Dear Colleagues in the Field of Ophthalmology,
We are pleased to extend a warm invitation to you to participate in Myopia Day – 2nd Edition, International Conference, which will take place on October 2–3, 2025, in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova. This landmark event brings together ophthalmologists, optometrists, students, residents, master’s students, and medical assistants in a setting dedicated to the advancement of myopia management.
The conference marks a historic milestone: the official inauguration of Moldova as a section within the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, strengthening our country’s position at the forefront of innovation in visual health.
We warmly welcome you to join us in learning, collaborating, and celebrating alongside passionate professionals from around the world!
Conference Details:
Event Name: Myopia Day
Date: October 12–13, 2023
Location: University Socio-Cultural Complex
25 Nicolae Testemițanu Street, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
E-Mail: info@okmm.md
Special Guests:
We are pleased to extend a warm invitation to participate in Myopia Day – 2nd Edition, International Conference, which will take place on October 2–3, 2025, in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova. This flagship event brings together ophthalmologists, optometrists, students, residents, master’s students, and medical assistants in a setting dedicated to advancing the field of myopia management.
The conference marks a historic milestone: the official inauguration of Moldova as a section of the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, positioning our country at the forefront of innovation in visual health.
We look forward to welcoming you to learn, collaborate, and celebrate alongside passionate professionals from around the world!
Prof. Marino Formenti
O.D., FIAO (Italy)
Prof. Marino Formenti graduated from the University of Montreal, Faculty of Optometry. He runs a private practice in Venice and has also served in the United States Air Force as a civilian optometrist in Italy for over a decade. He currently practices optometry in both Canada and Italy.
From the beginning, Myopia Control has been a cornerstone of his practice. He is a member of the International Academy of Optometry. Marino is an Associate Professor of Optometry at the University of Padua, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science. He served as President of the Italian Academy of Orthokeratology (AIOK) for three terms and is currently the Past President of the European Academy of Orthokeratology (EurOK) and President of the International Academy of Orthokeratology.
He lectures worldwide on topics related to myopia control.
Dr. Sandra Block
WCO President
Dr. Sandra S. Block, OD, DOS (h.c.), M.Ed., MPH, FAAO, Dipl. AAO, FCOVD, DAAO, FNAP, FARVO, is Professor Emeritus at the Illinois College of Optometry. She earned her Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree in 1981, followed by a residency in pediatrics (1982) at the Illinois College of Optometry, where she remained on faculty until her retirement in 2020. She also completed a Master’s in Education at National Louis University and a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Illinois, School of Public Health. Recently, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Ocular Science by the Illinois College of Optometry.
Dr. Block is a Diplomate in Public Health and Environmental Vision of the American Academy of Optometry, a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice, a Silver Fellow of ARVO (Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology), and a Fellow of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics. She served on the Board of Directors of Prevent Blindness and was recently named Emeritus Member of the Board. She was also co-chair of the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health and currently serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors of VISION 2020 USA.
From 1995 to 2022, she served as a consultant for the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program, playing a key role in the development of the globally used vision health protocol. Her professional interests include primary eye care for children and individuals with disabilities, diagnosis and treatment of vision-related learning problems, and public health issues affecting equity and quality in eye care delivery.
Dr. Block is the author of numerous publications and has presented globally. In November 2021, she was elected President-Elect of the World Council of Optometry (WCO), actively engaging in WCO’s collaboration with the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Prior to that, she served on the WCO Board of Directors as Chair of the Public Health Committee. She currently serves as President of the WCO.
Mrs. Liliana Stankova
Immediate Past President of EAOO
Liliana Stankova is a consultant in spectacles and contact lenses at her own company, Eurooptic Ltd, and a specialist in contact lenses for keratoconus and myopia management at VISION Eyeclinic in Sofia.
She graduated in 1981 as an Ophthalmic Optician from the Technical School of Fine Mechanics and Optics “Mikhail Lomonosov” in Sofia, and in 2016 earned a certification as a Contact Lens Specialist from the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences in Jena, Germany.
She is the founder of Eurooptic Academy, a vocational training center for opticians and optometrists, and holds a state license for professional education. With over 40 years of experience, she has been actively involved in educational and professional policy in optics and optometry.
As President of NABOO (2005–2009), she played a key role in changing the professional status of opticians in Bulgaria from craftsmanship to healthcare and initiated the Optometry in Bulgaria project at Sofia University. In 2016, she was named an Honorary Member of the Bulgarian Union of Optometrists (BSO).
Internationally, she served on ECOO committees, is a founding member of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO), was a Trustee (2011–2017), Vice President (2021), and became President of EAOO in 2022.
She was named Optician of the Month by the International Opticians Association (IOA) in 2019.
She speaks four languages, enjoys skiing, and exploring world cultures.
Her motto: “Whoever stops getting better, starts getting worse.”
Langis Michaud
Dr. Langis Michaud graduated from the École d’optométrie of the Université de Montréal in 1986, where he also earned a Master’s degree in Physiological Optics (1998). Additionally, he obtained a diploma in Public Administration from the École Nationale d’Administration Publique (ENAP) in 2006. He is a Full Professor and has been practicing at the Université de Montréal since 2001, serving as the Head of the Contact Lens Department. Between 2020 and 2022, he held the position of Dean of the School.
He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (Diplomate), the British Contact Lens Association, the Scleral Lens Education Society, and the European Academy of Optometry.
His main research interests include myopia control, scleral contact lenses, keratoneuralgia, and anterior segment irregularities such as keratoconus. He is also interested in the ocular manifestations of Fabry disease. Dr. Michaud has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and professional publications. He is the author of several book chapters and, more recently, co-author of the only book dedicated to myopia management.
Thanks to his expertise, he is regularly invited as a speaker at major optometry and ophthalmology conferences around the world.
Professor Brendan Barrett
Professor Brendan Barrett is a renowned optometrist and vision scientist, currently serving as Professor of Visual Development at the University of Bradford, United Kingdom. With over two decades of academic and clinical experience, his research focuses on amblyopia, binocular vision, vision and reading, and visual performance in sport.
He is widely recognized for his work in evidence-based optometric education and clinical research, and has authored numerous scientific publications in the field.
Professor Andrzej Grzybowski
MD, PhD, MBA
Andrzej Grzybowski – a distinguished ophthalmologist, professor and head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Poland. He is Director of the Institute for Research in Ophthalmology in Poznań, and a globally recognized expert in myopia, cataract surgery, and artificial intelligence in eye care.
He has authored over 500 scientific papers, contributed to major international guidelines, and is listed among the world’s top 2% most influential researchers by Stanford University.
Philip Morgan
University of Manchester, United Kingdom
Philip Morgan is a Professor of Optometry, Head of the Department of Optometry, Deputy Director of the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, and Director of Eurolens Research at the University of Manchester. He is also an Associate Professor at UNSW Sydney. His primary research interests focus on the clinical performance of contact lenses, a subject he teaches at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Since 1996, he has coordinated an annual international survey on trends in contact lens prescribing.
Philip is the President of the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) and the Manchester Statistical Society. He is also a former President of the International Society for Contact Lens Research. He is an Honorary Member of the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association of the United Kingdom, a member of the American Academy of Optometry, the British Contact Lens Association, and the College of Optometrists in the United Kingdom.
In 2014, Philip received the BCLA Medal, was the BCLA Pioneer Lecturer in 2015, and won the Max Schapero Award from the American Academy of Optometry in 2019. He has served as President and Secretary of the Manchester Optometric Society and is the coordinator of the electronic correspondence forum for optometrists in the United Kingdom.
He has published over 200 papers, primarily related to the clinical performance of contact lenses and the contact lens market in the United Kingdom and internationally. He has also delivered presentations on his work in over 30 countries worldwide.
Sarah Morgan
Fellow in Vision Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
Sarah Morgan is an optometrist who worked in clinical research at the University of Manchester, where she earned her Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree. She continues to teach and lead clinical sessions, holding the position of Fellow in Vision Sciences.
Her consultancy work includes a diverse portfolio of projects such as staff development and training, advising professional organizations, and health communication initiatives for manufacturers in the United Kingdom, Europe, and globally.
Sarah is a captivating keynote speaker and has delivered lectures across Europe, North America, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. She is a member of the American Academy of Optometry and the British Contact Lens Association.
In addition to her work in optometry, Sarah is a professional actress and musical stand-up comedian. In her free time, she enjoys creating and editing short films; The Presbyopia Song and The Myopia Control Song are examples of her creative work.
Prof. Antonio Calossi
Dip. Optometrist, FBCLA, FIACLE
He graduated in Optics from the Istituto Superiore di Optometria “Vasco Ronchi”, Vinci (FI) in 1980 and specialized in Optometry in 1983 at the IRSOO School of Optics and Optometry (Vinci, Italy). Until 1997, he was a member of Dr. Franco Verzella’s team.
Between 1988 and 1994, he was a lecturer at the IRSOO School of Optometry (Vinci, Italy). He is currently an educational consultant for schools, scientific associations, and continuing education providers.
His main areas of teaching interest include contact lenses, the anterior eye, and visual optics.
In 2007, he was appointed Professor of Contact Lenses at the University of Turin (Italy). In 2011, he was appointed Professor of Contact Lenses at the University of Florence (Italy).
He also has a specialized practice in contact lenses and optometry in Certaldo (Florence, Italy), and as an independent consultant, he is involved in research and development programs in the fields of ocular diagnostics, corneal topography, aberrometry, refractive surgery, contact lenses, and orthokeratology.
He holds a patent for orthokeratology lenses, copyright for a corneal ablation algorithm, and a formula for calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power.
He is a member of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE), the Accademia Italiana Lenti a Contatto (AILAC), and the Accademia Italiana di Ortocheratologia (AIOK).
He is also a member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS), the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), the Optical Society of America (OSA), and the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists (CLAO).
He is a founding member of the Società Optometrica Italiana (SOptI), the Accademia Italiana Lenti a Contatto (AILAC), the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO), and the European Academy of Orthokeratology (EurOK).
He has been a lecturer at the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (USA). He contributes as a reviewer for several journals. He has lectured at various optometry and ophthalmology meetings, published several scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, authored a book on the physiology of vision, a monograph on the optical quality of the cornea, and 18 book chapters in 14 ophthalmology books.
Dr. Sandro Sciacca, Italy
Executive President – European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (EurOK)
Optometrist, Expert in Orthokeratology and Myopia Management
Dr. Sandro Sciacca is a leading European expert in orthokeratology and myopia control, currently serving as the Executive President of the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (EurOK). With over 30 years of clinical experience, he is renowned for his work with RGP, scleral, and orthokeratology lenses, particularly in pediatric myopia.
He practices in Susa and Avigliana (Italy) and is the author of a widely used Italian guide on scleral contact lenses. A highly respected educator, Dr. Sciacca regularly lectures at international conferences and leads practical workshops across Europe.
Lorcan Butler
Lorcan Butler is an optometrist from the UK. Lorcan works full-time with The Brain Tumour Charity raising awareness of the detection of brain tumours through an eye examination. Lorcan is an international speaker who has spoken in numerous optometric and ophthalmology European countries and in USA. Lorcan is a Fellow of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO) and is a keen advocate of promoting clinical excellence and best-practice patient-centred care. Lorcan has had the pleasure of giving these presentations with numerous ophthalmologists and neuro-ophthalmologists and would love to pass on some clinical pearls and practical tips you can take back to practice and give you more confidence in these tricky cases.
Jaume Paune
O.D., FIAO (Spain)
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Optics and Optometry and a Master’s in Optometry and Vision Sciences from Barcelona Tech (UPC). He is currently pursuing a PhD in myopia control with peripheral gradient contact lenses. He was recognized by the Spanish National Council of Optics and Optometry for his works on “Myopia Control with Contact Lenses” in 1992 and for “A New Contact Lens Design for Night Orthokeratology in Hyperopia” in 2010. He is a member of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and holds a patent for orthokeratology lenses and two other patents for contact lens designs. He works in a clinical practice at Centro Médico Teknon in Barcelona, Spain. He is currently the Vice President of the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control.
Prof. Juan Bolivar Parra
He is a Diplomat in Optics and Optometry (OOD) from the University of Granada (1997, Spain) and an Expert in Advanced Clinical Optometry from the European University of Madrid (2005). He has been the President of the European IAOMC Fellowship since 2019 and a member of the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (Budapest, 2015). He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control.
Since 2016, he has been an external professor in advanced contactology for the Master’s program in Optics and Optometry at the University of Granada. He is a regular speaker at national and international conferences. With 25 years of experience, he managed his own clinic in southern Spain (Alcala la Real) for 20 years. His areas of expertise include advanced contactology (especially Ortho-K) and the early detection and optometric management of retinal disorders.
Pierre Brémont
Expert in contact lenses(France)
Pierre Brémont is a distinguished optometrist with a passion for vision care. He earned his Optometry degree from the prestigious University Paris XI in 2012. With a career spanning a decade, Pierre’s expertise has been instrumental in advancing orthokeratology in Europe.
Since 2010, Pierre has been deeply involved in the field of orthokeratology, significantly contributing to the growth and integration of these innovative lenses in the European market. His dedication is highlighted by his personal experience, having worn Ortho-K lenses for 7 years.
Beyond clinical practice, Pierre’s passion extends to education. He is a respected lecturer, sharing his deep knowledge of orthokeratology with professional colleagues and young optometrists. Since 2016, he has also played a crucial role in research and development at SwissLens, further solidifying his legacy as an innovator in the field.
Pierre Brémont serves on the board of directors of the EurOK association and is a distinguished member of the French Optometry Association (AOF), which demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field and collaborating with fellow experts.
In summary, Pierre Brémont is an optometrist who combines extensive experience, personal dedication, and a commitment to education to make significant contributions in the world of optometry, orthokeratology, and cutting-edge research and development in the optical industry.
Dr. Patrick Simard
OD MSc FAAO FBCLA FIACLE (Canada)
Optometrist, Board Member of the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (AAOMC)
Dr. Patrick Simard is a Canadian optometrist with a distinguished career in orthokeratology and myopia management. He is co-owner of Clinique d’Optométrie Bélanger and a clinical instructor at the School of Optometry, Université de Montréal.
As a Board Member of the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (AAOMC), Dr. Simard actively promotes clinical excellence and international education in myopia control. He holds fellowships from the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO), British Contact Lens Association (FBCLA), and the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (FIACLE).
He is co-author of the clinical guide “Managing Myopia One Child at a Time”, translated into multiple languages, and co-inventor of a patented contact lens design aimed at controlling axial elongation.
Dr. Simard is a highly respected international speaker, frequently featured at events such as Vision by Design, where he shares evidence-based, practical strategies for customized myopia management in children and young patients.
Pascal Blaser
Medical Director DACH and Global Professional Affairs Manager, Myopia – HOYA Vision Care
Pascal Blaser is a Swiss optometry specialist and an active advocate for innovation in myopia management. With extensive experience in professional education and developing personalized solutions for visual health, he currently serves as the Global Medical Affairs Manager – Myopia at HOYA Vision Care.
In this role, Pascal supports the global implementation of clinical strategies for MiyoSmart lenses, contributing to the increased awareness and professional education on controlling myopia progression among optometrists and ophthalmologists worldwide.
Previously, he held the position of Sales and Marketing Director at SwissLens SA and was the founder of Myopia.Care, a platform dedicated to developing digital tools for professionals involved in myopia treatment.
Pascal is widely recognized for his educational activities on an international level, frequently speaking at numerous conferences and scientific events dedicated to optometry and visual health.
Dr. Olga Ryabenko, M.D., FIAO
Ophthalmologist • Corneal Topography Educator • Orthokeratology Expert
Dr. Olga Ryabenko is a renowned ophthalmologist with extensive expertise in corneal topography, contact lenses, and orthokeratology. Her professional work is dedicated to the development and promotion of modern, non-surgical vision correction methods, with a special focus on orthokeratology and scleral lenses.
She is a member of the Board of Directors of the European Academy of Orthokeratology (EurOK) and an accredited expert of the International Academy of Orthokeratology in the USA (Fellow IAO). Recognized internationally, Dr. Ryabenko actively contributes to the promotion of best practices in the fitting of specialized contact lenses.
Dr. Ryabenko is also a member of the International Society for Scleral Lenses (USA), where she participates in defining and improving global standards for fitting scleral lenses for complex corneal conditions.
As a dedicated educator, Dr. Ryabenko founded the “Topography School,” an innovative educational project for ophthalmologists aimed at refining professional skills in corneal topography—an essential tool in modern refractive diagnosis and management. Through this initiative, she has made a significant contribution to training a new generation of well-prepared specialists in this niche and technical field.
Through her clinical, educational, and scientific work, Dr. Olga Ryabenko continues to have a positive influence on the ophthalmologic and orthokeratologic practices both in Europe and globally.
Dr. Gulnara Andrienko, FIAOMC, FIACLE
Specialist in Ophthalmology and Orthokeratology
With over 25 years of experience in ophthalmology, Dr. Gulnara Andrienko is a recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of vision disorders, with a particular competence in the use of gas-permeable (RGP) and orthokeratology contact lenses.
Her career in orthokeratology began in 2006, building on a solid background in fitting rigid contact lenses. Since 2013, she has been a member of the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (EurOK), where she has validated her professional excellence by earning the titles of Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC) and Fellow of the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (FIACLE).
Dr. Andrienko is also a member of the Board of Directors of the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (EurOK), where she is actively involved in promoting best practices and standards in this field.
Dr. Andrienko has participated in numerous specialized courses and seminars in orthokeratology, continuously staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and modern methods in this ever-evolving field.
Daniela Goicea
Ana Maria Sochirca
Optometrist, Repentigny, Canada
Ana Maria Sochirca is a young optometry specialist whose innovative perspectives are recognized and supported by renowned international experts. At the invitation and with the support of Professor Langis Michaud, she will present two reports at the Myopia Day Conference 2025.
The first report, titled “From Theory to Practice: The Montreal Experience Model Explained,” is a 30-minute presentation that can be delivered in the audience’s language, offering a practical insight into the implementation of innovative strategies in myopia management.
The second report, titled “Case Reports,” is a collaboration between Ana Maria Sochirca and Professor Langis Michaud, presented in English, in which relevant and applicable case studies from clinical practice will be discussed.
With a fresh approach and a passion for excellence, Ana Maria represents the new generation of optometrists dedicated to improving global visual health. Her participation highlights the importance of intergenerational collaboration in training and developing specialists in the field.
We encourage you to participate in this remarkable event, which promises to offer valuable learning experiences, idea exchanges, and lasting professional connections within the ophthalmology and optometry community. You will have the opportunity to discover innovative perspectives, interact with renowned experts, and actively contribute to shaping the future of myopia management.
We look forward to welcoming you to Myopia Day – 2nd Edition and celebrating together an important step in the development of visual health.
Sincerely,
The Myopia Day – 2nd Edition Team
