Speakers
Dr Kate Gifford
Optometrist, GradCertOcTher, FBCLA, FIACLE, FCCLSA, FAAO, GAICD.
Dr Kate Gifford is an internationally renowned clinician-scientist optometrist, Visiting Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology, Australia and co-founder of Myopia Profile, the world-leading educational platform for childhood myopia management. Kate holds a PhD in contact lenses and binocular vision in myopia, four professional fellowships, 100+ publications and has given over 300 lectures internationally. She is Chair of the International Myopia Institute Clinical Management Guidelines committee. Kate has won multiple honours including QUT Young Alumnus of the Year, BCLA President’s Award for Excellence and the GSLS Rising Star Award. Her experience spans across clinical practice, research, education and professional leadership, both in Australia and globally.
Lorcan Butler BSc (Hons)
BSc (Hons) MCOptom, Prof Cert Paediatric Eye Care, FAAO, FEAOO
Mr Butler is a clinical optometrist with 20 years of experience providing primary eye care in Ireland, the UK, and New Zealand. His extensive career has equipped him with a broad skillset in comprehensive eye examinations, contact lens fitting, and the detection of ocular disease. Practising across three countries has fostered adaptability and a patient-centred approach, allowing him to deliver high-quality, personalised vision care while prioritising preventative eye health.
Mr Butler has developed a particular expertise in neuro-optometry and neuro-ophthalmology. He is deeply involved in the assessment and monitoring of patients with complex conditions such as adult and paediatric brain tumours, papilloedema, and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). Furthermore, he possesses a strong understanding of non-glaucomatous optic neuropathies, contributing to his ability to provide comprehensive and nuanced care for patients with a wide range of visual and neurological conditions.
Beyond his extensive clinical practice, Mr Butler demonstrates significant leadership within the optometry profession. He actively contributes to the advancement of the field as an Education Committee member for both the European Academy of Optometry & Optics and, beginning in July 2025, the World Council of Optometry. This commitment extends to collaborative roles, notably as co-chair of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Eyecare Symposium, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Mr Butler further solidifies his influence as a Council member of the United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Ophthalmic Professionals (UKISOP), showcasing a dedication to professional development and the highest standards of eye care practice. His management experience highlights a commitment not only to patient care, but also to shaping the future of optometry on a European and global scale.
Mr Butler has had numerous articles published in Optometry & Ophthalmology press.
Mr Butler actively shares his expertise as an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Optometry at the University of Central Lancashire, and is a sought-after Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and lecturer, regularly presenting at conferences throughout the UK and Europe.
Mec. Grzegorz Wymysłowski
Attorney-at-law
He specialises in: legal services, audits of healthcare providers and pharmacies, defence in professional liability cases, and civil litigation.
Areas of law: medical law, civil law.
Education: graduate of an interdisciplinary degree programme in Law and Finance and Accounting at Kozminski University in Warsaw (2015). He completed a postgraduate course in medical law organised by the Institute of Legal Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences (2022).
Experience: he worked as a legal editor for the journal *Polski Prawnik* (2015), then at the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (2016–2018), and subsequently at state-owned companies (2018–2021). He has been working with the firm since 2021.
Lek. Sebatian Gajda
MD, Ophthalmologist
I am an eye specialist and an experienced ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ clinical experience. I graduated with honours from medical school in Warsaw and subsequently completed my specialisation in ophthalmology at a clinic in the capital, also with honours.
I specialise in cataract surgery and the correction of vision defects. I have performed over 10,000 cataract operations, including many difficult, complicated and revision cases. On a daily basis, I use modern premium lenses, including multifocal, EDOF and toric lenses, performing over 1,000 such procedures a year.
I have gained my surgical experience both in Poland and abroad, including in England, India and Egypt.
I am also actively involved in training the next generation of ophthalmologists, delivering training courses for junior cataract surgeons.
Pawel Lasocha, MPharm
MSPharm, AAHIVP, BC-ADM, BCPS, CDCES, FLS, The University of Vermont
Paweł Łasocha is a clinical pharmacist with over ten years of experience in clinical care, academia, and the healthcare sector. Currently working in endocrinology at the University of Vermont, he provides direct patient care and leads a pharmacist-run obesity management clinic. His main areas of specialization include diabetes, obesity, cardiometabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis.He holds the following certifications: BC-ADM, BCPS, CDCES, and AAHIVP. In 2026, he serves as President of the Vermont Pharmacists Association. He is also an invited conference speaker and an independent consultant, with a particular interest in healthcare innovation and educating future generations of physicians and pharmacists.
Dr hab. Jacek Pniewski, prof. ucz.
PhD, DSc., Associate Professor, Head of the Optometry and Ophthalmic Optics Programme at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw
University professor (University of Warsaw). A physicist by training, specializing in optics. Director of studies in ocular optics and optometry at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw (FUW), with which he has been associated since its inception in 2009. Head of the Academic Center for Optometrist Education at FUW. Co-author of over 70 scientific articles in physical optics and optometry (ORCID: 0000-0002-6169-120X). Supervisor of three defended and several ongoing doctoral dissertations and nearly 100 theses at both first- and second-cycle levels.
Experienced educator, education organizer, and tireless science popularizer. Author of over 120 industry-specific review articles in optics and optometry. Chairman, and formerly member, of the Accreditation Committee for Ocular Optics and Optometry. Recipient of six awards and a distinction from the Rector of the University of Warsaw for his scientific, teaching, and organizational achievements. He was awarded the Bronze Badge of the National Chamber of Optics "for his contribution to Polish optics." His research interests encompass the broad field of vision science, from the mathematical foundations of refraction, through the operation of optometric instruments, the physical aspects of modern vision correction methods, to vision rehabilitation and artificial intelligence.
Dr n. med. Hanna Buczkowska
PhD., Optometrist, Orthopist
Dr Hanna Buczkowska, MD, is a graduate of the Optometry programme at the Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, from which she graduated in 2005. Furthermore, in 2007 she passed the state examination for the profession of orthoptist and obtained a diploma confirming her qualifications in this profession. Since 2007, she has been employed at the K. Marcinkowski Medical University in Poznań, currently at the Department of Optometry within the Chair of Eye Diseases and Optometry, where she holds the post of assistant professor. Between 2013 and 2014, she took part in a pioneering online course entitled ‘Amblyopia / Strabismus I’ organised by the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. She was awarded a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree in 2016. She teaches courses in, amongst other things, optometric examination, vision rehabilitation, paediatric optometry, and practical methods for assessing visual perception and binocular vision.She is the author and co-author of scientific papers and conference presentations. She has been practising optometry since 2005, and since 2007 has specialised primarily in paediatric optometry and vision rehabilitation. Since 2009, she has been coordinating, together withher husband, the ‘Bartymeusz’ project, as part of humanitarian optometry, the aim of which is to carry out free eye tests and provide spectacles tothe poor and homeless in Poland and Moldova. In January 2021, she obtained a diploma in coaching from SWPS University. She is the initiator, programme designer and director of the Postgraduate Studies in Visual Rehabilitation at the Medical University of Poznań. Since 2025, she has been involved
Dr n. med. Patryk Młyniuk
PhD., Optometrist
An optometrist and university lecturer. He completed his Master’s degree in optometry at the Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, part of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, and subsequently obtained a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree. He currently works as an assistant professor in the Department of Eye Diseases at the Collegium Medicum of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Bydgoszcz, where he undertakes teaching and research activities at the Faculty of Medicine. He successfully combines his academic work with clinical practice, being affiliated with the Oftalmika Ophthalmology Clinic in Bydgoszcz. In his day-to-day practice, he focuses primarily on the anterior segment of the eye, including keratoconus and the fitting of soft and rigid contact lenses. He plays an active role in the diagnostic and therapeutic process, including in the fields of cataract surgery and laser vision correction. He is the author and co-author of numerous scientific publications and conference presentations on topics including contact lenses, keratoconus, corneal biomechanics, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and modern diagnostic methods in ophthalmology. His research interests focus in particular on the use of advanced imaging technologies in the diagnosis and monitoring of eye diseases.
Dr n. fiz. Monika Wojtczak-Kwaśniewska
PhD., Optometrist
She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biophysics, specialising in Ophthalmic Optics, and was awarded her Bachelor’s degree in 2012. In 2014, she was awarded a Master’s degree in Optometry from the same university. She completed a two-year scholarship programme for optometrists organised by Alcon in the United Kingdom. She was a doctoral student at the Laboratory of Vision Physics and Optometry at Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM) from 2014 to 2020. In 2022, she was awarded a PhD in the field of exact and natural sciences, in the discipline of physical sciences (in the field of vision sciences) – the title of her doctoral thesis was ‘Cortical sources of vergence eye movements’.She is a lecturer and research fellow at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, affiliated with the Laboratory of Vision Physics and Optometry, where she also carried out her doctoral research on the neurophysiology of eye movements. She has presented the results of her research at numerous national and international conferences. She delivers lectures and runs workshops on optometry.She is the author of academic and popular science publications in the fields of optometry and neuroscience. She is a member of the Polish Society of Optometry and Optics.In her professional practice, she specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of visual impairments in children and adults, such as refractive errors, visual impairment, strabismus, accommodation-convergence disorders, oculomotor dysfunctions, visual difficulties with learning and reading, visual perception disorders, and visual deficits in neurological patients; she also monitors the progression of myopia.
Dr n. fiz. Rafał Brygoła
PhD., Optometrist
Dr Rafał Brygoła – a qualified optometrist , holding a PhD in Physical Sciences. He is an experienced optometrist and lecturer at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, where he serves as a teaching assistant at the Academic Centre for Optometrist Training. He graduated in Optometry from the Wrocław University of Technology and specialises in contact lens fitting and eye care. He is the author of numerous scientific publications and also conducts training courses for specialists in the optical industry. If you are looking for professional optometric care in Warsaw, book an appointment!Professional experience:• Clinical work: Dr Brygoła combines his academic duties with clinical practice at the AXIS Eye Optometry and Ophthalmology Centre. As an optometrist in Warsaw, he specialises in contact lens fitting, spectacle optics, and the promotion of eye health and hygiene. He sees patients not only in Warsaw but also at many other centres across Poland.• Specialist training: As an expert in her field, she delivers training courses for specialists on the fitting of soft contact lenses for Alcon and Johnson & Johnson.If you are looking for professional optometric care, book a consultation with an experienced specialist and look after your eyesight!Scientific publications:Dr Brygoła is the author of numerous publications on contact lenses and health and safety in the context of eye protection in the workplace.
Dr Maciej Perdziak
PhD., Optometrist
Dr Maciej Perdziak – a graduate in spectacle optics and optometry from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. He completed his doctoral studies at the Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences, where in 2019 he successfully defended his doctoral thesis with distinction, entitled: ‘Development of a method and investigation of the temporal parameters of saccadic responses in individuals with anisometropia and strabismus’ and was awarded a PhD in biomedical engineering. Author of numerous scientific publications and conference presentations. He is a lecturer at the Department of Optometry, Karol Marcinkowski Medical University in Poznań. His current research interests focus on eye movement disorders in neurodegenerative and mental health conditions, progressive myopia, paediatric optometry, and the search for new methods useful in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of the visual system.
Dr n. fiz. Monika Czaińska
PhD., Optometrist
Optometrist, optician, lecturer at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. PhD in Physical Sciences, specialising in biophysics. The subject of her doctoral thesis was ‘The application of electrophysiological methods to the study of cortical summation and suppression’. Co-founder of a foundation supporting optometric diagnosis and rehabilitation, as well as neurotherapy, in Poznań. She runs her own optometry practice and has been involved, both scientifically and clinically, in binocular vision disorders – their diagnosis and treatment options – for many years.
Dr n. med. Joanna Przeździecka-Dołyk
MD, PhD, Ophthalmologist, OD, Optometrist
She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University of Wrocław in 2011, obtaining the title of doctor of medicine. Between 2011 and 2016, she conducted research as part of her doctoral studies at the Department of Clinical Immunology and the Clinic of Vascular, General and Transplant Surgery at the Medical University of Wrocław. She was awarded a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree on 24 June 2016, with distinction.She completed postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology at Wrocław University of Technology in 2013, qualifying as an optometrist. She had her qualifications recognised by NHS Scotland in 2014, obtaining the title of Optometry Doctor (O.D.).Between 2012 and 2017, she undertook specialist training in Ophthalmology at the Department and Clinic of Ophthalmology, as well as specialist training and placements both in Poland and abroad. She sat her specialisation examinations on 5–7 June 2017 in Paris, obtaining the title of specialist in eye diseases and the international qualification of Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology.Between 2016 and 2018, she undertook a postgraduate course in Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Edinburgh. In 2018, she sat her examinations and completed her thesis under the supervision of Prof. Susan Lightman, obtaining the title of Chirurgiae Master in Clinical Ophthalmology, and was admitted to the ranks of permanent collaborators at the University and NHS Scotland.Since 2016, he has been collaborating on research with the Piastów Śląskich Medical University, Wrocław University of Technology and the Academy of Physical Education, in the areas of scientific research and the supervision of Master’s and PhD students.He is the author of numerous publications, translations and textbooks in the fields of Ophthalmology and General Medicine.
Mgr Dominika Olkowska
MSc., Optometrist, President of Polish Optometric Association
Dominika Olkowska – an optometrist, an expert in eye health, and Medical & Professional Affairs Manager for Poland and the Baltics at EssilorLuxottica. She is Chair of the Polish Society of Optometry and Optics (PTOO), where she works actively to promote the development of optometry, raise standards of patient care, and foster integration within the eye care profession.
She is the first Polish woman and currently the only European representative on the Public Health Committee of the World Council of Optometry (WCO). She completed the prestigious international leadership programme OPAL (Optometric Professional Advocacy Leadership), run by the World Council of Optometry in collaboration with Indiana University, which prepares leaders to advance optometry and public health initiatives at an international level. As part of her work, she collaborates with experts from around the world on initiatives relating to prevention, public health and the development of modern optometry.
She has been involved in scientific and educational activities for many years. She is the author of numerous publications in the fields of optometry and ophthalmology, a speaker at national and international conferences, and an organiser of scientific events dedicated to eye health. Her particular areas of interest include the management of myopia, the ocular surface, public health and the implementation of innovative technologies in clinical practice.
She is also actively involved in charitable work. She organises and coordinates the activities of the OneSight Foundation in Poland, running programmes that provide access to eye tests and glasses for people at risk of social exclusion. Together with a team of volunteers, she organises preventative and support campaigns, helping children and adults for whom access to ophthalmological and optometric care is limited.
For her work in promoting healthcare, education and optometry, she was named one of the 100 most influential women in healthcare in Poland, receiving the title ‘Woman of the Healthcare Market’ at the 11th Congress on Health Challenges.
In her day-to-day work, she combines scientific knowledge with clinical practice, supporting the development of eye care specialists and promoting evidence-based practice.
Mgr Sylwia Kijewska
MSc., Optometrist, Vice-President of Polish Optometric Association
A graduate in optometry and spectacle optics from the University of Warsaw. She specialises in eye examinations and prescribing corrective lenses for adults and children. Over the past few years, she has worked for one of the leading medical companies, collaborating closely with ophthalmologists to provide eye care for patients.
She continues to develop her knowledge and skills by actively participating in training courses and conferences both in Poland and abroad. She is the author of articles in both specialist and general-interest publications. She is Vice-Chair of the Board of the Polish Society of Optometry and Optics. In recent years, she has been actively involved in raising public awareness of eye care and promoting the importance of regular eye examinations from an early age.
The issue of myopia is particularly close to her heart. She takes great satisfaction in helping to raise awareness amongst specialists and parents about monitoring myopia in children, particularly through safe, non-invasive and effective methods
Mgr Joanna Burszewska
MSc., Optometrist
An optometrist, vision therapist and owner of the Harmonia Widzenia practice in Turek. A graduate of Wrocław University of Technology, where she completed a five-year Master’s degree in Technical Physics, specialising in Biomedical Engineering – Biomedical Optics, and was awarded the title of Master of Engineering. In 2012, she completed a postgraduate course in OPTOMETRY at the Wrocław University of Technology. She has been involved in optometry, vision diagnostics and vision therapy for over a dozen years, with a particular interest in binocular vision disorders and the visual functioning of children and adults.She actively participates in conferences and educational events, including as a speaker. Her areas of interest also include the impact of systemic pharmacotherapy on the eye and the integration of knowledge from the fields of pharmacology, optometry and biomedical sciences. She is currently learning sign language, gaining a deeper understanding of the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing people and exploring ways to provide them with more accessible and better-tailored care in the field of eye health and visual function
Mgr Konrad Abramczuk
MA, Optometrist, MBA (HC), FEAOO, General Secretary of Polish Optometric Association
Konrad Abramczuk, MBA (HC), FEAOO – Optometrist and optician. A graduate of the postgraduate programme in optometry at the University of Silesia in Katowice and the postgraduate programme in Vision Rehabilitation at the Medical University of Poznań. He also completed an MBA in Healthcare, which focused on organisational and management issues within the Polish healthcare system.He is a highly regarded academic lecturer at the Faculty of Exact and Technical Sciences at the University of Silesia in Katowice. His international experience includes active participation in key industry organisations. He is an active member of the Board of the Polish Society of Optometry and Optics (PTOO) and a delegate to the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO). Konrad Abramczuk is also a member of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO), and in 2025 he was awarded the prestigious title of Fellow of the Academy (FEAOO).He is Editor-in-Chief of OPTYKA, a bimonthly trade journal for eye care professionals, which, as the leader in the optical sector, has the widest readership among optical journals in Poland. In his work, he values open-mindedness and freedom of expression among the authors, who, as leading authorities in the field, are keen to share their knowledge in the pages of the magazine.His specialism encompasses the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of visual impairments and binocular vision disorders in both children and adults. In his work, he combines a modern approach with sound knowledge based on scientific research and extensive clinical experience.
Mgr Dorota Wawrzyniak-Szewczyk
MSc., Optometrist
A graduate of Wrocław University of TechnologyCurrently an optometrist at the SwissLaser Clinic in Warsaw, where she carries out pre-operative assessments of patients prior to LKW, ICL, RLE and CXL procedures
Mgr Aleksandra Fojcik
MSc., Optometrist
An optometrist and PhD student at Wrocław University of Technology in the field of biomedical engineering. Her research focuses on the analysis of biomedical data, signal and medical image processing, and the application of statistical and computational methods in optometry and ophthalmology. Her research interests include myopia, the biomechanics and biometrics of the eye, and the analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) images.She is currently conducting research into the relationship between near work and the prevalence of myopia in young adults, taking into account the functional, anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the eye. She is also developing her skills in data analysis and artificial intelligence, acquired, amongst other things, during her postgraduate studies in Data Science, which open up opportunities to apply AI methods in research on biomedical data and images.She has presented her research findings at international scientific conferences, including those organised by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and Visual and Physiological Optics (VPO).
Mgr Aleksandra Kościółek
MSc., Optometrist
An optometrist and PhD student at the Wrocław University of Technology, in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Her research focuses on the progression of myopia in young adults, the assessment of the eye’s microstructure using OCT imaging, and the analysis of environmental factors associated with near vision tasks. In her work, she combines optometric methods, biomedical imaging and data analysis. She has presented her research findings at international conferences including ARVO, the American Academy of Optometry and Visual and Physiological Optics
Mgr Mikołaj Jan Zawłocki
MSc., Optometrist
A future optometrist – currently a fifth-year student of Optometry at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. Founder and organiser of the humanitarian project ‘An Eye on Tanzania’, which aimed to carry out field optometric examinations of poor and vulnerable people in Tanzania (February 2026).
Mgr Beata Stroynowska-Cichoń
MSc., Optometrist
An optometrist affiliated with the 1st Department of Ophthalmology at University Clinical Hospital No. 2 in Szczecin since 2018. She combines her academic and research work at the Pomeranian Medical University with clinical practice. She is a member of the therapeutic team performing refractive procedures; she also carries out imaging examinations and fits contact lenses for patients with corneal conditions.
Mgr Anna Szymańska
MSc., Optometrist, Orthoptist
She works at the University Clinical Hospital No. 2 of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, where, as an optometrist, she coordinates the work of the ophthalmology clinic.In her clinical work, she is particularly interested in corneal diseases and the use of imaging tests in optometric practice. She also takes part in research projects, within which she manages patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).In her day-to-day work, she prioritises an individualised approach to each patient, the practical application of available diagnostic methods, and the selection of specialist optical solutions tailored to the patient’s needs and visual capabilities.
Mgr Patrycja Piwowarczyk
MSc., Optometrist
An optometrist and PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the Wrocław University of Technology.In her research, she combines clinical practice with advancedanalysis of biomedical data, focusing on the development of diagnostics forDry Eye Syndrome and the optimisation of pre-operative procedures for cataract surgery.She is gaining research experience as a research fellow on the SONATA BIS(NCN) project under the supervision of Dr Dorota Szczęsna-Iskander, Prof. at the Wrocław University of Technology. In herwork, she utilises machine learning algorithms and statistical analysismethods, contributing to the development of methods for assessing the morphology ofand the stability of the tear film.She is a co-author of publications in scientific journals (including *Clinical Ophthalmology*,*Ophthalmology and Therapy*) and the author of scientific papers presentedat international and national conferences (including EuDEC, VPO, Optometria)
Prof. Robert D. Iskander
Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Wrocław University of Technology. Director of the Health Tech Synergy Hub.
Prof. D. Robert Iskander works in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wrocław University of Technology. He was awarded his PhD in 1997 (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) and his habilitation in 2010 (Silesian University of Technology). In February 2021, he was awarded the title of Professor of Engineering and Technical Sciences. His professional career began at the Łódź University of Technology, where he studied and started his academic career as a research assistant, followed by a stay of almost 20 years in Australia (at Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University), to the Wrocław University of Technology, where he began working in 2010. His research focuses primarily on signal and image processing methods and their applications in ophthalmology, but he also works on visual optics, optometric and ophthalmic instrumentation, applied statistics, applied mathematics, detection and estimation, and the bootstrap method.Professor Iskander is the co-author of over 300 international scientific papers, including more than 150 in peer-reviewed international journals. He is also the co-author of 13 international patents, mainly relating to the design of contact lenses. To date, he has supervised 24 PhD students to completion, and currently supervises a further five PhD candidates. He currently serves as Director of the HealthTech Synergy Hub and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Since 2020, he has been a member of the Committee on Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Dr inż. Malwina Geniusz
PhD., Optometrist, Orthopist
Doctor of Technical Sciences in the field of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering; she has been associated with Wrocław University of Technology for 20 years and is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Optics and Photonics. She lectures on visual therapy, paediatric optometry and neuro-optometry. An optometrist, holding a Master of Science in Technical Physics (biomedical engineering, electromedical equipment), an optician, a qualified orthoptist and a sensory integration therapist with a background in education. Owner of the GeniusEyes vision therapy practice and optician’s in Wrocław.Author of dozens of national and international conference presentations showcasing the results of scientific research, some of which have received awards. She publishes scientific and popular science articles. She is a reviewer for scientific journals, including *Acta Ophthalmologica*. She is the recipient of, amongst other honours, the American SPIE scholarship for her work in popularising optics, as well as other grants and scientific competition awards.She runs specialist training sessions and courses for optometry professionals. She is also the initiator of activities aimed at raising awareness of vision and the optometry profession — including lectures, workshops, demonstrations and vision screening for children.In her private life, she is a keen mountaineer and a mother of three children with vastly different sensory profiles
Dr med. Victor Derhartunian
FEBO, FWCRS
Founder and medical director of the SwissLaser and EyeLaser clinics. A refractive surgeon and pioneer of modern vision correction methods, he is involved in the development of laser corneal surgery, SmartSight, PresbyMAX, lens surgery, and phakic lens implantation. One of the most important areas of his work is the treatment of keratoconus, including the CAIRS procedure—a method utilizing allogenic corneal segments that is performed by a very select group of surgeons. In medicine, he is most interested not in the technology itself, but in the decision: when to operate, when not to operate, and how to choose the solution that will truly be best for the patient.
Dr n. med. Marta P. Wiącek
MD, PhD, Ophthalmologist
Dr Marta P. Wiącek, MD, FEBO, is a specialist in ophthalmology and an optometrist, working as a senior assistant at the 1st Department and Clinic of Ophthalmology at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. She holds the title of FEBO (Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology), which she obtained in Paris. She is a graduate of the Medical University of Poznań, having completed postgraduate studies in optometry (Wrocław University of Technology) and biostatistics (Medical University of Łódź), as well as the prestigious ‘Principles and Practice in Clinical Research’ programme at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in Boston.Her doctoral thesis was awarded the Mayor of Szczecin’s Grand Prize (2023) and the Polish Ophthalmological Society’s Award for the best doctoral thesis (2025). She honed her clinical and research experience at institutions including Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, the Universitätsaugenklinik in Magdeburg, ESASO in Lugano and the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital in Madrid.Dr Wiącek’s research experience includes participation in 11 grants and authorship of 18 scientific publications (total Impact Factor: 33). Her key honours include, amongst others, the Harvard Clinical Research Scholar Award (2021), the Gold Medal at the IPITEx trade fair in Bangkok, and the British Inventors’ Award for Best Innovation. She also came third in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in the ‘Personality of the Year 2025’ poll in the Innovation and New Technologies category.
Mgr Patrycja Dubis
MSc., Optometrist
Optometrist professionally affiliated with the 1st Department of Ophthalmology at the University Clinical Hospital No. 2 in Szczecin.
Prof. Anna Machalińska
Prof., MD, PhD, Ophthalmologist, Full Professor and Head of the 1st Department and Clinic of Ophthalmology at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin
Prof. Anna Machalińska, MD, PhD, FEBO, is a full professor, Head of the 1st Department and Clinic of Ophthalmology at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, and Head of the 1st Clinic of Ophthalmology at USK2 in Szczecin. She holds a prestigious diploma and the title of specialist in ophthalmology awarded by the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO) in Paris.She is setting new directions in Polish clinical, transplant and surgical ophthalmology. She is the initiator and co-founder of the West Pomeranian Eye Tissue Bank, on the basis of which she established a leading centre for corneal transplants. She was one of the first in Poland to introduce micro-invasive Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and deep stromal anterior keratoplasty (DSAEK) into clinical practice. Under her leadership, the team carried out the first treatment of its kind in Poland and the world for patients with retinitis pigmentosa, using a proprietary protocol for intravitreal administration of selected bone marrow cells.Her scientific output comprises over 115 publications in internationally indexed journals, with a cumulative Impact Factor exceeding 200 points (Hirsch index = 20). She has led and carried out strategic research projects (including STRATEGMED, INTERREG VA InterRetina, ABM, NCN, NCBR) dedicated to innovative methods of diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and neurodegenerative diseases of the retina. She honed her professional experience at renowned centres abroad, including the prestigious Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.Since 2014, she has served as an official examiner on behalf of the European Board of Ophthalmology in Paris. She also sits on the State Examination Board for Ophthalmology and on expert panels at the National Science Centre. For her outstanding scientific, implementation and clinical work, she has been honoured with, amongst other awards, the Minister of Health Award (2023), the Silver Cross of Merit (2022), the ‘Silver Cornea’ statuette (2016) and the international ‘Best Innovation Award’ at the IPITEx trade fair in Bangkok (2020).
Dr n. med. Maria Muzyka-Woźniak
MD, PhD, Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist and eye microsurgeon with many years of clinical experience (between1994 and 2011, he was a research assistant and senior lecturer at the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University ofWrocław). In her daily practice, she specialises in anterior segmentsurgery (cataract surgery, refractive surgery, phakic lenses), the treatment ofretinal diseases and the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome.She gained international clinical and research experience during placements atrenowned centres abroad, including the Prince Charles Eye Unit inWindsor (United Kingdom), the Augenklinik Universitätsklinikum Tübingen (Germany)and the Glaucoma Research and Diagnostic Centre in Indianapolis (USA).She is the author of the book *Laser Therapy in Diabetic Retinopathy* and numerouspublications in international ophthalmology journals. She actively participatesin multicentre clinical trials. She is a member of recognised international organisationsincluding the ESCRS, the AAO and the German Ophthalmological Society(DOG)
Mgr inż. Izabela Kamińska
MSc., Optometrist, Orthoptist
Optometrist and orthoptist. She graduated from Wrocław University of Technologywith degrees in Optics, Optometry and Biomedical Engineering, and from theMedical University of Łódź with a degree in Orthoptics.She participates in the assessment procedures for refractive surgery andcataract operations, including refractive lens exchange and the implantation ofphakic lenses. She carries out advanced diagnostic examinations used inthe diagnosis and monitoring of eye diseases.She is constantly improving her professional qualifications, focusing on continuous development and expandingher practical knowledge. She is an active participant in numerous scientific conferences andspecialist industry training courses
Dr hab. Dorota Szczęsna-Iskander, prof. PWr
PhD, Associate Professor, a professor in the Department of Optics and Photonics at Wrocław University of Technology
Dorota H. Szczęsna-Iskander, PhD, Eng., is a professor in the Department of Optics and Photonics at Wrocław University of Technology. For many years, she has been involved in developing methods for the non-invasive measurement and objective assessment of tear film dynamics for the diagnosis of Dry Eye Syndrome, the evaluation of the biocompatibility of contact lens materials with the tear film, and the effectiveness of lubricating eye drops. Her research is mainly published in journals in the fields of ophthalmology, optometry and biomedical optics. Dr Szczęsna-Iskander has been involved in research projects carried out, amongst others, at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden and the School of Optometry and Vision Science at Queensland University of Technology, Australia, as well as in an international project within the European Dry Eye Network (EDEN). The results of her research have been recognised at international conferences in both ophthalmology (EVER, ARVO, ECLSO) and optometry (BCLA), and she has been awarded a scholarship for outstanding young researchers by the Minister for Science and Higher Education. Dr Szczęsna-Iskander has delivered guest lectures at universities in, amongst others, Australia, Ireland and the United States. In her private life, she is a lover of theatre and winter sports.
Mgr inż. Anna Rurak
MSc., Optometrist
She holds a Master’s degree in optometry and is a graduate of Wrocław University of Technology. Professionally, she is particularly interested in working with rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, keratoconus, dry eye syndrome and diagnostic imaging.She works in a diagnostic clinic, where she carries out examinations of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. She devotes two days a week to working alongside an ophthalmologist, during which she assists with initial consultations for the selection of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses and educates patients on their care and correct use. She also actively supports the organisation of continuing professional development courses for optometrists.She regularly attends training sessions, conferences and courses, which enable her to continually develop her skills by deepening her knowledge and expertise, ensuring she remains up to date with the latest advances in the field of optometry.
Mgr Joanna Zdybel
Optometrist, Orthoptist, President of Polish Orthopic Association
A graduate of the University of Warsaw and the Poznań University of Medical Sciences. Co-founder of the OQLARY OQLARKI Centre for Good Vision in Warsaw, where, together with a team of eye care specialists, she provides comprehensive vision diagnostics and therapy for children and adults. Author of articles and guides on vision for parents, a speaker at numerous conferences, an educator and advocate for knowledge on vision development and the impact of modern lifestyles on eyesight. Founder of the orto. mama. In her work, she combines theoretical knowledge based on the latest scientific research with many years of practical experience, always seeking the best solutions and the most effective treatment methods. She adopts a holistic approach to diagnosis and therapy, giving patients a real chance to improve their quality of life.
Lek. Kamila Kucharska
MD, Ophthalmologist
She graduated with honours from the First Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw in 2010. She obtained her specialist qualification in 2016 following training at the Department of Ophthalmology at WIML in Warsaw.She specialises in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions in adults and children. For over seven years, she has been deeply involved in the treatment of myopia in children.Her treatments are based on evidence-based medicine (EBM) and her own experience – often combining various methods to achieve maximum stabilisation of visual impairment in young patients.She actively participates in specialist courses and conferences both in Poland and abroad, often as a speaker.She strongly emphasises the importance of close collaboration between the ophthalmologist, orthoptist and optometrist to ensure the most appropriate treatment of visual disorders, particularly in children.
Mgr Izabela Głąb
Optometrist, Orthoptist
Having examined over 20,000 patients and with 20 years’ experience in the sector, these form the foundation of my work. I specialise in the diagnosis of vision impairments, orthoptics and vision therapy for children and adults. At my practice, Różowe Okulary, I combine clinical expertise with an empathetic approach, ensuring that everyone feels at ease and that diagnoses are made with the utmost precision.
Mgr Marzena Żółtaniecka
Orthoptist, Typhlopedagogue
For over 35 years, orthoptics has been my passion – with a particular focus on paediatric orthoptics and neuro-orthoptics. As an academic lecturer, I teach courses on eye movements and binocular vision, as well as visual perception, strabology and vision rehabilitation.On a day-to-day basis, I also work as a typhlopedagogue at a psychological and educational counselling centre, combining clinical knowledge with educational practice. When working with patients, I prioritise a friendly approach, professionalism and a comfortable duration of the appointment – so that every child and their parents have the space to ask all their questions and fully understand the diagnostic and therapeutic process.A workaholic by nature, and a keen mountain hiker by choice.
Ewa Plura
Orthoptist, Special Educator, Sensory Integration Therapist, and Speech-Language Pathologist.
Pedagogue, special education specialist for intellectual disabilities, speech-language pathologist, sensory integration therapist, reflex integration therapist, Johansen IAS provider, orthoptist, postgraduate lecturer, autism specialist, and pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders specialist.
Mgr inż. Sandra Penter-Szpila
Optometrist, Orthoptist, Typhlopedagogy
I am an orthoptist, optometrist, and typhlopedagogist (specialist in visually impaired education). On a daily basis, I work at the Silesian Center for Eye Care, where I specialize in vision diagnostics and rehabilitation. I also serve as a vocational teacher at a post-secondary school in Chorzów and as President of the "Widzieć Marzenia" (Seeing Dreams) Foundation, which actively promotes the prevention of vision defects. In my personal life, I am passionate about music, singing, and family travel.
Mgr Anna Piłacik
Orthoptist, educational therapist, rehabilitation specialist for people with visual impairments
She graduated in special education, specialising in educational therapy and vision rehabilitation for the visually impaired, from the Maria Grzegorzewska Academy of Special Education in Warsaw.She is a graduate of the Edmund Biernacki Post-Secondary Medical School No. 4 in Warsaw, where she trained as an orthoptist. In addition, she has completed a number of courses in sensory integration, hand therapy and auditory programmes. Her particular areas of interest include assessing patients’ suitability for strabismus surgery and the relationship between visual system functions and the acquisition of reading and writing skills.She is also a diagnostician at a psychological and educational clinic, specialising in school readiness, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dysorthography.
Mgr Wioletta Bogusławska
Orthoptist, educational therapist
She graduated in special education, specialising in early years education and educational therapy, from the Maria Grzegorzewska Academy of Special Education in Warsaw.She is a graduate of the Edmund Biernacki Post-Secondary Medical School No. 4 in Warsaw, where she trained as an orthoptist. In addition, she has completed a number of courses in sensory integration, hand therapy and auditory programmes. She is also a Shantala massage instructor. Her particular interests include auditory-visual integration and the relationship between visual system functions and the acquisition of reading and writing skills.She is also a diagnostician at a psychological and educational counselling centre, specialising in school readiness, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dysorthography.