On October 4-5, 2024, the IV International Ophthalmology Congress (IOC 2024) convened in a hybrid format in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan. The event was organized by the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Eye Microsurgery of Uzbekistan (RSNPMCMH). The congress brought together prominent ophthalmologists from Switzerland, Turkey, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, and other nations. The Republic of Tajikistan was represented by the head of the department of ophthalmology of the Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, c.m.s., associate professor Mahmadzoda Sh.K., senior lecturer Karimov M.B., and the director of the Republican Clinical Ophthalmology Center, c.m.s., Muminova M.J.

As part of the Congress, a notable and historic event was the signing of a memorandum establishing the "Alliance of Glaucomatologists of Central Asia" by representatives of ophthalmological societies from Central Asian countries. The primary objective of the Alliance will focus on the collaborative fight against glaucoma, a serious public health issue, with the goal of reducing the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in the region. The memorandum was signed by Mahmadzoda Sh.K., head of the ophthalmology department of the Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, and Muminova M.J., director of the Republican Clinical Ophthalmology Center of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The staff of the department of ophthalmology of the Avicenna Tajik State Medical University actively participated in the conference both in-person and through the publication of scholarly articles. The presentations addressed issues related to the rehabilitation of patients with post-burn lens complications, as well as the challenges of ocular trauma within the Republic of Tajikistan.

The conference featured over 138 presentations on unresolved diagnostic challenges and critical topics in ophthalmology, including glaucoma, vitreoretinal interface disorders, cataracts, laser treatments for various ocular pathologies, and plastic surgery, among others. The discussions generated by these topics were dynamic and productive. The event was marked by a warm and collegial atmosphere, and special appreciation is extended to the congress organizers for their hospitality.

Mahmadzoda Sh.K. - Head of the department of ophthalmology

Avicenna Tajik State Medical University

translated by Ismoilov R.