Announcement of the VDCO Peter-Abel-Award

The Association of German Contact Lens Specialists and Optometrists (VDCO) is awarding the Peter-Abel-Award for scientific work for the 27th time. The prize is awarded for innovative and outstanding work in the field of contact optics, eye physiology and optometry. The prize is offered for current scientific work that has led to the attainment of the Ph.D. degree. The winning paper will be characterised by topicality, scientific research and innovation. This year, the Peter-Abel-Award is endowed with € 2,000.00. Former awardees include Neema Ghorbani Mojarrad, Ph.D., Prof. Lyndon Jones, Ph.D., Prof. Nathan Efron, Ph.D and Dr. Janine Rolfs.

Proceedings

Applicants must submit the completed dissertation or all associated papers that led to the award of the doctoral degree / Ph.D. no more than two years ago by 9. July 2023. An international, independent jury will evaluate all submitted papers.

The award ceremony will take place on Friday, 6 October 2023 in Berlin at the VDCO annual conference as part of SICHT.KONTAKTE2023 . The Peter-Abel-Award is associated with a half-hour lecture of the award-winning topic from 2-2:25pm. Possible travel expenses for one person will be covered.

Rapid technological change and scientific progress require continuing education in the field of Eye Care

In today's world, the pace of technological change is faster than ever, and it is essential for individuals to stay current with the latest technologies, trends and best practices in their field. By continuing to learn and develop new skills, individuals can stay competitive in the job market and increase their chances of being hired or promoted. Additionally, many professions require ongoing education in order to maintain professional licenses or certifications.

For example, in the field of technology, new tools, platforms, and programming languages are constantly emerging. Those who have the skills and knowledge to work with these new technologies will be in high demand and can command higher salaries. In the medical field, new research and treatments are constantly being developed. Professionals in this field must continue to learn in order to stay current with the latest treatments and technologies and provide the best care to their patients. In addition to the legally required continuing education for ophthalmologists, only the members of the VDCO, the RAL Gütegemeinschaft Optometrische Leistungen (RAL Quality Association for Optometric Services) and the persons listed in the Optometrist-Register have a continuing education obligation in Germany to date. Compliance with the training obligation is publicly visible on the respective websites of the associations. The members are aware of their high responsibility for their patients and, through membership, contribute to the associations' ability to strengthen the professional image and shape professional policy.

Continuing education is also essential for personal development, professional advancement and competitiveness in today's rapidly changing times. In 2023, VDCO will again offer numerous continuing education courses in regional groups, seminars as well as online symposiums with top-class speakers. (see www.vdco.de) 

Optometry is a highly specialized field that requires a high level of skill, knowledge, and expertise to provide the best possible care to patients. Optometrists are often the first contact person for patients with eye and vision problems. Contact lens specialists, on the other hand, play an important role, for example, in maintaining post-operative treatment with contact lenses and contact lens fitting in children. To be successful in this field, optometrists and contact lens specialists must undergo extensive training and continue to learn and grow throughout their careers.

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