2026 Summer Symposium

The WIO Summer Symposium offers something unique that no other meeting does: A curated meeting for women offering “the best of the best” content in all subjects of importance to women ophthalmologists. Nowhere else will attendees find so many dynamic speakers and specialized educational content in a collegial atmosphere designed specifically for women. This is a must-attend event!

Registration

Attendee registration includes entry to all scientific sessions and our exhibit hall, social events, Live Well sessions, continental breakfasts, break refreshments, and the Gala Awards Dinner. Physician attendees have access to all CME Spotlight Sessions with meals included.

Virtual Track Registration

The WIO 2026 Summer Symposium will again be a “hybrid” event. All live/in-person attendees will have access to our virtual platform during the meeting, and the platform will be available for 60 days after the meeting. If you are unable to attend WIO in-person this year, no problem! Our virtual registration includes live streams of our main presentations, along with digital posters, Live Well sessions, on-demand bonus content, and our virtual exhibit hall highlighting our amazing industry partners, plus many fun surprises! Both the live and virtual meeting tracks will offer CME credits.

More information, including registration rates and dates, will be forthcoming.

*Virtual attendees will not receive the WIO Swag Bag. WIO Swag Bags will be offered to in-person attendees only, while supplies last.

Spouse/Personal Guest Registration

The Spouse/Personal Guest registration includes access to the Welcome reception, Closing Gala Dinner and Dance Party, all Live Well Sessions, as well as breakfast on Friday and Saturday in the Guest Hospitality Lounge, and breakfast on Sunday morning with the main meeting attendees. Spouses and personal guests do not have access to the scientific sessions, unless otherwise posted.

Please note: Personal guests include spouses, partners, family members, or friends. Ophthalmic professionals or industry members should register as attendees, not as guests.

Child Registration

Child Registration is available for children 2-12 years old. Child attendees receive the same benefits as adult guests with the exceptions of certain live well events, as well as access to our fantastic childcare programming on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. From creative arts and crafts to interactive games and educational explorations, each day is filled with themed activities your children are sure to enjoy! Juice, snacks, and lunch are provided daily, and dinner is provided on Saturday night.

Cancellation Policy

Please be advised that all registrations are final. No cancellations or refunds will be issued. In the event a registrant is unable to attend in person, their registration will automatically be converted to virtual access to the full program. For any questions regarding this please email us at info@wioonline.org

Lodging

We’re excited to offer a range of lodging options for attendees of the WIO Summer Symposium, taking place at The Portola Hotel and Spa in Monterey, CA. While the conference hotel books up quickly, we encourage you to consider staying at one of our other preferred hotels, which will have daily shuttles available to and from the conference hotel; dates and times to be announced. We’ve partnered with these nearby hotels to offer a discounted conference rate and to ensure all attendees have convenient and comfortable accommodations:

CME Information

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medical Education Resources (MER and Women in Ophthalmology (WIO). MER is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Skill Labs

We will again be offering Skill Labs this year. Registration for our Skill Labs will open closer to the meeting date, and correspondence will be sent to all pre-registered attendees for priority registration. Stay tuned for more details!

Abstracts

The WIO Summer Symposium is the perfect venue to present your current research projects. Consider submitting an abstract in the areas of original research, patient care, education, or technology. Accepted abstracts will be invited to present a poster.

We will also be continuing our Surgical Video Competition for 2026. This is a great opportunity to show off your skills! Accepted abstracts will be invited to submit a video.

Abstract submissions will be accepted from February 16, 2026 to April 16, 2026. There will not be an extension on this deadline. WIO will notify the Presenting Author of the status of their abstract by email in early May, 2026.

Coming Soon

Presenter Central

All participants and presenters are required to submit a Financial Disclosure form to the WIO Executive Office. Podium presenters must include a financial disclosure slide at the beginning of their presentations. Each presenter will be sent audio-visual instructions closer to the meeting date. The WIO symposia may be archived and made available on the WIO website after the meeting.

WIO’s Charity Networking Social & Golf Tournament

Start your Summer Symposium experience off right by playing in the WIO Charity Networking Social & Golf Tournament on Thursday afternoon, August 20, 2026. All levels are welcome! In fact, we highly encourage first time players! We want to provide a comfortable environment in which you can try the sport and see if you like it. Many business deals are made on the golf course, and we want women there! Learn More

2026 Exhibitor & Sponsorship Opportunities

Women in Ophthalmology offers numerous exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities for organizations to reach a targeted group of women ophthalmologists, residents, and fellows. As a sponsor and/or exhibitor, your company will be recognized for your support of women in ophthalmology.

If you would like to become a WIO partner or if you have questions, please contact info@wioonline.org

• 2026 Summer Symposium Sponsorship Prospectus
• 2026 Summer Symposium Charity & Social Networking Sponsorship Opportunities
• 2026 WIO Awards & Networking Reception at AAO

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for August 2027, and join us next year for the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium 2027.