Report on the 5th Asia Optometric Congress (AOC) 2026: Latest Eye Care Trends in the APAC Market & Highlights from Menicon's Clinical Workshops

The 5th Asia Optometric Congress (AOC 2026) served as an international platform to share the latest clinical evidence on comprehensive eye care, myopia management, and orthokeratology in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Congress Highlights

• Theme of AOC 2026: "One Vision – One Health: Comprehensive Eye Care of Asia," with the tagline "Share Responsibility, Share Future," highlighting the importance of collaborative approaches.
• Key topics at AOC: Myopia management and progression control accounted for 40-50% of the presentations, alongside topics on irregular corneas, eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma), dry eye, low vision care, and presbyopia.
• Significance of Myopia Management: Scientific evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of orthokeratology lenses, myopia management spectacles, and EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) lenses was shared to combat the rising prevalence of myopia in Asia.
• Menicon's Contribution to Clinical Education: Practical sessions were conducted on "ROSE K" for irregular corneas, orthokeratology for myopia management, and the unique packaging technology "SMART TOUCH™" to reduce bacterial contamination risks.
  
  

Conference Overview (AOC 2026)

The 5th Asia Optometric Congress (AOC) serves as an international platform where eye care professionals across Asia collaborate to advance regional vision health. Notably, the congress stood out not only as a platform for sharing research findings but also as a practical venue for education—through lectures and live fittings—and the widespread promotion of the latest myopia management lenses and spectacles.

Congress Summary:　

Note: Menicon proudly supported the congress as a Silver Sponsor.

Clinical Trends in the APAC Market: Myopia Management and Diversifying Approaches to Eye Care

Myopia management accounted for nearly half of the congress presentations, reflecting its urgency, alongside a growing focus on the management of irregular corneas and eye diseases.

As the integration of digital health advances in the APAC market, significant attention is being drawn to scientific evidence regarding orthokeratology as an effective means of controlling pediatric myopia progression, as well as approaches to complex eye diseases. 

Currently, the challenges in the ophthalmic field within the APAC market include workforce development, the introduction of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health, and the integration of optometry into healthcare systems. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for the development of specialized eye care fields such as contact lenses, binocular vision, low vision, and pediatric optometry. 

While countermeasures against the rising prevalence of myopia in the Asian region are drawing particular attention, equal emphasis is being placed on managing "irregular corneas," which require highly advanced contact lens prescribing techniques, as well as the management of daily eye diseases. 

The congress program reflected this comprehensive enhancement of eye care. In addition to sessions such as "Orthokeratology in Myopia Management" and "Boosting Ortho-K First Fit Rates," the program featured practical sessions like "A Systematic Approach to Managing Irregular Corneas." Furthermore, it included sessions highlighting the essential roles of optometrists, such as "glaucoma care" and "dry eye management," showcasing a commitment to a wide and diverse range of eye care services.

Menicon's Workshops and Plenary Session

Menicon presented evidence-based clinical approaches and technological advancements covering irregular cornea care, myopia management, and contact lens hygiene. 

Menicon Workshop 1: From Diagnosis to Fitting: A Systematic Approach to Managing Irregular Cornea¹

For irregular corneas such as keratoconus, precise diagnosis of corneal shape and the selection of an appropriate specialty contact lens design are essential. 
The presentation highlighted the significance of early detection of invisible risks before clinical onset by integrating multidimensional data such as tomography, epithelial thickness mapping, and corneal biomechanics. In addition, a systematic approach to specialty contact lens fitting for irregular corneas was introduced. By identifying cone morphologies such as Nipple and Oval cones using corneal topography (Axial, Tangential, and Elevation maps) and utilizing the ROSE K2™ 5-step fitting system, practitioners can improve first-fit success rates and reduce chair time. 

Menicon Workshop 2: Orthokeratology in Myopia Management: Learn, Fit, and Succeed²

A lecture and a live fitting session were held covering clinical trends, practical considerations, and case studies regarding orthokeratology prescribed for pediatric myopia control. Clinical data shared during the lecture demonstrated that orthokeratology controls axial length elongation by 32% to 63%, showing particularly high efficacy when initiated at a younger age. It was also emphasized that objective evaluation through regular measurement of axial length (AL) is essential for confirming treatment efficacy and determining whether to continue the treatment. On the other hand, based on actual case reports, it was explained that in the management of pediatric orthokeratology, the ultimate keys to a safe and successful treatment are "continuing observation under the assumption that unexpected progression or complications can always occur" and "thoroughly performing regular protein removal in addition to daily rubbing to keep the lenses consistently clean." 

Plenary Session: SMART TOUCH^TM: Touch Less, Handle Easy, Stay Comfortable, Protect More³

The risk of contact lens-related bacterial infections may increase with bacterial adhesion to the lens surface and improper lens handling.

Approximately one in four new contact lens wearers drops out within the first year, with handling difficulties being one of the primary reasons (25%)⁴. When fingers touch the inner surface of the lens during handling, there is a risk that microorganisms and oils can transfer to the lens, causing adverse effects on the eye. This session introduced our unique packaging technology, "SMART TOUCH™," designed so that the wearer only touches the outer surface of the lens. A clinical study by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) demonstrated that this SMART TOUCH^TM technology was associated with a threefold lower risk of bacterial contamination on the inner surface of the lens compared with conventional packaging⁵.  

High Engagement and Interactive Clinical Education at the Menicon Exhibition Booth

The Menicon exhibition booth served as an interactive educational hub, attracting over 300 eye care professionals and delegates throughout the congress.

In addition to the clinical workshops, the Menicon booth experienced continuous high visitor traffic, welcoming over 300 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region. The booth showcased Menicon’s comprehensive product portfolio available in the APAC market, ranging from daily disposable contact lenses (Miru 1day UpSide, Miru 1day Flat Pack), orthokeratology (Menicon α ORTHO-K), and specialty lenses for irregular corneas (ROSE K2™ series) to lens care solutions (MeniCare Plus, Progent). 

Interactive SMART TOUCH™ Experience & Patient Counseling Instruction

A major focal point of the exhibition was the dedicated SMART TOUCH™ Experience Station. Here, delegates personally opened products featuring SMART TOUCH™ (such as Miru 1day UpSide and Miru 1day Flat Pack) to directly experience and explore effective patient-communication strategies on how eye care professionals can instruct contact lens wearers to maintain optimal ocular hygiene. Through this hands-on trial, participants learned practical patient-counseling methods that emphasize touchless, hygienic handling to minimize contamination risks.

Survey Findings on SMART TOUCH™ Perception (n = 65)

To evaluate the clinical perception of touchless packaging technology, Menicon conducted an interactive survey among booth delegates (n = 65, primarily optometrists and eye care staff practicing in Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, and other APAC countries). Key findings from the survey include:

• High Handling and Hygiene Ratings: 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that SMART TOUCH™ is easy to handle (72% strongly agree) and a hygienic product (74% strongly agree).
• Most Appealing Features: Practitioners identified the hygienic design (inner lens surface remains untouched, 82% / 53 respondents) and hassle-free handling (no need to check orientation, 75% / 49 respondents) as the most valuable benefits. Furthermore, 57% (37 respondents) highlighted the "ease of instructing patients" as a key clinical advantage.
• Strong Clinical Recommendation Intention: 92% of surveyed practitioners expressed a positive intention to recommend SMART TOUCH™ in their daily clinical practice (68% strongly recommend).

In addition, Menicon introduced its mascot "me-in" for the first time in the region, drawing significant engagement and creating a welcoming, approachable atmosphere for booth visitors. The high level of interest at the booth underscored the growing demand for evidence-based specialty lenses, hygienic packaging innovations, and practical patient-education tools in the rapidly advancing APAC eye care market.

FAQ

Q. What is the Asia Optometric Congress (AOC)?  

A. It is an international conference where optometrists and eye care professionals across the Asia-Pacific region gather to share the latest clinical research and advance comprehensive eye care, including the integration of digital health and myopia management. Held biennially, the next congress is scheduled to take place in China in 2028.

Q. Why is orthokeratology recommended for myopia management in children?

A. Clinical data shows that orthokeratology can control axial length elongation by 32% to 63%. It demonstrates particularly high efficacy when initiated at a younger age, making it a scientifically backed intervention for slowing myopia progression in pediatric patients.

Q. How can I reduce the risk of contact lens-related bacterial infections?

A. Menicon data show an approximately 80% reduction in packaging waste for a one-year Proper lens handling and hygiene are essential to help reduce the risk of eye infections Microorganisms can be transferred from your fingers to the lens during handling. Using packaging designed to minimize contact with inner surface of the lens, such as SMART TOUCH™, may help reduce this potential surface of contamination. For reusable lenses, following recommended cleaning and disinfection procedures—including regular protein removal—is key to maintaining lens cleanliness.

Q. What was the response to Menicon's technologies at the AOC 2026 exhibition booth? 

The Menicon booth welcomed over 300 eye care professionals across the APAC region. An interactive survey (n=65) revealed that 100% of surveyed practitioners agreed that SMART TOUCH™ packaging is easy to handle and hygienic, with 92% expressing a positive intention to recommend it in their daily clinical practice.

Q. How can eye care professionals effectively instruct patients on contact lens hygiene? 

A. Hands-on demonstrations at the AOC 2026 booth highlighted that utilizing touchless packaging technology like SMART TOUCH™ simplifies patient counseling. In fact, 57% of surveyed practitioners identified the "ease of instructing patients on hygienic handling without touching the inner lens surface" as a key clinical benefit.

Key Takeaways

• Myopia Management Focus: Countermeasures accounted for 40–50% of congress presentations, with orthokeratology reducing axial length elongation by 32–63%. 
•  Hygiene & Handling Solution: SMART TOUCH™ packaging avoids inner-surface contact, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination to approximately one-third. 
• High Clinical Endorsement: 100% of surveyed responders (n=65) rated SMART TOUCH™ as hygienic/easy to handle, and 92% intend to recommend it.
• Comprehensive Care Portfolio: Menicon presented full APAC solutions, including specialty lenses (ROSE K2™), Ortho-K, daily disposables, and care products.

References

1. Tran MA, Ooi JY. From Diagnosis to Fitting: A Systematic Approach to Managing Irregular Cornea. Presented at: Sponsored Workshop (Menicon), 5th Asia Optometric Congress (AOC 2026); September 20, 2026; Da Nang, Vietnam.

2. Matsumura S, Ong A, Ooi JY. Orthokeratology in Myopia Management: Learn, Fit, and Succeed. Presented at: Sponsored Workshop (Menicon), 5th Asia Optometric Congress (AOC 2026); September 20, 2026; Da Nang, Vietnam.

3. Sato M. SMART TOUCHTM: Touch Less, Handle Easy, Stay Comfortable, Protect More. Presented at: Plenary Session, 5th Asia Optometric Congress (AOC 2026); September 20, 2026; Da Nang, Vietnam.
4. Sulley A, Young G, Hunt C. Factors in the success of new contact lens wearers Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2017;40(1):15-24.
5. Tan J, Siddireddy JS, Wong K, et al. Factors Affecting Microbial Contamination on the Back Surface of Worn Soft Contact Lenses. Optom Vis Sci. 2021;98(5):512-517.

Reviewed by: Menicon Clinical Affairs 

Updated: October 30, 2026