Monday,
23 September
2024
Welcome
Host: Henrik Laursen, Head of Professional Advancement at Louis Nielsen
How can we use the national registers to advance ocular health care in Denmark?
Join this session to gain insights into the groundbreaking “GARDEN” project, led by Professor Jakob Grauslund from Odense University Hospital, Eye Department, funded by a substantial grant from the Velux Foundation. This national initiative aims to enhance and refine follow-up care for patients with chronic eye diseases, building on insights from the globally pioneering “Ocular and Systemic Complications in Diabetic Retinopathy Study” (OASIS).
Understand where ophthalmology stands in determining and improving follow-up protocols for chronic eye disease patients and discover how optometrists can contribute to and benefit from these advancements. Learn how these developments influence recommendations for sight correction with glasses and contact lenses, and why, for example, some diabetic patients have their eye health checked only every four years.
Speaker: Jakob Grauslund
75th anniversary of the intraocular Lens (IOL): The past, present, and future options
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of intraocular lens replacement surgery with this session that covers not only its history, but also provides in-depth knowledge of intraocular lens and refractive ocular surgery.
Discover the story behind Sir Harold Ridley’s groundbreaking invention and the first intraocular lens surgery 75 years ago, emphasizing the eye’s acceptance of acrylic material. Hear how the intraocular lens (IOL) has evolved since 1949, from the first implantation to today’s advanced techniques. Learn about current IOL options, modern cataract surgery practices, and future perspectives on refractive intraocular lens exchange. Gain a comprehensive understanding of current cataract and refractive eye surgery and explore the future possibilities in this ever-evolving field.
Speaker: Danson V. Muttuvelu
Moderator: Jakob Grauslund
Oculomics and ocular pathology: Shortcut to identifying systemic diseases
Join this session which brings fascinating insights into the combination of retinal imaging and artificial intelligence to reveal patterns of systemic diseases.
Learn about common retinal diseases and discover the fascinating ocular biomarkers that seem to indicate systemic health conditions. Understand where the field stands today, how to prepare for these groundbreaking developments, and the exciting perspectives and opportunities they offer for optometrists. With technology, optometrists now have better, faster, and more advanced diagnostic tools at their disposal. Retinal imaging has become a game-changer in diagnosing retinal diseases and uncovering systemic conditions through oculomics.
Stay at the forefront of the evolving optometric landscape with this insightful session.
Speaker: Michael Stormly Hansen
Moderator: Jakob Grauslund
How to communicate eye disease and the eventual need for referrals
Informing customers about eye health issues during a routine check-up, especially when they came in just to buy glasses, can be a delicate task. Join this session to learn from a communication expert on how to “read the customer,” what to say, what not to say, and the best ways to convey important information. This talk will cover strategies to effectively communicate potential eye health issues, offering tailored recommendations based on different personalities and profiles. Enhance your ability to manage these sensitive conversations and ensure your customers leave informed and reassured.
Speaker: To be announced…
Moderator: Jakob Grauslund
Prevalence and characteristics of choroidal nevi in 30.000 individuals - a nationwide Danish study
Discover the brand-new results from the Danish Choroidal Nevi prevalence study – the largest of its kind globally. Learn about nevus prevalence in 30,000 individuals from different age groups. This session will reveal key findings, discuss their immediate impact, and explore the conclusions drawn from this extensive data. Understand the short-term implications and hear what’s next in this field. Join the session to gain valuable insights and explore the exciting future perspectives of nevus research in general and for optometrists working in optical stores.
Speaker: Carsten Faber
Moderator: Jakob Grauslund
New 5-year data on eye health check-ups and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on teleophthalmology
Gain insights into the role of optometrists in retinal health by exploring new and extensive data from a five-year study in Denmark. This session will discuss pre-, during, and post-pandemic numbers, offering a comprehensive look at how COVID-19 influenced eye health check-ups in optical shops. Conducted by Louis Nielsen, the study includes data on over 1.1 million Danes — approximately 20% of the population — from 2018 to 2023.
Discover the frequency of eye diseases identified through a tele-ophthalmological setup and understand the key findings and their implications for optometric practice. Join us to learn about the impact of this innovative approach on retinal health.
Speaker: Marie Louise Roed Rasmussen
Moderator: Jakob Grauslund
Panel: Perspectives of the day in an optometrist context – Q&A and debate
Based on the day’s insights and audience questions, this panel discussion will delve into the future role of optometrists and immediate steps to take. Engage in this session that highlights key observations for daily optical shop practice, such as spotting “false negatives”, mastering effective communication, and enhancing collaboration with ophthalmologists. Explore the promising options demonstrated by new teleophthalmology studies in cooperation with optical shops and discuss how to proceed from here.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, valuable recommendations for the future development of optometry, and participate in a tricky cases quiz to round off the day.
Panel: Marie Louise Roed Rasmussen, Carsten Faber, Michael Stormly Hansen and Danson V. Muttuvelu
Moderator: Jakob Grauslund
Tuesday,
24 September
2024
Welcome
Host: Åshild Martinsen, Professional Advancement Manager at Specsavers Norway
Detecting glaucoma: A clinical puzzle
Are your glaucoma detection skills up to date? Challenge yourself in our interactive case study session and rethink your clinical approach.
Optometrist Jon Gjelle will delve into several clinical cases, utilising the latest evidence-based advice and guidelines to determine whether each patient is a glaucoma suspect. Through detailed case discussions and audience participation, we will explore the nuances of glaucoma detection, encouraging you to apply your knowledge in real-time. This thought-provoking session is designed to stimulate critical thinking and refine your clinical practices.
Speaker: Jon V. B. Gjelle
Ocular motility consequences of acquired brain injury (In English)
Learn about the ocular motility consequences of ABI from one of the leading researchers in ABI and stroke.
In this session, Professor Fiona Rowe will delve into the ocular motility consequences of acquired brain injury, focusing on strabismus and eye movement disorders. She will provide practical knowledge on what optometrists should know and do to help this patient group.
Speaker: Fiona Rowe
Rapid fire session: Different research studies
Join this dynamic rapid-fire session where three brilliant researchers will each have 15 minutes to present groundbreaking advancements in their fields.
Siv Aseth Sandvik, a PhD student from the University of South-Eastern Norway, will discuss her innovative imaging method for detecting early nerve damage in the cornea. Tor Paaske Utheim, co-founder of the Norwegian Dry Eye Clinic, will share the latest evidence-based practices and clinical insights on managing dry eye disease. Finally, Morten S. Magnø will delve into the connections between lifestyle factors and dry eye disease, exploring crucial elements like screen use, diet, and environmental influences. After their presentations, these experts will be available for questions in the exhibition area during the lunch break.
Speakers:
Siv Aaseth Sandvik
Tor Paaske Utheim
Morten Schjerven Magnø
Mastering myopia management: Enhancing skills through dynamic lectures and interactive cases
Join us for a 45-minute lecture by Dr. Imran Jawaid on myopia management, in partnership with CooperVision. Enhance your skills through dynamic lectures and interactive cases, covering essential topics to improve clinical decision-making and stay updated on the latest practices in myopia management. Dr. Jawaid, a renowned expert in myopia management with over two decades of experience, is dedicated to advancing eye care through education and research. His engaging presentations empower professionals to enhance their clinical skills and provide optimal patient care.
Speaker: Dr. Imran Jawaid
Getting started with kinetic perimetry (In English)
How can kinetic perimetry be useful in your clinical practice? Learn from Professor Fiona Rowe, author of ‘Visual Fields via the Visual Pathway’.
In this session, she will introduce you to kinetic perimetry, explain the differences between kinetic and static perimetry, and discuss when and why to use it. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to interpret the results effectively.
Speaker: Fiona Rowe
Vision assessment and rehabilitation of stroke survivors
After this session you will be more confident handling stroke patients in your clinical practice. Professor Helle Falkenberg, the leader of the Norwegian Vision in Stroke (NorVIS) network, will provide crucial insights into how strokes affect vision and offer practical tips for optimizing vision and dispensing glasses to stroke survivors. Learn what’s essential in your daily clinical work and discover how you can contribute to and collaborate on visual rehabilitation for stroke patients. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your patient care for this group.
Speaker: Helle Falkenberg
Tuesday,
8 October
2024
Welcome
Host: Jussi-Pekka Rantanen
Optometry in Finland, now and in the future
Explore the evolving landscape of eye health services in Finland and the role that optometrists have within it. Gain insights into the efforts of NÄE Ry to elevate the profession’s standing among political decision-makers.
This session offers a comprehensive look at optimizing optometry and ophthalmology resources in Finland, while also delving into emerging opportunities, such as expanded scopes of practice and the integration of advanced diagnostic tools resulting from regulatory changes.
Join this session to stay ahead in this dynamic field.
Speakers:
Mika Keinänen
Panu Tast
Role of OCT in optometric practice
Discover how Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) can elevate clinical and referral quality in optometric practice. This case-based session delves into the impact of OCT on clinical decision-making, highlighting its role in reducing unnecessary referrals through an enhanced understanding of ocular conditions.
Learn how OCT aids in detecting and monitoring pathologies such as AMD and glaucoma, supports confident assessments, and empowers optometrists to make informed clinical decisions.
Join this session to explore the potential of OCT in your practice.
Speaker: Päivi Tervaniemi
Binocular vision problems: From symptoms to solutions
Explore the symptoms, testing methods, and management of binocular vision problems in this comprehensive session. Delve into common symptoms such as diplopia and asthenopia, learn about standardised diagnostic tests, and discover best practices for follow-up and referrals. Ensure patients’ well-being and deliver high-quality care with expert insights and practical guidance on managing binocular vision issues effectively.
Speaker: Kirsi Heino
Assessment and management of seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis
This session provides a comprehensive guide for Finnish optometrists on the assessment and management of seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (SAC and PAC). Learn to recognise symptoms, evaluate severity, and implement effective management strategies. Understand the vital role optometrists play in alleviating the healthcare system’s burden. Lastly, gain insights into providing initial care, following management guidelines, and recognising the limits of personal competence.
Join this session to enhance your skills and improve patient outcomes in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.
Speaker: Mari Suuronen
Choroidal Nevus: Lifetime monitoring, predictive indicators, and informed action
Delve into the nuances of managing choroidal nevus with expert guidance and guideline-based protocols by ophthalmologist Matti Seppänen. Understand the significance of lifelong follow-up and learn to identify key indicators predicting growth. Gain clarity on when swift intervention is warranted and explore strategies for patient guidance. With choroidal nevus affecting a substantial portion of the population, this session offers invaluable insights for effective monitoring and decision-making.
Speaker: Matti Seppänen
Sunday,
13 October
2024
Welcome
Opening of the conference by Specsavers Country Director NL Wouter van der Hoeven & General Manager of Audiology Richard Andrews.
This year’s host for the optician track is Sophie Jansen-Zwart, Senior Talent Manager at Specsavers NL.
This year’s host for the optom track is Jiska van Dam-Veldhoen, Head of Professional Advancement at Specsavers NL.
This year’s host for the advisor track is Sem Daalman, Talent Manager at Specsavers NL.
11.30 Mastering customer advice through effective questioning
Join talent manager at Specsavers, Lise Hofman, for an informative session filled with tips and tricks to enhance your communication with your patients. Learn how to ask effective questions at the right time, so you gather the necessary details to provide the best possible guidance for your customers. Elevate your customer interactions and your advisory skills with practical strategies you can implement immediately in your daily work in the clinics.
Speaker: Lise Hofman
11.15 Patient centred communication
Every customer is different. Join this session and get to know how to level with your patients.
Discover how to communicate messages professionally and effectively and learn the art of asking effective questions to gain the right information for giving the best advice for your patients and improve your practice.
Speaker: Roel van der Heijde
11.30 The impact of (non) verbal communication: Boost your dispensing skills through effective communication
Ever wondered how body language and expressions could elevate your dispensing skills? In this interactive workshop, discover how effective (non)verbal communication can help you connect more deeply with patients and enhance your dispensing results. Gain valuable insights on understanding patient needs and improving overall service.
Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your communication techniques and make a meaningful difference in your practice.
Speaker: Sandra Murgia
13.30 Making the successful switch to daily contact lenses
Are you ready to upgrade your customers from monthly to daily contact lenses?
Attend this practical session filled with market and customer insights, culminating in an engaging panel discussion. The session will be led by the experienced professional Affairs Manager Ilona Bradwolff from CooperVision, along with an expert panel .
Discover the benefits of daily lenses, learn how to sell effectively without being pushy, and explore why dual wear is the future. Participate in an open panel discussion addressing key questions: why daily contact lenses are the starting point for any fitting, and how proactive communication from the specialist leads to successful upgrades.
Speaker: Ilona Bradwolff (Coopervision) and expertpanel
13.00 Effective triage in optometry practices outside the hospital
Dive into this hands-on session created to elevate your skills in monitoring and referring patients with flashes, floaters, and peripheral retinal pathology. You’ll receive practical, expert-led guidelines and learn how to implement them effectively in your practice. Gain actionable insights that will transform how you manage these common yet complex cases. Don’t miss the chance to enhance your clinical expertise and patient care together with ophthalmologist Peter van Etten.
Speaker: Peter van Etten
13.30 Customer centred communication
Are you looking to improve how you hand over customer information both professionally and personally? Discover effective strategies for connecting with your customers by learning about the four distinct customer types. This interactive workshop will delve into the dynamics of action and reaction during customer handover, offering you practical skills to enhance your interactions and ensure smooth transitions. Get the chance to refine your approach and elevate your customer service.
Speaker: Roel van der Heijde
14.15 Binocular vision: throughout life
Refresh your knowledge about binocular vision and understand why it is crucial for the visual system. Binocular vision develops during early childhood, but what is it exactly? What can go wrong, and what happens when someone suddenly experiences double vision?
These questions and what role you as an optician can play in these scenarios, will be answered in this enlightening session. Don’t miss out on gaining valuable insights that can enhance your knowledge on binocular vision.
Speaker: Iris Rodenburg
14.00 Clear vision on severe visual impairment
How does severe visual impairment truly affect your patients’ lives, and what can you, as an optometrist, do to make a difference? Explore the profound impact of visual impairment from the patient’s perspective in this engaging session.
Gain valuable insights and practical tips on offering effective support and advice and enhance your ability to address the unique challenges faced by those with significant vision loss.
Speaker: Carola Tükenmez Vellekoop
14.15 Opportunities for hearing care services in stores
Discover essential strategies for providing exceptional aftercare and service in audiology during this hands-on workshop.
Learn valuable tips and tricks for effectively assisting customers with hearing disabilities, and gain insights into the complexities of hearing loss and its impact on daily life. This session offers practical guidance to help you enhance your support and improve customer satisfaction in your practice.
MindGym with Wouter de Jong
Join this exciting session which introduces Wouter’s MindGym method, designed to empower individuals, teams, and organisations alike. Discover straightforward thinking strategies and practical techniques that seamlessly integrate into daily life and work routines. These methods enhance joy, autonomy and effectiveness, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and productivity for you as an individual and for your team.
Speaker: Wouter de Jong
Sunday,
10 November
2024
Welcome
Host: Erik Ryderberg, Head of Professional Advancement at Specsavers Sweden
Children in our practice
Gain valuable insights from optometrist Lena Lindeli Petersson, who has extensive experience in conducting sight tests on children aged five and above. Discover key strategies for engaging young patients, prioritising measurements, and ensuring accurate results. Lena will share expert advice on conducting various tests efficiently and accurately, as well as guidance on prescribing appropriate treatments during cycloplegic refractions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your paediatric eye care skills and improve patient outcomes.
Speaker: Lena Lindeli Petersson
OCT & perimetry in practice
Experience a hands-on, interactive session designed to enhance your OCT and visual field skills. Test your diagnostic abilities and compare your conclusions with those of Karim Makdoumi, an experienced ophthalmologist from Örebro Universitetssjukhus. You’ll also learn essential management steps for patients diagnosed with the conditions revealed in these tests. This session offers a unique opportunity to refine your expertise and improve your clinical practice.
Speaker: Karim Makdoumi
Preliminary tests
Join optometrist Niklas Göransson from Specsavers in Uppsala as he leads an interactive session on preliminary tests. Whether you’re a seasoned clinical assistant or simply eager to learn, you’ll have the opportunity to test your skills and engage with real-life cases. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your clinical expertise!
Speaker: Niklas Göransson
Rapid fire session: A short presentation of three interesting ongoing studies in Sweden
Discover some of the latest advancements in eye care through three ongoing studies in Sweden.
Linda Lundström from Kungliga Tekniska högskolan will present her research on Myopia Management. Jenny Roth from Linnéuniversitetet will delve into her studies on the anterior cornea, shedding light on novel findings. Last but not least, Alberto Dominguez Vicent from Karolinska Institutet, will conclude the session by exploring the potential of conjunctival biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring diabetic retinopathy.
This session is a must-attend for those eager to stay at the forefront of research in eye care.
Speaker:
Linda Lundström
Jenny Roth
Alberto Dominguez Vicent
Troubleshooting/Remakes
Explore the nuances of troubleshooting and remakes with Ylva Jeridi and Anna Karlsson, experts with extensive experience in this field.
In this interesting session, you’ll gain valuable insights into identifying reasons for remakes and learn essential tools to perform comprehensive assessments of various problems. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to address patient dissatisfaction and avoid unnecessary remakes in the future. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your practice!
Speaker: Ylva Jeridi and Anna Karlsson
What clinical support can do to make a difference
When in doubt – contact a colleague. In this session, you’ll learn how close collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists can help patients receive the medical attention they need with greater precision and efficiency.
You’ll also experience live clinical support case discussions led by the speakers, an experienced optometrist and an ophthalmologist, demonstrating the impact of teamwork in patient care.
Binocular vision
Binocular vision is developed during our early childhood. What is it, what can go wrong and what happens when someone suddenly experience double vision?
Join Eva Sturk Franzén, an experienced optometrist from Specsavers Oskarshamn and lecturer at the Karolinska Institutet’s clinical assistant program, when she delves into the nuances of binocular vision. From understanding its development in early childhood to addressing challenges like double vision, Eva will provide insights and answers to these essential questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of binocular vision.
Speaker: Eva Sturk Franzén
Anomalies and diseases of the optic nerve
How do you recognise optic nerve anomalies and diseases, and what are the red flags you need to be cautious about?
Join us for an enlightening session that delves into the diverse conditions affecting the optic nerve, from rare congenital anomalies like hypoplasia to prevalent diseases such as glaucoma. Some conditions can pose serious threats to vision and even life if not managed promptly.
Presented by a neuro-ophthalmologist, this session will provide a comprehensive update on optic nerve diseases, equipping you with the knowledge needed to effectively detect and respond to these conditions.
Speaker: Sára Vetö
OCT & Perimetry
Why are 3D-OCT scans and perimetry becoming more common in optometry practices? What do you, as an assistant, need to know to help your optometrist obtain reliable results? Matilda Björk, an optometrist at Specsavers in Kristianstad, will share her insights on the importance of OCT, perimetry, and ensuring reliable examinations. With years of experience in perimetry and recent integration of OCT, she will provide valuable knowledge to enhance your practice.
Speaker: Matilda Björk
Post-Covid and visual problems: How can we help?
Feeling a bit daunted by neuro-clients in general and post-COVID clients in particular? We invite you to join this session, where you’ll gain a basic understanding of the condition and its connection to client needs and treatment opportunities. The session provides clinically applicable knowledge and inspires confidence for your initial steps to make a difference.
Speakers:
Jan Johansson
Kajsa Gode