European Academy of Optometry and Optics

The EAOO Conference in Ljubljana celebrated outstanding contributions and talents across various categories with a series of prestigious awards recognizing excellence in research, photography, and engagement.

Karen Sparrow Best Poster Award
This year’s Best Poster Award was presented to Errica Porada, accompanied by a prize of €250. Porada’s poster stood out for its clarity, innovation, and scientific rigor.

Reflecting on the experience, Errica shared:

“Attending the EAOO Conference in Riga was a truly valuable and inspiring experience. Beyond the excellent scientific programme, it offered a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Europe, exchange ideas, and learn about the latest developments in optometry. Presenting my research at such a respected international event was already a rewarding experience, and receiving the Karen Sparrow Best Poster Award made it even more special. I am sincerely grateful to EAOO for its continued support of students and young professionals and for creating an environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and professional growth.”

EAOO Student Researcher and Early Career Researcher Grant
Kashav Acharya was honored with the Student Researcher and Early Career Researcher Grant, receiving €1,000 to support her ongoing research and professional development within the field of ocular optics.

Kashav Acharya, recipient of the EAOO Student Researcher and Early Career Researcher Grant, said:
“I would like to thank the EAOO for this incredible recognition. From dreaming of presenting at the EAOO Conference to receiving the EAOO Student Researcher and Early Career Researcher Grant, this journey has been truly rewarding. I am deeply honored and grateful. This recognition inspires me to continue contributing to optometry research and making a positive impact on society. I sincerely thank my supervisors for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my research journey”

Ocular Photography Contest — Posterior Segment
Matic Vogric won the Posterior Segment category of the Ocular Photography Contest. As part of the prize, Matic has been awarded free registration for the next EAOO Conference in Berne 2027.

Matic shared his thoughts on receiving the award:

“One of the things I enjoy most about conferences like EAOO is seeing how colleagues approach similar clinical challenges and learning from their experiences. Technology has become an important part of modern eye care, not only for diagnosis but also for tracking progress over time. Sharing images, OCT scans, and other clinical records helps us better understand changes between visits, communicate findings more effectively, and ultimately make better decisions for our patients. It is a great reminder of the value of keeping good records and using them to demonstrate real outcomes.”

Ocular Photography Contest — Anterior Segment
The Anterior Segment category was won by Kristīne Kalniča-Dorošenko, who also received free registration for the upcoming Berne 2027 conference as his award.

Sponsors Engagement Awards
Award recognizing exceptional engagement with EAOO sponsors were given to Elena Romani. She has been granted complimentary conference fees for the EAOO 2027 meeting in Berne.

Elena Romani, recipient of the Sponsors Engagement Awards, said:

“Attending the EAOO Conference in Riga was my very first EAOO experience, and it was truly inspiring. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the impeccable organization, the warm atmosphere, and the high quality of the activities. The workshops were extremely interesting and engaging; my only regret was not having had enough time to attend them all. At the beginning of the conference, a student volunteer from the University of Riga gave me a sheet to collect stamps from the different sponsors’ stands. Once completed, the sheet allowed participants to enter a draw for the chance to attend the next EAOO Congress free of charge. On Sunday, the last day of the conference, I had to leave early to catch my flight. While I was already on my way, I suddenly received a flood of messages from friends and colleagues telling me that my ticket had been drawn. I had won the opportunity to attend the EAOO Congress in Switzerland in 2027!!!!WOOOOWWW

I felt doubly happy: first, because I truly loved the conference and its inspiring professional atmosphere; and second, because I usually never win anything but this time, surprisingly, I did! This experience made my first EAOO Conference even more memorable. I am very grateful to the EAOO, to the organizers, to the volunteers, and to everyone who contributed to making the Riga conference such a special event. I look forward with great enthusiasm to the next EAOO Congress in Switzerland”

For the first time at the conference, an Optical Escape Room was introduced as a new interactive activity, sponsored by Hoya Vision Care. The event was a great success and added a fun, engaging experience for all participants. The Dublin team performed exceptionally well and won the prize, taking top honours in this year’s challenge.

The awards highlight the commitment of the EAOO community to fostering research excellence, creative talent, and active involvement, ensuring the continued success and growth of the organization.

Congratulations to all the winners!