The Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) is a non-profit organization founded in 1939. The mission of the PAAO is continuing education for ophthalmologists, prevention of blindness, and promotion of scientific and cultural exchange among ophthalmologists of the Western Hemisphere and beyond. With members in more than 35 countries, the PAAO provides a forum for professionals from all over the world to gather and focus on ways to standardize and improve ophthalmic knowledge and skills for the improvement of patient care.