When vision changes, we must also be prepared to look beyond the symptoms and understand what lies behind them. Doing so requires clinical expertise, continuous learning, and increasingly, collaboration across professional boundaries. These themes were reflected at the Oulu Optometria Forum 2026 (OOF26) in September.
Ageing brings many changes to vision, but the cause is not always normal ageing or a refractive change that can be corrected with spectacles. Underlying factors may include eye diseases, previous surgical procedures, systemic health conditions, and other changes affecting functional ability.
These topics were at the heart of Oulu Optometria Forum 2026, where participants examined the vision of ageing patients from multiple perspectives and discussed the expertise and collaboration required to meet evolving patient needs in optometric practice.
From intraocular lenses to dementia
The programme opened with Anssi Hakala, Lead Optometrist for Hospital Services at Silmäasema, whose responsibilities include pre- and postoperative assessments in refractive surgery. Hakala introduced participants to the world of intraocular lenses and discussed what optometrists should know when examining patients who have undergone lens replacement or cataract surgery. He also led the microscopy workshop during the day.
Kirsi Heino, Optometrist and Orthoptist, explored the impact of the most common eye diseases on vision and examined how disease-specific characteristics should be considered in low vision assessment and refraction. These practical perspectives were further reinforced in a workshop focusing on low vision aids and assistive devices.
In the afternoon, Sofia Josefsson, Optometrist at CooperVision, discussed the fitting of multifocal contact lenses for presbyopic patients and how successful fitting outcomes and long-term lens wear can be supported.
Ulla Kaikkonen from the Oulu Region Memory Association brought an important perspective on dementia and on meeting the needs of patients living with memory disorders in clinical practice. In the final lecture session of the day, Tiina Pesonen, Doctor of Health Sciences and Optometrist, together with Heidi Siira, University Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, examined the relationships between vision impairment, ageing, functional ability, and coping with everyday life.
Remote participants also had access to a pre-recorded lecture by Hanna Miettinen, who presented a clinical guideline for examining older patients based on her Master’s thesis work.
Ageing challenges us to look beyond professional boundaries
In her closing remarks, Riikka Torvela, Chair of the Finnish Association of Optometrists (SOA), reminded participants that when an older patient experiences changes in vision, the situation should be assessed from a sufficiently broad perspective. While some changes can be addressed with spectacles or other vision correction, there may also be underlying factors that require further investigation or consideration.
Although collaboration with ophthalmologists remains essential, the needs of an ageing population highlight the growing importance of broader multidisciplinary cooperation. Alongside vision, it is increasingly important to understand how hearing, cognition, memory, and systemic health conditions affect an individual’s overall functional ability.
Torvela also emphasised the importance of lifelong learning. Optometrists need an ever-broader understanding of the world around them and should be willing to explore perspectives beyond their own traditional professional viewpoint.
Warm atmosphere and a record-breaking professional exhibition
Once again, OOF26 brought together optometry professionals, students, and companies in Oulu as well as online participants. While attendance figures did not break records this year, the atmosphere certainly did.
Participant feedback identified the event atmosphere as one of the day’s greatest strengths. Open comments described the event as “extremely positive and welcoming.” The programme and speakers also received high praise. Particularly encouraging was the appreciation participants expressed for the inclusion of fresh perspectives alongside familiar clinical topics, as well as contributions from experts beyond the immediate field of optometry.
The professional exhibition was the largest in the event’s history. Throughout the day, it provided an important platform for meetings, discussions, and networking between industry representatives and eye care professionals.
A warm thank you to all exhibitors and partners, as well as to the event’s principal sponsors, Fenno Optiikka and Näköasiantuntijat.
Record number of students attended OOF26
This year, OOF26 welcomed a record number of optometry students on site. To lower the threshold for future professionals to participate, companies within the optical industry were offered the opportunity to sponsor student attendance.
Special thanks go to Brillet, Hoya, and Specsavers for making student participation possible. It is important that future optometrists have opportunities already during their studies to attend professional education events, meet industry professionals and companies, and begin building their own professional networks.
Students once again played a key role in organising the event
Oulu Optometry Forum was once again organised through collaboration between NÄE ry and Oulu University of Applied Sciences. The event was planned and delivered by final-year optometry students Maura Keränen, Pinja Koskinen, Roosa Liikanen, and Milla Pöyhönen as part of their thesis project.
The student team’s contribution was visible in every aspect of the event, from initial planning to the practical execution of the day. A big thank you to Maura, Pinja, Roosa, and Milla for organising an outstanding OOF26.
We would also like to thank all speakers, exhibitors, partners, and both in-person and online participants for a successful and inspiring day together.
