By: Dr. Jo Anne Hernandez-Tan
The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting was held last December 4 – 6, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center. It was a stellar faculty lineup for the Orbit and Oculoplastic sessions of the Philippine Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PSOPRS), featuring renowned international and local speakers in the robust set of scientific programs. The annual PSOPRS Business Meeting was conducted on Day 2, featuring President Yvette Marie Santiago-Gatmaitan and the Executive Committee members’ reports, presentation of new fellows, and the election of new officers for 2025 – 2026.
The Orbit and Oculoplastic Symposiums
The Orbit Sessions highlighted Updates in Classification and Management of Vascular Anomalies and Advancements and Innovations in Orbital Trauma. These were chaired by Dr. Andrei Angbue-Te, Dr. Reynaldo Javate, Dr. Yvette Marie Santiago and Dr. Honeylen Teo.
Opening the symposium, Dr. Elaine Marie Yatco-Omaña, delivered a brilliant overview on the latest updates in the ISSVA (International Society on the Study of Vascular Anomalies) Classification. From the Interventional Radiologist’s perspective, Dr. Victor Erwin Jocson, gave a comprehensive presentation and valuable pearls in the understanding of Orbital Imaging and Management of Vascular Anomalies.
It was an honor to have a highly esteemed international guest, Dr. Richard Allen, from the University of Iowa, Past-President of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). He is well-known for establishing an immense archive of surgical videos in Orbit and Oculoplastic Surgery. He delivered outstanding lectures on challenging topics namely, the Surgical Management of Vascular Anomalies and A Novel Technique for Repair of Large Orbital Blowout Fractures.
High-yield and valuable lectures were imparted by Dr. Mariel Angelu Parulan and Dr. Marco Tumalad on the topics Imaging Techniques for Orbital Fracture and Updates on Implants for Orbital Trauma respectively.
PSOPRS members from across the country with Dr. Richard Allen at the PAO Annual Congress.
The Aesthetic sessions held on Day 3 of the convention would not be remiss, delivering impressive lectures on Non-invasive Approaches to Oculofacial Rejuvenation: Cutting-Edge Techniques and Treatments followed by Surgical Innovations in Periorbital Rejuvenation: Elevating Aesthetic Outcomes.
Headlining the Aesthetic sessions, we had Dr. Stephanie Young, Medical Director of Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery, Singapore, and current Vice-President of the Asia-Pacific Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (APSOPRS), share her expertise in two fascinating lectures on Enhancing Beauty – The Power of Injectables in Oculofacial Aesthetics and Perfecting Perceptions: The Art and Science of Asian Blepharoplasty.
Dr. Stephanie Young giving her lecture on Enhancing Beauty – The Power of Injectables in Oculofacial Aesthetics.
Ensuring a comprehensive approach in periorbital enhancements, Dermatologist Dr. Maria Isabel Ballesteros-Mangubat, gave her talk on Bright and Tight: A Wholistic Approach to Periorbital Rejuvenation.
Fellow PSOPRS Members Dr. Ramon Mario Ongsiako gave a succinct introduction on Periorbital Anatomy/ The Aging Face. Current Trends in Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty were discussed from the lectures of Dr. Jo Anne Hernandez-Tan and Dr. Alfonso Bengzon. Dr. Mariel Parulan, Dr. Mark Imperial, Dr. Nonettee Pasco and Dr. Felice Ranche moderated the discussions. And beyond the PSOPRS meetings, Dr. Roseny Mae Singson, graced the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus program with her lecture on Frontalis Advancement Flap: A Technical Approach for Congenital Ptosis.
The PSOPRS Annual Business Meeting and Election of New Officers
The Executive Committee for 2023 – 2024 each gave their reports at the meeting, presided by President Yvette Santiago-Gatmaitan. Featured were impressive accomplishments by the society, from surgical missions, various representation of members at local and international meetings, to the inaugural PSOPRS Golf Tournament. She and the rest of the committee expressed heartfelt gratitude for the members’ support during their term.
Having completed subspecialty trainings overseas and respective research endeavors, new PSOPRS Fellows Dr. Jose Miguel Ambat, Dr. Joseph Ulysses Yap, Dr. Jake Sebastian, Dr. Steffani Chua, and Dr. Jonnah Teope were proudly inducted.
New elections had Dr. Mark Anthony Imperial appointed as President, together with Dr. Christine Therese Santos (Vice-President), Dr. Honeylen Maryl Teo (Secretary), Dr. Mariel Parulan (Treasurer), Dr. Noel Palmero (Auditor), Dr. Jo Anne Hernandez Tan (PRO), Dr. Lionel Francisco (Director of Administrative Activities), and Dr. Andrei Angbue-Te (Director of Operational Activities), forming the Executive Committee for 2025 – 2026.
Overall, the PSOPRS sessions and activities at the PAO Annual Congress of 2024 were a resounding success – with plenty of new updates, reinforcement of core knowledge, and practical multidisciplinary insights. As science always continue to progress, the society’s pursuit of excellence in the craft continues.
Meet the newly elected Executive Committee of PSOPRS. (L – R) Dr. Lionel Francisco, Dr. Mariel Parulan, Dr. Yvette Santiago-Gatmaitan (Immediate Past-President), Dr. Noel Palmero, Dr. Christine Santos, Dr. Honeylen Teo, Dr. Andrei Angbue-Te, and Dr. Mark Anthony Imperial (President).
Newly inducted PSOPRS Fellows Dr. Jake Sebastian, Dr. Jonnah Teope, Dr. Jose Miguel Ambat, Dr. Steffani Chua, and Dr. Joseph Ulysses Yap. (L – R)
Photo Gallery: Lectures and gathering of PSOPRS at the PAO Annual Congress 2025
Dr. Elaine Yatco-Omaña presenting her lecture on Orbital and Periorbital Vascular Anomalies : ISSVA Classification.
Distinguished guest Dr. Richard Allen presenting his keynote lecture.
Dr. Mariel Parulan giving her lecture on Imaging Techniques for Orbital Fracture.
Dr. Marco Tumalad presenting his lecture on Update on Implants for Orbital Trauma.
Faculty of the Aesthetic Sessions (L-R) Dr. Ramon Ongsiako, Dr. Alfonso Bengzon, Dr. Mariel Parulan, Dr. Jo Anne Hernandez-Tan, Dr. Maria Isabel Ballesteros-Mangubat, Dr. Yvette Santiago-Gatmaitan, Dr. Stephanie Young, Dr. Nonettee Pasco, Dr. Felice Ranche and Dr. Mark Imperial.
Dr. Stephanie Young presenting her lecture on The Art and Science of Asian Blepharoplasty.
Dr. Yvette Santiago-Gatmaitan, PSOPRS President, delivering her Presidents’ Report.
Dr. Roseny Mae Singson at the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus session for her lecture on Frontalis Advancement Flap: A Technical Approach for Congenital Ptosis.
Lunch with international guest speakers Dr. Stephanie Young and Dr. Richard Allen.
Photo acknowledgement: PSOPRS members at the PAO Annual Meeting
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