13. International Continuing Education Optometry (COE) Congress Latest findings in optometry from science and clinical practice for more than 80 graduates and students from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and numerous other countries, including those outside of Europe.
The Dean of Studies of the Master's degree program at Aalen University, Prof. Dr. Anna Nagl (left), and the more than 80 participants of the 13 International Continuing Education Optometry Congress at the End of September in Benediktbeuern; Image rights: Jirka Schiborr, Aalen University
Benediktbeuern, Germany - For the 13. time, the Aalen Friends of Optometry Association, together with Aalen University, offered an international continuing education congress for opticians on the weekend of September 20 and 21. For the 11. time, it took place at the Center for Environment and Culture (ZUK) in Benediktbeuern Monastery. Professors from the US and Germany, as well as ophthalmologists and other top-class experts, shared their knowledge. More than 80 graduates and students from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and numerous other countries, including those outside of Europe, took advantage of this opportunity to exchange ideas on the latest findings from research, science, and clinical practice in the field of optometry. Due to the international focus of the Aalen Master's program and the close cooperation with US universities, the event was held in English as usual.
This year's presentations focused on current developments such as the role of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology (Prof. Dr. Norbert Schrage), retinal vascular analysis for the detection of systemic diseases (Prof. Dr. Konstantin Kotliar), and the growing importance of visual stress caused by digital screens (Prof. Scott Cooper). Other topics included vision in sports, modern approaches to glaucoma screening, and ways to better support the treatment of amblyopia. The global problem of increasing myopia in children and adolescents was also discussed in particular.
The advanced training course in Benediktbeuern has established itself as a permanent meeting place for experts from science and practice in optics and optometry. In addition to professional development, the course also focuses on personal exchange between graduate students of Aalen University of Applied Sciences and guests and experts from all over the world. Prof. Dr. Anna Nagl, the Dean of studies of this highly successful part-time optometry master's program, is pleased that the dates for 2026 and 2027 in Benediktbeuern have already been booked: September 26 and 27, 2026, and October 2 and 3, 2027.