By: Vision Monday Staff
DENVER — The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2026 Annual Meeting was held here May 3–7 with a focus on “Achieving Precision Ophthalmology Through Innovative Vision Research.” The annual conference drew nearly 11,000 attendees from 72 countries and explored advances in artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable retinal therapies, and myopia control, among other topics, according to show organizers. Several companies in the vision and medtech space took part in the annual conference, with many showing their new wares and presenting peer-reviewed research and poster sessions at the five-day event.
Researchers shared breakthroughs on how AI is influencing the future of eye and vision health research and patient care, from enhancing clinical decision-making to simplifying workflows to equip patients with educational tools to create personalized care plans. Multiple uses of AI were discussed, as well as promising future applications, such as how advanced tools can more precisely detect early signs of diseases like diabetic retinopathy (DR) and glaucoma, sometimes even before symptoms appear. Automated screening tools that can support underserved areas where access to specialists may be limited, were also on display.