What are the registration fees for WGC-2027?

Registration fees vary by category, with early bird rates available until January 18, 2027. Non-members pay $750, while students pay $235.

What is the venue for the congress?

The congress will be held at the Kyoto International Conference Centre in Kyoto, Japan.

How can I submit an abstract?

Abstract submissions are open until October 19, 2026. You can submit your abstract through the official website.

What are the important dates for WGC-2027?

Key dates include early bird registration by January 18, 2027, and the congress dates from April 20-23, 2027.

Is there a visa requirement for attending the congress?

Visa requirements vary by nationality. Many countries do not require a visa for short-term stays.

How often is the World Glaucoma Congress held?

The World Glaucoma Congress takes place every two years. WGC-2027, the 12th edition, runs 20-23 April 2027 in Kyoto, Japan.

What is the expected attendance?

The organiser promotes WGC-2027 as bringing together 3,000+ glaucoma specialists in Kyoto for science, surgical wetlabs and networking.

World Glaucoma Congress | TradeShowIntel

Name: World Glaucoma Congress
Start: 2027-04-20
End: 2027-04-23
Location: Kyoto International Conference Centre

Event overview

Overview

The World Glaucoma Congress is where the global glaucoma community comes together to exchange science, advance clinical practice, and collectively shape the future of glaucoma care.

Organized by the World Glaucoma Association and co-hosted by the Japanese Glaucoma Society, WGC 2027 will welcome ophthalmologists, vision scientists, allied health professionals, and industry partners from around the world.

TL;DR

1Dates and Venue: The 12th World Glaucoma Congress runs from April 20-23, 2027, at the Kyoto International Conference Centre in Kyoto, Japan.
2Scale and Focus: This congress gathers the global glaucoma community to discuss advancements in clinical practice and research.
3Organiser: The event is organized by the World Glaucoma Association and co-hosted by the Japanese Glaucoma Society.
4Buyer Authority: Attendees include ophthalmologists, vision scientists, and industry professionals with significant influence in glaucoma care.
5Entry: Registration is required, with various fee categories available for attendees.

Why visit

Attendees will gain insights into the latest advancements in glaucoma management, network with leading experts, and participate in engaging sessions that enhance their professional knowledge. Dates and Venue: The 12th World Glaucoma Congress runs from April 20-23, 2027, at the Kyoto International Conference Centre in Kyoto, Japan. Buyer Authority: Attendees include ophthalmologists, vision scientists, and industry professionals with significant influence in glaucoma care.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of healthcare professionals, enhancing visibility and fostering business relationships within the glaucoma community. Buyer Authority: Attendees include ophthalmologists, vision scientists, and industry professionals with significant influence in glaucoma care. The World Glaucoma Congress serves as a pivotal platform for sharing the latest research and innovations in glaucoma.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Ophthalmologists specializing in glaucoma

Vision scientists conducting research in ocular health

Allied health professionals involved in glaucoma care

Industry partners offering innovative solutions for glaucoma treatment

Students and trainees in ophthalmology

Healthcare policymakers focused on eye health

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Medical device manufacturers specializing in glaucoma solutions

Pharmaceutical companies developing glaucoma medications

Research institutions focused on ocular health

Healthcare technology firms providing innovative tools for eye care

Consulting firms advising on ophthalmic practices

Educational organizations offering training in glaucoma management

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Glaucoma diagnostic equipment and tools

Surgical instruments for glaucoma procedures

Pharmaceuticals for glaucoma treatment

Patient management software for ophthalmology practices

Educational resources for glaucoma care

Innovative technologies in eye care

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Kyoto International Conference Centre

Takaragaike, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 606-0001, Japan

Attend

Entry & tickets

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

Event days: Confirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page

Non-members
Early bird fee until January 18, 2027.
$750.00
Affiliated glaucoma society members
Early bird fee until January 18, 2027.
$650.00
Students
Early bird fee until January 18, 2027.
$235.00
Nurses, orthoptists
Early bird fee until January 18, 2027.
$390.00
Research scientists
Early bird fee until January 18, 2027.
$390.00
Ophthalmologist from Low Income Countries
Early bird fee until January 18, 2027.
$250.00

Ticket info

Ticket notes

Registration fees apply; see the registration page for details.

Who runs the show

Organisers

World Glaucoma Association

Website

MCI Group

Email Call Website

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Visitors

5,000

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The World Glaucoma Congress is where the global glaucoma community comes together to exchange science, advance clinical practice, and collectively shape the future of glaucoma care. Organized by the World Glaucoma Association and co-hosted by the Japanese Glaucoma Society, WGC 2027 will welcome ophthalmologists, vision scientists, allied health professionals, and industry partners from around the world. The World Glaucoma Congress serves as a pivotal platform for sharing the latest research and innovations.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Visitors typically include Ophthalmologists specializing in glaucoma, Vision scientists conducting research in ocular health, Allied health professionals involved in glaucoma care, Industry partners offering innovative solutions for glaucoma treatment. Dates and Venue: The 12th World Glaucoma Congress runs from April 20-23, 2027, at the Kyoto International Conference Centre in Kyoto, Japan. Scale and Focus: This congress gathers the global glaucoma community to discuss advancements in clinical practice.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Kyoto, Kansai region, Japan — a major Asia-Pacific hub for ophthalmic research, clinical practice and medical-device distribution

Why it matters

Attending World Glaucoma Congress on 2027-04-20 to 2027-04-23 in Kyoto lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

AI-assisted glaucoma diagnosis

Artificial intelligence is increasingly applied to optic nerve imaging and visual field analysis to flag progressive glaucoma earlier.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)

MIGS procedures use smaller incisions and specialised devices to lower intraocular pressure with faster recovery than traditional surgery.

Hands-on surgical training

Wetlabs and skill-transfer sessions let specialists practise techniques on model eyes under expert supervision.

Ageing populations and disease burden

Rising life expectancy continues to expand the number of people living with glaucoma worldwide.

Global ophthalmology and glaucoma congress circuit

Book Kyoto hotels and confirm exhibition or wetlab slots 8–12 weeks ahead; peer ophthalmology congresses cluster in the same calendar year, so map travel between them early.

Ophthalmic clinicians, researchers and device suppliers plan the World Glaucoma Congress alongside other international ophthalmology meetings to compare products, clinical data and service coverage across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.

Pre-show

Confirm WGC-2027 registration, reserve Kyoto hotels before cherry blossom season demand peaks, and schedule exhibitor meetings and wetlab places.

Show week

Attend plenary and subspecialty sessions, hands-on wetlabs and the exhibition hall; follow up with suppliers, collaborators and society representatives.

Peer events are established international ophthalmology gatherings; confirm dates and venues on each organiser website before booking travel.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · JPY

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

KIX

Kansai International Airport

Kyoto's principal international gateway with the widest long-haul and Asian route network. Haruka limited express runs roughly every 30 minutes; IC cards and reserved seats available.

~100 km south-west of the Kyoto International Conference Centre

to venue

1 hr 45 min–2 hr by road; 80 min by JR Express Haruka to Kyoto Station, then about 20 min on the Karasuma subway to Kokusaikaikan

by car

ITM

Osaka International Airport (Itami)

Convenient for domestic connections from Tokyo, Sapporo and Fukuoka. Smaller terminal, fast transfers, and the Kyoto limousine bus drops at Kyoto Station Hachijo exit.

~55 km south-west of the venue

to venue

1 hr 15 min–1 hr 30 min by road; airport limousine bus to Kyoto Station in about 55 min, then 20 min by subway

by car

UKB

Kobe Airport

Compact domestic airport serving a limited set of Japanese routes; useful as a secondary option when Osaka flights are full.

~75 km west of the venue

to venue

1 hr 30 min by road; Port Liner to Shin-Kobe in 18 min, then Shinkansen to Kyoto in about 30 min

by car

NGO

Chubu Centrair International Airport

Alternative international gateway for delegates arriving via Nagoya or central Japan; a practical fallback when KIX fares spike around peak season.

~150 km east of the venue

to venue

2 hr 15 min–2 hr 40 min by road; Shinkansen from Nagoya to Kyoto in about 35 min after a 28 min Meitetsu transfer

by car

HND

Tokyo Haneda Airport

Long-haul alternative with the broadest global route network; the rail connection makes an arrival through Tokyo entirely workable for delegates combining the congress with a wider Japan trip.

~510 km east of the venue

to venue

About 2 hr 15 min by Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, plus 20 min by subway to the venue

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

tier

Higashiyama

Not yet confirmed

tier

Higashiyama

Not yet confirmed

tier

Central Kyoto

Not yet confirmed

tier

Gojo

Not yet confirmed

tier

Kyoto

Not yet confirmed

tier

Central Kyoto

Not yet confirmed

tier

Central Kyoto

Not yet confirmed

tier

Shijo Karasuma

Not yet confirmed

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

airport train

Estimated costapprox. JPY 3,000-3,600 single

Best forKansai International Airport (KIX) to Kyoto Station on the Express Haruka limited express

Takes about 75-80 minutes; seat reservations and IC cards available.

subway and bus

Estimated costapprox. JPY 220-260 per ride; day passes from around JPY 700

Best forKyoto city subway, JR and bus network

Buses, subway and JR lines connect hotels, Kyoto Station and the venue; IC cards work across operators.

taxi

Estimated costapprox. JPY 6,000-12,000 from KIX; city trips JPY 1,000-3,000

Best forKansai International Airport (KIX) to Kyoto International Conference Centre

Metered and reliable; hotel desks can book.

taxi

Estimated costJPY 6,000–12,000 taxi to the venue district

Best forOsaka International Airport (Itami) (ITM) to Kyoto International Conference Centre

1 hr 15 min–1 hr 30 min by road; airport limousine bus to Kyoto Station in about 55 min, then 20 min by subway; Convenient for domestic connections from Tokyo, Sapporo and Fukuoka. Smaller terminal, fast transfers, and the Kyoto limousine bus drops at Kyoto Station Hachijo exit.

taxi

Estimated costJPY 6,000–12,000 taxi to the venue district

Best forKobe Airport (UKB) to Kyoto International Conference Centre

1 hr 30 min by road; Port Liner to Shin-Kobe in 18 min, then Shinkansen to Kyoto in about 30 min; Compact domestic airport serving a limited set of Japanese routes; useful as a secondary option when Osaka flights are full.

taxi

Estimated costJPY 6,000–12,000 taxi to the venue district

Best forChubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) to Kyoto International Conference Centre

2 hr 15 min–2 hr 40 min by road; Shinkansen from Nagoya to Kyoto in about 35 min after a 28 min Meitetsu transfer; Alternative international gateway for delegates arriving via Nagoya or central Japan; a practical fallback when KIX fares spike around peak season.

taxi

Estimated costJPY 6,000–12,000 taxi to the venue district

Best forTokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Kyoto International Conference Centre

About 2 hr 15 min by Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, plus 20 min by subway to the venue; Long-haul alternative with the broadest global route network; the rail connection makes an arrival through Tokyo entirely workable for delegates combining the congress

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Japan grants visa-free short stays of up to 90 days to nationals of many countries, including the United States and most of Europe. Verify your status on the MOFA visa page or with your nearest Japanese embassy before booking.

Official visa page

Weather

Kyoto in April is mild and spring-like, with daytime highs around 18-20°C and overnight lows near 8-10°C. Expect roughly 12 rain days and 127-142 mm of rain across the month. Evenings can still feel cool, so layers and a compact umbrella are useful.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Japan has fast, reliable mobile networks. Short-stay visitors can pick up a local SIM, eSIM or pocket WiFi (options include GoMoWorld and airport counters), and free WiFi is common at hotels and major stations. Confirm roaming costs with your home operator before departure.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Tipping and payment

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause awkwardness; service charges are already included. Carry some cash in yen for small shops, shrines, taxis and local buses, although major hotels, department stores and the congress venue accept international cards and IC transit cards.

Business etiquette

Punctuality is taken seriously and sessions start on time. Exchange meishi business cards with both hands and a slight bow, take a moment to read the card before putting it away, and address counterparts by surname plus san. Keep voices low on trains and in conference corridors.

Dress and shoes

Business or smart-casual dress is standard for congress sessions and exhibition meetings; a jacket is useful for cool April mornings and air-conditioned halls. If you add temple or traditional restaurant visits, wear shoes you can slip off easily and carry socks.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: KIX

Book flights to KIX (Kyoto) when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue.

Visa

Japan's short-term stay visa covers conferences, business trips, tourism and study for visits of up to 90 days. Many nationalities, including the United States and most of Europe, are visa-exempt for short stays; other travellers apply through their nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: Apply no more than 3 months before departure; allow several weeks for processing once documents are submitted.

WGC-2027 attendees should confirm visa-exempt status and document requirements with the Japanese embassy or consulate covering their country. Carry your congress registration confirmation and hotel booking for the application.

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Check-in (recommended)

2027-04-20

Check-out (recommended)

2027-04-23

Areas to stay

Central Kyoto · Gojo · Higashiyama · Kyoto · Shijo Karasuma

mid range

Not yet confirmed

mid range

Not yet confirmed

mid range

Not yet confirmed

mid range

Not yet confirmed

mid range

Not yet confirmed

mid range

Not yet confirmed

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Kansai International Airport (KIX): 1 hr 45 min–2 hr by road; 80 min by JR Express Haruka to Kyoto Station, then about 20 min on the Karasuma subway to Kokusaikaikan; Osaka International Airport (Itami) (ITM): 1 hr 15 min–1 hr 30 min by road; airport limousine bus to Kyoto Station in about 55 min, then 20 min by subway; Kobe Airport (UKB): 1 hr 30 min by road; Port Liner to Shin-Kobe in 18 min, then Shinkansen to Kyoto in about 30 min; Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Kyoto International Conference Centre: Higashiyama: Park Hyatt Kyoto; Higashiyama: Hyatt Regency Kyoto; Central Kyoto: The Chapter Kyoto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Kyoto; confirm local availability before travel.

Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Kyoto International Conference Centre.

Parking: On-site parking is available at Kyoto International Conference Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: April

Temperature: Daytime highs around 18-20°C and overnight lows near 8-10°C

Seasonality: Spring in Kyoto; April averages around 12 rain days and 127-142 mm of rainfall, with cherry blossom season in early April.

Packing: Pack light layers and a jacket for cool mornings and evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain shell. Comfortable walking shoes suit both congress days and Kyoto sightseeing.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Wednesday 21 April 2027 — day two of the congress

The congress runs Tuesday 20 to Friday 23 April 2027. Day two carries the heaviest programme density: plenary and subspecialty symposia are in full parallel flow, the technical exhibition is fully staffed after opening-day setup, and wetlabs and industry symposia are running at capacity. Friday afternoon traditionally thins out as delegates travel home, so Wednesday offers the strongest balance of science, supplier access and networking.

Check passport validity and visa needs — Confirm your passport has at least six months validity and check Japan's short-term stay rules for your nationality via the MOFA visa page.

Book flights to Kansai International Airport (KIX) — KIX is the main international gateway; book early for April cherry blossom season demand.

Reserve a Kyoto hotel — Choose a property near Kyoto Station, downtown, or the Kyoto International Conference Centre; many hotels offer shuttles to Kyoto Station.

Complete WGC-2027 registration — Register online at worldglaucomacongress.org; early bird rates and member or student categories apply.

Plan your scientific programme — Review the programme and shortlist sessions, symposia and surgical wetlabs you want to attend.

Arrange airport to hotel transfer — Compare the Express Haruka train, airport bus or taxi from KIX to Kyoto; pre-book if arriving late.

Schedule meetings and networking — Contact exhibitors and colleagues to arrange catch-ups and product demonstrations during the congress.

Check weather and pack — April in Kyoto averages 8-20°C with around 12 rain days; pack layers and rain protection.

Organise travel money and connectivity — Carry Japanese yen (JPY) for smaller venues and set up a SIM, eSIM or pocket WiFi for data.

Prepare documents — Print or save your registration confirmation, hotel booking, travel insurance and any visa documents.

Confirm local transport — Familiarise yourself with Kyoto subway, bus and JR routes, or pre-book taxis for the congress days.

Arrive and collect your badge — Land in Kyoto, transfer to your hotel and collect your badge at the venue ahead of the opening session on 20 April 2027.

Side trips

Nara — Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha and Naramachi

Osaka — Dotonbori, Kuromon Market and Osaka Castle

Networking spots

WGC Technical Exhibition Hall

Main foyer and e-poster area

Kyoto Station and Higashiyama hotel lounges

Budget

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Per diem × 2$150.00

Estimated total$150.00

This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

visitor_ticket

visitor · Non-members

USD 750 / per person

official

visitor_ticket

visitor · Affiliated glaucoma society members

USD 650 / per person

official

visitor_ticket

visitor · Students

USD 235 / per person

official

visitor_ticket

visitor · Nurses, orthoptists

USD 390 / per person

official

visitor_ticket

visitor · Research scientists

USD 390 / per person

official

visitor_ticket

visitor · Ophthalmologist from Low Income Countries

USD 250 / per person

official

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status
visitor_ticket	visitor	Non-members	USD 750 / per person	official
visitor_ticket	visitor	Affiliated glaucoma society members	USD 650 / per person	official
visitor_ticket	visitor	Students	USD 235 / per person	official
visitor_ticket	visitor	Nurses, orthoptists	USD 390 / per person	official
visitor_ticket	visitor	Research scientists	USD 390 / per person	official
visitor_ticket	visitor	Ophthalmologist from Low Income Countries	USD 250 / per person	official

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

What is your primary role?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Glaucoma specialists, ophthalmologists, researchers and clinical teams attending to update practice, join surgical wetlabs and meet industry suppliers.

Min. budget

$1,050.00

Timeline

4-6 weeks for visa, flights and Kyoto hotel booking; earlier to beat cherry blossom season demand.

Risks

April is peak cherry blossom season in Kyoto, so hotel rates and availability tighten quickly.

Japanese visa applications are not accepted more than 3 months before departure, so start document collection early.

exhibit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Ophthalmic device, diagnostic, pharmaceutical and surgical technology suppliers targeting glaucoma clinicians across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Min. budget

$4,725.00

Timeline

4-6 months for stand design, freight and organiser forms ahead of the April 2027 congress.

Risks

Exhibit space and sponsorship slots are limited, so confirm allocation with the organiser early.

Shipping demo equipment to Japan requires customs documentation and lead time.

skip

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Professionals outside ophthalmology or glaucoma care with no sourcing, referral or research overlap with the congress programme.

Min. budget

Not yet confirmed

Timeline

Not applicable

Risks

No major risks listed.

Gallery

Photos

Official imagery from World Glaucoma Congress

Host venue exterior — World Glaucoma Congress

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

Glossary

Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure.
Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
Abstract: A brief summary of a research study submitted for presentation at the congress.
Early Bird Registration: A discounted registration fee available for attendees who register before a specified deadline.
WGA: World Glaucoma Association, the organizing body of the congress.
Kansai International Airport: The main international gateway serving the Osaka and Kyoto area, located approximately 80-100 minutes from Kyoto.
WGC: World Glaucoma Congress, the biennial meeting of the World Glaucoma Association.
MIGS: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, a group of lower-trauma procedures and devices used to reduce intraocular pressure.
Wetlab: A hands-on training session where clinicians practise surgical techniques on model eyes, often run alongside the exhibition.
Intraocular pressure (IOP): The fluid pressure inside the eye; elevated intraocular pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

World Glaucoma Association

World Glaucoma Congress Official Website
Lang: EN
event_website
Facebook - World Glaucoma Association
Lang: EN
event_social
Twitter - World Glaucoma Association
Lang: EN
event_social
LinkedIn - World Glaucoma Association
Lang: EN
event_social
Instagram - World Glaucoma Association
Lang: EN
event_social

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