The first Aloeo conference in Lecce

Last week's two packed days of meetings and sharing On February 2 and 3, Lecce and the University of Salento hosted the first Aloeo conference in a relaxed atmosphere oriented toward sharing. The association that unites graduates in optics and optometry scheduled two packed days and arranged for talks by various important speakers. The conference was opened by Dr. Maurizio Martino, the coordinator of the optics and optometry degree course at Salento University, who emphasized the commitment by the University of Lecce and its complete willingness towards the initiative.   The conference work was opened by optometrist Jeff Longoni, who described the "VisionOttica Award" project, a Vision Group scholarship for the best dissertation of all Italian universities.   Subsequently, the participants separated in accordance with the section chosen; obviously, the areas concerned the subjects of optometry and contactology.   In the optometry section, optometrists Luigi Seclì and Giuseppe Sicoli presented, respectively, a vision model that focused on neurophysiological aspects, and an explanation of posture in relation to the vision system.   Catello Scarfato, orthoptist and Optics and Optometry undergraduate, presented a paper on low vision in which he defined and explained how to quantify the residual sight of a patient with low vision and demonstrated a variety of optical aids.   In the contactology section, Manca Ivan presented "A systematic approach to simplifying the application of rigid gas permeable (RGP) and soft contact lenses for keratoconic and irregular corneas"; Dr. Rossella Fonte discussed her "Observation and assessment of the lipid component of tear film and meibomian glands as an element that determines the comfort of contact lenses".   The afternoon was devoted to the members' meeting. Various subjects were discussed, including activities, work carried out and future developments, with the complete and satisfactory member participation in the talks and the debates that followed. In particular, complete satisfaction was expressed with regard to the work carried out on the code of ethics and it will be further improved thanks to the active input of participants.   On the last day of the conference, Spanish optometrist Dr. Rafaela Garrido presented her research into the risk factors of and protection from progressive myopia. The important parts included a demonstration of vision development and the various causes of myopia, such as lifestyles that are increasingly centered on nearness.   This was followed by Dr. Paolo Tacconella, optometrist and neuropsychologist, whose talk focused on the practice of optometry and test methods. He criticized the underlying concepts and underscored the absolute necessity for measurement, assessment and, lastly, the interpretation of test results.   The work by new Optics and Optometry graduates began on Monday afternoon.   Federica Cozza, Sofia Vicentini, Umberto Bassi, Chiara Langella and Giovanni Cavalieri gave precise presentations of the form and content of their degree dissertations.   In this regard, thanks go to the scientific committee composed of Domenico Brigida (professor at UNILE), Luigi Amendola (UNINA graduate) and Pio Alfonso Russo (professor at UNI Roma3).   The subjects handled by the recent graduates: Federica Cozza discussed disparity of fixation through the MKH method; Sofia Vicentini talked about the relationship between posture and vision; Giovanni Cavalieri presented a neurological approach centered on the virtual reality of optometry; Chiara Langella discussed the creation of lenses; Umberto Bassi carried out research in contactology and evaluated two types of contact lenses in relation to meibomian gland efficiency.   The following is an excerpt from the speech by Domenico Brigida, vice president of Federottica:   "Thanks to the Directive for choosing Puglia to organize the first ALOeO conference.   "In Puglia I am a modest testimony to the promotion of optometry studies at an increasingly higher level, having started my teaching career in September 1982 at the Istituto Superiore di Optometria, Bari, and now at the University of Salento, Lecce; I am flattered and honored by the presence of many of my former students who are now opticians and optometrists."   The conference ended with thanks to those who took part and for the considerable interest shown in the activities and the association, which was able to accept new enrollments.