About conference | Optometry Conference

Veleučilište Velika Gorica is proud to announce the 7th Optometry Conference of Central and Southeastern Europe – OCCSEE 2027, taking place from 16 to 18 April 2027 in Pula, Croatia.

OCCSEE is an international conference dedicated to the advancement of optometry, optics and ophthalmology. For more than a decade, it has brought together professionals, academics, students and industry representatives from Europe and around the world.

Following six successful editions held between 2012 and 2025, OCCSEE 2027 continues its tradition of international knowledge and experience exchange, returning to Pula – the city that hosted one of the most successful editions of the conference in 2018.

The 7th OCCSEE will focus on contemporary challenges, the development of clinical optometry and the future of the profession, with particular emphasis on the application of new technologies, the development of practical clinical competencies, interdisciplinary collaboration and the transfer of knowledge to the next generation of optometrists.

With its strategic location, international connectivity and rich cultural and tourist offerings, Pula provides an ideal setting for a three-day professional and social gathering of the international optometric community.

CONFERENCE TOPICS

The programme of the 7th OCCSEE Conference will address current topics and challenges in contemporary optometric practice:

Contemporary clinical optometry and diagnostic decision-making
Contact lenses and ocular surface health
Myopia – from prevention to contemporary management strategies
Optometry in the era of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies

Through keynote lectures, professional and scientific presentations, panel discussions, clinical case presentations and poster sessions, the programme will provide participants with opportunities to exchange knowledge and experience and explore the latest developments in optometry and related fields.

Particular emphasis will be placed on connecting scientific evidence with clinical practice and on developing the competencies that will shape the optometry of the future.

CLINICAL SKILLS LAB

One of the highlights of the 7th OCCSEE Conference will be the Clinical Skills Lab – a concept featuring hands-on workshops and clinical stations designed to develop practical skills directly applicable to everyday optometric practice.

Some workshops will be delivered with the professional and organisational support of our main sponsors, giving participants the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with modern diagnostic equipment, technologies, contact lenses and other innovative solutions.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the OCCSEE Conference is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience to the next generation of optometric professionals, with the participation of internationally and European-renowned experts.

OCCSEE provides a platform for:

continuing professional and scientific education,
the exchange of knowledge and experience,
connecting academia with clinical practice,
developing international professional collaboration,
bringing together optometry, ophthalmology and industry,
presenting new technologies and innovations,
engaging students and young professionals in the international optometric community.

A particular value of the conference lies in the opportunity to facilitate direct interaction between experienced international experts, young optometrists, students, researchers and industry representatives.

OCCSEE – A TRADITION OF INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL GATHERINGS

The OCCSEE Conference was launched in 2012 with the aim of creating an international platform for connecting professionals in optometry, optics and ophthalmology and facilitating the continuous transfer of knowledge throughout Central and Southeastern Europe.

The 1st Optometry Conference of Central and Southeastern Europe was held from 1 to 3 June 2012 in Opatija. The conference brought together 424 participants from 19 European countries. For the first time in Europe, professionals from the fields of ophthalmic optics, optometry and ophthalmology gathered at a single event. The programme included eight workshops and a total of 88 professional and scientific papers, comprising 36 oral presentations and 52 poster presentations. The first edition established the foundations of OCCSEE as an international professional and scientific event dedicated to the development of optometry.

The 2nd Optometry Conference of Central and Southeastern Europe was held in 2014 in Rovinj. The conference attracted 378 participants from 20 countries and continued to strengthen international professional education in optics and optometry. The second edition confirmed the strong interest of the international professional community in the development of optometry in the region. The conference was held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Ivo Josipović.

The 3rd Optometry Conference of Central and Southeastern Europe was held from 14 to 16 April 2016 in Split. It brought together 373 participants from 21 countries, once again demonstrating the need for continuous knowledge transfer, international collaboration and professional development in optometry. The third edition further strengthened OCCSEE’s position as an international professional event connecting optometry, optics and ophthalmology.

The 4th Optometry Conference of Central and Southeastern Europe was held in 2018 in Pula, in cooperation with the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO). The conference brought together more than 500 participants from 30 European countries, as well as from Asia and the United States. This edition represented an important step in the internationalisation of OCCSEE and further contributed to the promotion and development of optometry at both European and international levels.

Following a break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 5th Optometry Conference of Central and Southeastern Europe was held from 21 to 23 April 2023 in Split. The conference brought together approximately 350 participants from 25 countries across Europe and around the world. The programme covered topics including refraction and binocular vision, new developments in contact lenses, clinical optometry, and collaboration between professionals in optics, optometry and ophthalmology. Among the distinguished keynote speakers were Prof. Bruce J. W. Evans and Dr Shehzad A. Naroo, alongside numerous professional lectures and hands-on workshops. The conference also hosted meetings of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO) and the Croatian Association of Optometrists, further highlighting its international and professional dimension.

The 6th Optometry Conference of Central and Southeastern Europe was held from 25 to 27 April 2025 in Opatija. The conference welcomed approximately 330 participants from 21 countries across Europe and around the world. The three-day programme featured 35 lectures and 44 poster presentations, alongside a range of practical workshops. Invited speakers included Prof. James S. Wolffsohn and Prof. Giancarlo Montani, internationally recognised experts in optometry. The programme covered refraction and binocular vision, clinical optometry, contact lens practice and myopia management. A particular highlight of the 6th OCCSEE was the presentation of the Professional Graduate Study Programme in Optometry at Veleučilište Velika Gorica, building on the institution’s existing Professional Undergraduate Study Programme in Ophthalmic Optics.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OCCSEE CONFERENCE

The OCCSEE project plays an important role in the development and international positioning of the optometric profession in Central and Southeastern Europe.

Since 2012, Veleučilište Velika Gorica has continuously connected the Croatian and international optometric communities through OCCSEE, facilitating the transfer of contemporary knowledge and experience from leading European and global centres of excellence.

Across its six editions, OCCSEE has brought together more than 2,000 participants from numerous European and countries around the world, creating a strong platform for knowledge exchange, professional skills development and international collaboration.

The conference brings together a broad range of participants – optometrists, ophthalmologists, students, educators, researchers, as well as representatives of industry and the business sector.

It is precisely this connection between diverse stakeholders that represents one of the greatest strengths and values of OCCSEE.

OCCSEE 2027 – OPTOMETRY OF THE FUTURE

The 7th Optometry Conference of Central and Southeastern Europe – OCCSEE 2027 continues the successful tradition of international collaboration while creating space for new ideas, technologies and approaches that will shape the future of the optometric profession. Through a combination of high-level international lectures, hands-on clinical workshops, scientific and professional presentations, panel discussions, an exhibition area and networking opportunities, OCCSEE 2027 will provide participants with opportunities to learn, exchange experiences and establish new professional connections. In Pula, we will once again bring together the optometric community with one shared goal: To connect knowledge, practice and the people shaping the future of optometry.

Author’s name:	Felix Fischl, B.Sc.
Affiliation(s):	Fischl Optometrie
Country:	Germany
Co-presenter’s name:	Kristina Mihic, bacc.ing.opt.
Affiliation(s):	University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica
Country:	Croatia
Title of Workshop:	Slit Lamp Flow
Key words:	slit lamp, flow, slit lamp techniques
Number of participants:	max. 10
Language:	English
Abstract: The Slitlamp biomicroscope is the most versatile tool used in the assessment of ocular health. The primary use of this instrument is the investigation of the adnexa and the anterior eye. Therefore, it is very important to know about different techniques for observation and an efficient, systematic way to perform these in your daily praxis, to detect abnormalities or changes in your patient’s eyes. Goals of this course: acquire different illumination techniques understand how to observe certain structures be able to find abnormalities in the anterior eye perform an efficient, systematic slit lamp flow
Target audience: Opticians Optometrists Students of optometry Ophthalmologists

Author’s name:	Petr Veselý
Affiliation(s):	Department of Optometry and Orthoptics, Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno
Country:	Czech Republic
Co-presenter’s name:	Svatopluk Synek
Affiliation(s):	Department of Optometry and Orthoptics, Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno
Country:	Czech Republic
Title of Workshop:	Analysis of Color Vision with Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test
Key words:	Color visión, color vision defects, protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia
Number of participants:	15
Language:	English
Abstract: Before practical workshop the basic information about physiology and pathology of the color vision (CV) is explained. Basically color vision defects (CVD) are divided into two groups – inborn and acquired. Acquired vision defects can show other serious disease of visual system. This is the reason why color vision defects examination is so important in ophthalmology and optometry examination. After that the basic methods for color vision defects examination will be shown and explained. In our department we usually use Lanthony test (LT) for quick examination of color vision defects and Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue test (FM100). Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue test is a very exact method for determining the type of color vision defects. After theoretical part the participants can try to perform color vision defects examination or can be examined as patients.
Target audience: Opticians Optometrists Students of optometry Ophthalmologists

Author’s name:	Dr John Siderov
Affiliation(s):	Vision and Hearing Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
Country:	UK
Title of Workshop:	TOP TIPS for Testing Children’s Vision
Key words:	Paediatric vision, children
Number of participants:	50
Language:	English
Abstract: The aim of this workshop is to enable participants to improve their approach to the optometric examination of children. The workshop will describe effective approaches for assessing vision and visual function in children with the emphasis on the pre-school child. Topics will include assessment of visual acuity, static and cycloplegic refraction, sensory and motor alignment and key principles in management of common eye problems in young children. Participants will have the chance to review different tests used in assessing children’s vision and to ask questions.
Target audience: Opticians Optometrists Students of optometry Ophthalmologists

Author’s name:	Davor Mihaljević
Affiliation(s):	Essilor Optika d.o.o.
Country:	Croatia
Title of Workshop:	Nanotechnology in Progressive Lens Production
Key words:	Progressive lenses, nanotechnology, non-compromised vision
Number of participants:	30
Language:	English
Abstract: Since the invention of progressive lenses in 1959, by Mr. Bernard Maintenaz, the dream of every progressive lens producer has been to develop a progressive lens with no compromise. Current technology did not allow this dream to become true. But thanks to new breakthrough in technology, this compromise has now been broken and new era in progressive lenses has begun.
Target audience: Opticians Optometrists Students of optometry

Author’s name:	Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Grein
Affiliation(s):	University of Applied Sciences Lübeck / Fielmann Akademie Schloss Plön
Country:	Germany
Co-presenter’s name:	Dipl.-Ing.(FH) Gustav Pöltner
Affiliation(s):	University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica (HR), fhg Innsbruck(A), htl-Kolleg Hall i. Tirol (A), CL-Miller-Innsbruck(A)
Country:	Austria
Title of Workshop:	Screening of Visual Functions
Key words:	screening, visual functions, optometric examination
Number of participants:	16
Language:	English
Abstract: Comprehensive optometric examination includes screening of visual functions. Ocular motility, horizontal and vertical sakkades, binocular function, pupil reaction and visual field are important aspects of vision. Easy-to-perform tests can reveal a number of crucial visual disorders. We will demonstrate the screening procedures that are simple, inexpensive and not time-consuming.
Target audience: Opticians Optometrists Students of optometry

Author’s name:	Sebastian Marx
Affiliation(s):	JENVIS Research c/o Ernst Abbe University
Country:	Germany
Title of Workshop:	Contact Lens Care
Key words:	Lens care products, contact lenses, microbiology
Number of participants:	100
Language:	English
Abstract: Lens care is an essential part of successful contact lens care which is often underestimated by patients but also practitioners. The workshop will focus on the requirements which lens care products need to fulfill, a closer look at the ingredients and the latest study results considering the influence of wetting agents regarding the tear film stability. Every participant needs to bring 3 used contact lens cases to the workshop for the experimental part of the session.
Target audience: Opticians Optometrists Students of optometry Ophthalmologists

Author’s name:	Benjamin Schäfer
Affiliation(s):	Aalen University
Country:	Switzerland
Co-presenter’s name:	Michal Krasňanský
Affiliation(s):	Optika Jana Krasňanská
Country:	Slovakia
Co-presenter’s name:	Kristina Mihić
Affiliation(s):	University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica, Aalen University
Country:	Croatia
Title of Workshop:	Optic Nerve Head (ONH) Diagramming
Key words:	Optic nerve head, cup, c/d ratio, rim
Number of participants:	15
Language:	English
Abstract: Goals and Objectives: Optic nerve head evaluation should be an integral part of the examination on all patients and every fundus should be documented step by step. Physiological cup, neuroretinal rim and overall shape of the ONH are important. Also, the side by side comparison (mirror eye image) is an important step. To identify the disc/cup margin and disc shape variations is the basis to evaluate the cup to disc ratio (c/d – ratio). The goal of the course is to: improve/enhance observations skills review technique of optic nerve head evaluation review diagrammatic representation of optic nerve recognize optic nerve variation/changes and cup-to-disc evaluation build confidence and encourage continued and ongoing ophthalmoscopic evaluation of optic nerve in your practice
Target audience: Students of optometry

CONFERENCE TOPICS

CLINICAL SKILLS LAB

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

OCCSEE – A TRADITION OF INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL GATHERINGS

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OCCSEE CONFERENCE

OCCSEE 2027 – OPTOMETRY OF THE FUTURE

See you in Pula, 16–18 April 2027.

OCCSEE WORKSHOPS 2014

OCCSEE WORKSHOPS 2014

OCCSEE WORKSHOPS 2014

OCCSEE WORKSHOPS 2014

OCCSEE WORKSHOPS 2014

OCCSEE WORKSHOPS 2014

OCCSEE WORKSHOPS 2014

OCCSEE WORKSHOPS 2014

OCCSEE WORKSHOPS 2014

OCCSEE WORKSHOPS 2014