Latest News European Academy Conference Keynote Speakers Set By Staff Monday, January 4, 2016 12:18 AM BERLIN—Bookings are now open for the European Academy of Optometry and Optics’ (EAOO) annual conference, Berlin 2016, where professor James Wolffsohn, deputy executive dean for Life and Health Sciences at Aston University (U.K.) and Dr. Pearse Keane, honorary consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital (U.K.), will be giving keynote lectures. Professor Wolffsohn will deliver a lecture on recent developments in contact lenses and surgical presbyopia correction, in particular contact lenses compared to surgical treatment, while Dr. Keane will present on the recent development of clinical images and the main issues to consider in their interpretation. Professor Wolffsohn said, “Until recently, people beyond their mid-forties have required reading glasses, bifocals or progressive addition lenses. However, modern contact lenses and refractive surgery options can extend the range of clear vision more discretely. Presbyopia is often one of the earliest signs we are ageing, so I will discuss how cutting edge eye-care could minimize the effect of a loss of natural eye focus on a patient’s quality of life.” Dr. Keane added, “I will provide an overview of current retinal imaging, as well as highlighting emerging technologies that I believe are likely to transform the provision of eyecare in the 21st century. Imaging technologies have proven fundamental to many advances in our understanding and treatment of ocular disease. In the 1990s, the introduction of a wholly new form of noninvasive cross-sectional imaging, optical coherence tomography, revolutionized the management of retinal disease.” Academy president, Dr. Mireia Pachecho-Cutillas said, “Delegates can expect a program full of stimulating topics and discussions as well as a change of setting, as we will be holding the conference at Beuth University of Applied Sciences, with clinical workshops at the facilities of the optometry school. It is fabulous that we have two engaging speakers, addressing critical topics for the keynote lectures. I hope our members and colleagues across Europe will join us at what is now an established and respected event in the sector’s calendar.”Each year the Academy conference brings together key members of the optical community, from over 40 countries across Europe to discuss and share the latest research, education and clinical practice and provides a unique platform to exchange knowledge and information on optometry, optics and dispensing and vision science. The Berlin 2016 program will feature topical lectures, 13 clinical workshops, special interest groups, discussion forums and cutting edge research. Visit www.berlin2016.info for further information on the program and booking options.