Programme
Thanks to contributions from leading international specialists, you will be able to discover the latest advances in research, expand your knowledge and perfect your skills.
FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
13h00 : Driving Performance, Safety and Spectacle Lenses – Ivan Sincek
This presentation will examine vision and visual correction for driving across a range of conditions. We will discuss variances in driving environments and behaviours in the context of risk for drivers. Visual acuity and optical conditions will be discussed, centred around their influence on the ability of drivers to perform tasks safely. We will also examine the role of government and regulatory frameworks to assist in the provision of management of visual conditions for drivers and compliance. Finally, we will look at the range of lens solutions applicable to driving and present pathways to select solutions in practice.
15h00 : Prescription and non-tols in practice – Prof. David Eliott
The lecture summarises the extent of non-tolerances or “non-tols” (also called rechecks; patients who return to an optical practice because they are dissatisfied with their new spectacles) and their causes. Many non-tols lead to the need to remake the spectacles at no cost to the patient. Evidence will be presented that supports the prescribing of a refractive correction that differs from the subjection refraction result to reduce non-tols. This correction is typically modified based on the difference between the habitual or presenting spectacle correction and the subjective refraction. This evidence includes a review of the validity and variability of subjective refraction, the degree of tolerance to small changes from the subjective refraction and causes of spectacle adaptation difficulties in the elderly. A series of recheck cases from a recent study will be used to demonstrate the problems and illustrate the usefulness of recommended prescribing guidelines.
Learning Outcomes:
To understand the extent of “non-tols” and their causes.
To understand the variability in subjective refraction results
To understand the various prescribing guidelines that are based on the difference between the habitual correction and subjective refraction result that can help patients adapt to new spectacles
SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
13h00 : Using AI innovation and eye movements to choose the best lens for patients - Dr Zoi Kapoula
Decades of research have demonstrated that spectacle correction can quickly influence eye movement metrics such as saccades, vergence, and the vestibulo-ocular reflex, often within a minute. For instance, small anisometropias can immediately reduce saccade amplitude, while myopia can decrease vestibulo-ocular reflex gain. Additionally, binocular disparity or blur from prisms or lenses can slow cognitive functions. Progressive spectacles with minor anisometropia require complex adaptations, which can be particularly challenging for seniors.
A recent screening conducted by Orasis-EAR in Yvelines schools found that 43% of kindergarteners need ophthalmologist visits for ametropia, with ametropia transitioning from hypermetropia to myopia as children age. By second grade, 30% of children are wearing glasses. Studies on saccades, vergence, and reading-like movements (with the REMOBI & AIDEAL technology for schools) reveal that over half of first and second graders exhibit insufficient visuomotor and attentional development. AI-driven analysis of their eye movements can predict reading success as evaluated by teachers, highlighting the potential of AI-enhanced eye tracking in addressing learning challenges.
Orasis-EAR now offers the AR-IA, an advanced eye movement technology that integrates AI. This flexible, adjustable device works with refractometers or trial lenses and records eye movements in 5D during reading. It provides immediate graphical analysis of key performance indicators such as reading fluency, eye fixation stability, attentional fluctuation, and oculocephalic coordination. The AR-IA aids professionals in selecting optimal visual corrections and effectively monitoring visual performance.
Learning Outcomes: To demonstrate how eye movement neurotechnology provides valuable insights for optimizing optical correction and addressing learning issues in educational settings.
14h00 - Essentials of Paediatric Dispensing – Fiona Anderson
This lecture will present and discuss the art & science of paediatric dispensing, challenging the long-held view that ‘children are scaled down adults’. The lecture will cover many aspects of paediatric dispensing & discover why it is a specialised skill.
It will uncover the journey a child takes when they require an optical correction, and what steps an eyecare practitioner will take to ensure the best possible fit, clarity of vision & care received by them & their parents
Learning Outcomes:
Communicate effectively with both the child & their parent/guardian in a way they understand and be mindful of unspoken signals which could indicate a patient’s lack of understanding or discomfort.
Employ a patient centred approach - give patients your full attention and allow sufficient time to deal properly with their needs.
Dispense appropriate products - only provide or recommend examinations, treatments, drugs, or optical devices if these are clinically justified, and in the best interests of the patient.
15h00 - Communication to children and parents on all existing techniques for myopia control - Philippe Seira
The myopia boom that we have been experiencing for several years requires us to be able to offer and even if we do not do so, at least inform children and their parents in an objective and professional manner about the different possibilities that exist. We cannot ignore a subject that not only can improve the quality of life for children, but will also represent a real public health issue in the future. Should a child be fitted with contact lenses? What should be done in the event of a significant myopic progression? What are all the existing solutions? What method of wearing contact lenses should be chosen? What special precautions should be taken? What is the ideal age? And what type of communication should be had with children for whom we do not want to take any risks.
SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
13h00 : Communication to children and parents on all existing techniques for myopia control - Philippe Seira
The myopia boom that we have been experiencing for several years requires us to be able to offer and even if we do not do so, at least inform children and their parents in an objective and professional manner about the different possibilities that exist. We cannot ignore a subject that not only can improve the quality of life for children, but will also represent a real public health issue in the future. Should a child be fitted with contact lenses? What should be done in the event of a significant myopic progression? What are all the existing solutions? What method of wearing contact lenses should be chosen? What special precautions should be taken? What is the ideal age? And what type of communication should be had with children for whom we do not want to take any risks.
15h00 : Prescription and non-tols in practice – Prof. David Eliott
The lecture summarises the extent of non-tolerances or “non-tols” (also called rechecks; patients who return to an optical practice because they are dissatisfied with their new spectacles) and their causes. Many non-tols lead to the need to remake the spectacles at no cost to the patient. Evidence will be presented that supports the prescribing of a refractive correction that differs from the subjection refraction result to reduce non-tols. This correction is typically modified based on the difference between the habitual or presenting spectacle correction and the subjective refraction. This evidence includes a review of the validity and variability of subjective refraction, the degree of tolerance to small changes from the subjective refraction and causes of spectacle adaptation difficulties in the elderly. A series of recheck cases from a recent study will be used to demonstrate the problems and illustrate the usefulness of recommended prescribing guidelines.
Learning Outcomes:
To understand the extent of “non-tols” and their causes.
To understand the variability in subjective refraction results
To understand the various prescribing guidelines that are based on the difference between the habitual correction and subjective refraction result that can help patients adapt to new spectacles
16h00 : Vision & Music – Vincent Vennier
MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
11h00 :Access to glasses for people in precarious situations forgotten by 100% health, a commitment and a responsibility of the sector - Jean Paul Roosen & Elodie Vacherot
• Who are the forgotten ones of 100% health?
• A solution provided for nearly 15 years in Ile-de-France,
• Objective 2025: deploy actions throughout France with partner opticians
12h00 : How eye-care professionals can help people living with dementia – Elaine Grisdale
On July 31st 2024, the Lancet Commission published a paper which added sight impairment to the list of risk factors for dementia. Dementia is recognised as a global public health issue. In 2021 it was estimated that 55M people worldwide had a dementia diagnosis with the number predicted to rise to 135M by 2051 (WHO, 2021). It does not only affect the people with the diagnosis but also their families who are often carers in the later stages of the disease. 2/3 of people who live with the condition are living in their communities and we all want to live in our homes as we age, so maintaining independence and daily activities is important. Emerging evidence suggests that having well-corrected vision (and hearing) can improve quality of life and independence for people with dementia . The 2022 World Azheimer’s Report identified that looking after the senses for people living with dementia enables them to be, and do, what matters to them in their daily lives.
This presentation will allow delegates to understand dementia better and develop initiatives to be able to serve patients well. As primary care actors it is important that we are aware of the best ways to manage the eyecare needs of people living with the condition. We should be interested professionally but one day, the information in this talk may be of value personally as well. The chances are that we know someone with dementia - maybe a relative, a friend, a colleague or more probably a patient. The loss in brain function associated with dementia usually happens in later life for a variety of reasons, although it is not classed as age-related. The numbers of people with dementia seeking help in ophthalmic practice, not only for simple refractive error but also for age related ocular pathologies, will increase. Optical professionals can help improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and this presentation will help with initiatives.
13h00 : Essentials of Paediatric Dispensing – Fiona Anderson
This lecture will present and discuss the art & science of paediatric dispensing, challenging the long-held view that ‘children are scaled down adults’. The lecture will cover many aspects of paediatric dispensing & discover why it is a specialised skill.
It will uncover the journey a child takes when they require an optical correction, and what steps an eyecare practitioner will take to ensure the best possible fit, clarity of vision & care received by them & their parents
Learning Outcomes:
Communicate effectively with both the child & their parent/guardian in a way they understand and be mindful of unspoken signals which could indicate a patient’s lack of understanding or discomfort.
Employ a patient centred approach - give patients your full attention and allow sufficient time to deal properly with their needs.
Dispense appropriate products - only provide or recommend examinations, treatments, drugs, or optical devices if these are clinically justified, and in the best interests of the patient.
