social Program will, as is the case with all WGC- 2013 events, respect local and global guidelines for physician-industry interaction.

Optional Tours

All tours will be conducted in English. Pre-booked tickets will be included in the participant‘s personal envelope, which is given upon registration. Additional tickets may be purchased subject to availability on site at the tour desk in the registration area. The meeting point for all tours will be announced on the tickets.

For further information please contact MCI Amsterdam via email or via phone at +31 20 679 3411.

• July 18 – Whistler Day Trip
• July 19 – City Tour – Grouse Mountain
• July 19 – City Tour - Capilano Suspension Bridge
• July 20 – Victoria Day Trip
• July 20 – Butchart Gardens Day Trip

The organizers reserve the right to cancel tours with less than 20 participants, or change the date and time of a tour for logistical reasons.

Prices are in Canadian Dollars and exclude taxes.

Suggestions

The following tour programs are suggested if you are extending your stay in Canada. No WGC-2013 specific organisation is involved, these are just suggestions and you can make your own reservations via the websites suggested:

SALT SPRING ISLAND

Salt Spring Island, located within our channel of Gulf Islands, is an idyllic spot once popular to hippies and draft dodgers attracting artists and artisans of all types. Renowned for its creativity, Salt Spring Island is known as one of North America’s best small arts towns. With gallery and artists’ studios situated throughout the island. The adventure begins with a 90 minute private chartered Whale Watching vessel enroute to Salt Spring Island. At this time of year both Humpback whales and Orcas are migrating south from Alaska via the Gulf Islands!

No trip to Salt Spring Island is complete without experiencing market vendors and their numerous products. The famous Saturday Market displays a great cross-section of the high-quality arts & crafts - paintings and pottery, jewellery and clothing, weaving and woodworks. Today, you will enjoy your private market on the luscious grounds of Hastings House with a glass of bubbly in hand as you soak up the stunning marina views!

Sculptures abound the oceanfront property along with visiting painters and their artwork. Other market vendors will show their wares; clothing crafters, wood crafters, Salt Spring Soap, and the hemp rope matt guy that doesn’t even have a name for his business. Taste from artisans like winemakers, cheesemakers, the seaweed snack maker and the kale chip maker.
www.saltspringisland.org

TOFINO

Summer in Tofino has returned, and the time is right for everything from kayaking to strolling adjacent Chesterman Beach, surfing to hiking the beaches and trails of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve or for excellent fishing opportunities - salmon and halibut are the most popular catches here in Clayoquot Sound. Don’t forget to take in the superb wildlife viewing! Opportunities abound for bear and whale watching, complemented with bald eagles, sea otters, and a myriad of other discoveries big and small. Visit the native-run art galleries, the Hot Springs Cove, and plenty more activities in this idyllic setting on the west side of Vancouver Island.
www.tofino-bc.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAILTOUR

Enjoy the views on this 4 day trip from Vancouver to Calgary via train. The journey offers a spectacular range of scenery as you travel between the peaks of the Canadain Rockes, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnesl, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Overnight stops are included in Kamloops, Banff, and Lake Louise. Discover the magic and the beauty of the Canadian Rockies from this most unique perspective.
www.rockymountaineer.com

ALASKA CRUISES

What better way to discover the beauty of Alaska than by the comforts of a cruise ship? The 7 night cruises originate and conclude in Vancouver, and ports of call include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and the Tray Arm Fjord. An abundance of shore excursions await as you discover the northwest, including salmon bakes, sightseeing by floatplane, crab fishing, and bear watching. Bring along your sense of adventure!
www.hollandamerica.com

On-line booking of hotel rooms is available, click the button below to start the registering process including booking of your hotel room.

Online Registration

MCI Amsterdam Office has been designated as the Official Housing Bureau for the World Glaucoma Congress 2013. The Congress hotels were chosen for the numerous benefits they offer meeting attendees. We have negotiated very favorable rates for attendees. We request your assistance and support by booking your hotel accommodation at one of these hotels through our Housing Bureau. Your reservation at a Congress hotel will help the World Glaucoma Association avoid financial penalties. Your loyalty and cooperation are greatly appreciated!

Be sure to take advantage of the special hotel rates available only to the World Glaucoma Congress 2013 attendees.

All changes and special requests are subject to availability. And only accepted by email to wgc-2013-hotels@mci-group.com

Housing reservations:
wgc-2013-hotels@mci-group.com 

Submission Info

Abstract Submission

The Scientific Committee invites you to participate actively in this congress which will be an extraordinary occasion for the exchange of thoughts and experiences. We look forward to receiving abstracts for consideration and inclusion in the program as oral or poster presentations.

The Abstract Submission Deadline has expired. However, it is still possible to submit your abstract. Click the late breaking abstracts button and submit your abstract. Please make sure you select "late breaking abstract" as topic while submitting.

Late Breaking Abstract Submission

Submission

The abstract submission is only possible on-line. Abstracts submitted by fax or mail will not be accepted.
Please follow very carefully the instructions before submitting the abstract. Abstracts will be on-line for review by the author until the submission deadline.

Registration to the Congress is compulsory to be able to present the abstract and must be completed by April 15, 2013. One author cannot submit more than 1 abstract but can be co-author in other abstracts.

September 1, 2012: Deadline for sponsoring & exhibition contracts. 

The exhibition will be located at the Exhibition Level of the Convention Center. Together with the catering areas and the posters, a dynamic flow of congress delegates and exhibition visitors will be generated. There will be ample time to visit the exhibits and to meet the representatives of the sponsoring companies. WGC-2013 aims at a large technical exhibition. 

The exhibition will be open for registered delegates and accompanying persons during the following hours:
Wednesday, July 17 05.30 PM - 9.00 PM
Thursday, July 18 09.30 AM - 6.00 PM
Friday, July 19 09.30 AM - 6.00 PM
Saturday, July 20 09.30 AM - 1.00 PM


In addition to exhibition space there is a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Extra benefits are available for Glaucoma Industry Members. 

Please contact Jan-Maarten Hoes or Eveline Koeman of MCI Amsterdam for all your sponsorship or exhibition requests and to receive the industry prospectus with a full list of options and prices. They are happy to assist you with your needs and suggestions. You can contact them via wgc-2013-exh@mci-group.com or via +31 20 6793411.

Sponsors

We thank the following companies for their commitment as WGC-2013 supporters:

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Glaucoma Industry Symposium Organizers

Exhibitors

We thank the following companies for their participation as WGC-2013 exhibitor:

Aeon Astion Europe B.V.
Alcon Laboratories
Allergan
Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
D.O.R.C.
Ellex
Elsevier
Endo Optiks
EyeTech Care
Glaukos
Haag Streit
Heidelberg
Icare Finland Oy
iSTAR Medical
Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers
Konan Medical USA
Lumenis
Meridian
MSD
NeoMedix
Oculus
Optotek
Optovue Inc
Quantel Medical
Santen
Sensimed
Topcon Medical Systems
Ziemer

Contact

Please contact our Professional Congress Organizer MCI Amsterdam for all your WGC-2013 questions:

General information:
wgc-2013-info@mci-group.com

Registration, visa enquiries, letters of invitation:
wgc-2013-reg@mci-group.com 

Housing reservations:
wgc-2013-hotels@mci-group.com 

Sponsoring & Exhibition:
wgc-2013-exh@mci-group.com

MCI Amsterdam
Jan van Goyenkade 11
1075HP Amsterdam
The Netherlands
T: +31-206793411