Näe2026 Optometry Days brought together professionals from the eye care and eye health sectors in Helsinki. The customer-centric theme “Asiakas keskiössä” ran through the event’s educational content and was also reflected in the awards given to influential figures in the field. Riikka Torvela was named Optometrist of the Year.
Held in Helsinki on February 6–7, 2026, the Näe2026 Optometry Days offered up-to-date perspectives on clinical optometry work, the changing needs of customers, and the future of vision care. The training days also highlighted the role of optometrists as part of the broader eye care system.
The Optometry Days culminated in a cocktail reception, during which prestigious awards were presented. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Optometrist of the Year award.
“We tune the most important human sense to its full potential”
Riikka Torvela, an optometrist and Master of Health Care, Clinical Optometry, from Oulu, was selected as Optometrist of the Year 2025. She is actively involved in developing the field, as an educator and as chair of the Finnish Association of Optometry Professionals (Soa).
Ms. Torvela describes her work with passion and deep professional pride. She emphasizes the importance of the eye care sector as part of people’s everyday lives and well-being.
“We are professionals who can tune one of the most important senses to its full potential. I am extremely grateful and honored by this selection. This is one of the most important moments of my career.”
Ms. Torvela’s career has seen several turning points, one of which was her appointment as chairman of the Optometry Professionals Association (Soa). This opened up the opportunity to move from store work to become the head of the vision care division at Instrumentarium. However, she has maintained her connection with the customer interface.
“I still work in the store every couple of weeks because the work done at the customer interface is extremely important.”
Ms. Torvela sees her diverse job description as an asset.
“The best thing right now is that my work consists of so many different things, but customers and eye health are at the center of everything I do.”
Ms. Torvela also highlights the rapid development of the sector and the value of intergenerational expertise.
“I am happy that I studied and worked during a time when I was able to witness the tremendous development of this field. We have professionals who graduated at different times, and each of them brings their own strengths to everyday work. When we listen to each other and learn from each other, everyone gets to shine.”
The development of the field, sharing expertise, and learning together are key reasons why Torvela is widely respected in the eye care sector.
“Riikka is an optical professional who understands both the everyday workings of the field and its development needs. Her work strongly reflects the values that the Optometrist of the Year award seeks to highlight at a time when the role of the eye care sector as part of the healthcare service system is growing stronger,” says Panu Tast, CEO of the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare Näe ry.
Eye care experts awarded medals of merit
During the Näe2026 Optometry Days, Näe ry also awarded seven medals of merit to distinguished experts in the eye care sector in recognition of their long-term work in the field.
Gold medal of merit:
- Pasi Anttila, CEO of Instru Optiikka Oy, for his long-term board work for the Finnish Commerce Federation and Federation of Finnish Special Commodity Trade ETU, and for advancing the field in general.
- Kimmo Veikkolainen, CEO of Optifin Oy, for his long-term entrepreneurship and successful generational change.
Silver Medal of Merit:
- Jussi Kärhä, Account Manager, Synsam Group Finland, participation in updating the national safety glasses guidelines
- Samuel Kaseva, Senior Coordinator, EssilorLuxottica, participation in updating the national safety glasses guidelines
- Tuomas Juustila, Senior Lecturer and Head of Degree Program, Oulu University of Applies Sciences, diverse activities alongside teaching
- Seija Säynäjäkangas, Lecturer of Optometry, Oulu University of Applies Sciences, extensive work promoting the field alongside teaching
- Kasperi Kankare, Key Account Manager, iCare Finland Oy, two two-year terms on the board of Näe ry.
For further information, please contact:
Panu Tast, CEO, the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare Näe ry,
tel. +358 40 542 2227, panu.tast@naery.fi
Riikka Torvela, Chair of the Board, The Finnish Professionals of Optometry (Soa)
tel. +358 40 538 5108, riikka.torvela@erto.fi
