Events

Intl. ΕYEDEA Forum: To see beyond ourselves in optics, optometry & contact lenses

14/01/202609/02/2026 by secretary No Comments

As President and Chair of the Scientific Program of the International EyeDea Forum 2nd Edition, I would like to share with you some additional information, along with my personal invitation, regarding this new initiative, which is expected, for the second consecutive year, to bring a breath of fresh air to the fields of Optics, Optometry, and Contact Lens Practice in Greece and internationally.

Developments in the field of Optics and Optometry are progressing rapidly on a global scale, creating a significant need for professional education and updates. The international EyeDea Forum 2nd Edition will once again open its doors on April 18–19, 2026, at the OTE Academy in Athens, inviting all opticians, optometrists, and related professionals who wish to view their important work—from their own practice to collaboration with colleagues and their contribution to society—through a fresh lens.

This year, the EyeDea Forum 2nd Edition will once again bring the latest international knowledge to our field. It is yet another initiative, new for Greek standards, co-created with Mr. Vasilis Goulielmo, publisher of Eye Magazine and organizer of the international CircumEye exhibition, with the intention of introducing international “air” into Optics, Optometry, and Contact Lens Practice in Greece and all related professional sectors. This will be achieved in a completely new way—a space for meetings, a medium where ideas and insights regarding Optics, Optometry, and Contact Lens Practice can be exchanged. Within the Forum, colleagues will gain deeper insights than their daily responsibilities usually allow, into the latest global developments in Optics, Optometry, Contact Lenses, Entrepreneurship, and Business Development, while simultaneously reflecting on their role holistically, with inclusion and active listening to their own professional needs.

The Forum is called EyeDea—a name carefully chosen with multiple layers of meaning. The word “idea” derives from the ancient Greek “idein,” meaning “to see”—inviting us to look beyond the ordinary and broaden our thinking beyond ourselves. Additionally, words related to “idea” connect to Optics, Vision, and Optometry. Thus, EyeDea represents an expansion of thought within Optics, Optometry, and Contact Lenses. Furthermore, Mr. Goulielmo’s previous successful initiative, CircumEye, is the largest Optical Trade Fair in Greece. And, internationally, my own name (Dimitra) is often shortened to “Di.” So, when pronounced aloud, “EyeDea” embodies the name of this collaborative initiative!

The EyeDea Forum 2nd Edition is designed for every professional and scientist involved with Optics, Optometry, and Contact Lenses, as well as those dedicated to ensuring and promoting ocular health. I strongly believe that professionals have a duty to stay informed about their field, especially when it pertains to a Health-related sector such as Optics and Optometry. We face numerous challenges daily, both nationally and internationally, and our field is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and knowledge continuously emerging—making professional updates essential.

The motto of EyeDea 2nd Edition is: “See beyond ourselves in Optics, Optometry, and Contact Lenses.” Why?

Our work is guided by four main pillars:

Pillar 1: Scientific Excellence
Pillar 2: Inclusion
Pillar 3: Open-mindedness
Pillar 4: Fun (“kefi”)

This represents a completely new and radical approach to professional development for opticians and optometrists. I have encountered elements of this approach abroad, and I am bringing them to Greece, for both Greek colleagues and international attendees of EyeDea 2nd Edition, to explore the latest global trends in our profession—and to encourage thinking “outside the box.”

I consider our profession, both in Greece and worldwide, to be multifaceted and highly complex. We are called to view it holistically—as opticians, optometrists, contact lens practitioners, entrepreneurs, retailers, scientists, clinical practitioners, academics, researchers, psychologists… and more. Often, we are required to “wear” more than one of these professional hats, or we choose a particular role. Whichever path we take, we have an obligation to our patients and collaborators to remain fully informed about the latest developments in our field. Indeed, the very fact that our profession is so multifaceted worldwide is what makes it so magical!

The EyeDea Forum 2nd Edition offers yet another opportunity for professional growth—through comprehensive updates, interaction with colleagues from Greece and abroad, and through embracing multiple professional “hats” or pathways.

An optician or optometrist, upon receiving their degree, has pledged to practice with a patient-centered approach for the benefit of individuals and society. This requires Evidence-Based Practice, defined as “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the best current evidence in making decisions about the individualized care of patients.” It integrates the best available clinical research with the expertise of a clinician, along with the values and environment of each patient. Key point: Patients reasonably expect that eye care professionals (ECPs) base their decisions on the best available evidence to maximize contact lens success, maintain satisfaction, retain users, and grow the contact lens business.

—Borrowing from the BCLA CLEAR summary (Contact Lens Evidence-based Academic Report) by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), which is also available in Greek translation.

Despite the various challenges in every country, which are indeed numerous, I consider the field of Optics and Optometry to be rapidly growing worldwide. I am very optimistic about its future. This is why I am adding my own “brick” to the building called “Optics and Optometry in Greece,” which we all strive to support and advance in our own way.

I wholeheartedly recommend attending the 2nd International EyeDea Forum on April 18–19, 2026, at OTE Academy in Athens, to: