Prague 2011

25th November 2011

Prague 2011

Events

Over 220 delegates from over 220 countries met at the European Academy’s third conference in Prague from 6-8 May 2011.

The event incorporated the European Optometric Education Congress, formerly held in Brno and focused around the themes of eduction, research and clinical practice.

Professor Roger Crelier (Switzerland) took over from Dr Feike Grit (Netherlands) as President of the Academy at the Annual Academy Dinner on Saturday 7 May. Dr Paul Murphy (UK) was elected unopposed as President-elect.

As incoming Presdient, Professor Crelier said:

“As President my role is to be the public face of the European Academy and I am looking forward to continuing to ensure that matters directly affecting the membership remain priority on the Academy’s agenda.

It is inspiring to see so many delegates here from so many different backgrounds, and particularly so many students, the future of our profession. We are here with a common goal – to further advance eye care across Europe. This weekend’s conference has provided us with valuable learning and networking opportunities and I hope delegates will leave the event enthused and motivated by the Academy’s work.”

The increased scope of the meeting reflected a huge increase in the number of abstracts received for the event.

Keynote lectures from Professor John Lawrenson (City University, UK) on Education and Clinical competence and Dr Thomas van den Berg (University of Amsterdam and Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, The Netherlands) on Ocular Straylight were a highlight of the conference.

Delegates also benefited from a range of other lectures, practical workshops and poster presentations, where they had the chance to engage directly with researchers.

Members roundtable sessions focused on how to write a research paper, the role of the optometrist in the USA and how to run an eye clinic.

Education and clinical practice case study sessions continued the principles of the European Educators Congress and encouraged delegates to share information, learn from each other and explore and share best practice. Case studies focused on a broad variety of topics from contact lens options for patients with acnea rosacea to the diagnosis and management of multiple visual findings in a teenage male suffering from traumatic brain injury were particularly well received.

Prizes:

The Academy awarded prizes for the best poster and oral presentation, sponsored by the UK’s College of Optometrists:

Dr Ali Masmali, as judged by the Abstract and Programme Panel, was the winner of the best poster for his presentation Tear ferning test :A new grading scale.
Professor Peter Moest was the winner of the best oral presentation for his lecture The dominant eye, as judged by the delegates.

For a full round of the conference, please download the press release:

Academy Meets in Prague 100511

Prague 2011 – “an event which promotes clinical, educational and scientific excellence that transcends geographical barriers“.

Event sponsor

Academy Major Sponsors:

Academy Major Sponsor, supporting education

Programme and abstracts booklet

You can download the programme and abstracts booklet below, which contains the full programme and details of conference sessions:
Prague 2011: Programme and abstracts booklet

Prague Academy Prize Winners

Best Oral Presentation Prize: Winner Prof Peter Moest, Germany as judged by delegates for his presentation, The Dominant Eye

Best Poster Presentation Prize: Winner Dr Ali Masmali, Saudi Arabia as judged by the Abstract and Programme Panel for his poster tear ferning test: A new grading system

Poster and Oral presentation prizes are sponsored the College of Optometrists, United Kingdom.