Alumni Continuing Education Event of Aalen University Combines Clinical Excellence, International Expertise and a Powerful Professional Network
Aalen Friends of Optometry e.V. invites optometrists, alumni, and prospective students to a two-day continuing education event on September 26-27, 2026.
Benediktbeuern, Germany. On September 26 and 27, 2026, the alumni association Aalen Friends of Optometry e.V. will host its annual continuing education event at the historic Benediktbeuern Abbey. The two-day meeting will bring together alumni, current students, practicing optometrists and prospective students from Germany and abroad, offering a unique combination of advanced clinical education, scientific exchange and professional networking. The program reflects the international character and strong clinical focus of Aalen University’s part-time master’s program Vision Science and Business (Optometry).
Participants can look forward to a broad range of clinically relevant topics, including ocular disease, neurological cases, modern IOP assessment, dry eye management, glaucoma mimickers, vision therapy, post-laser refractive care, keratoconus and advanced contact lens case studies. The program will also feature presentations on emerging eye-tracking technologies and the latest therapeutic developments in eye care. Once again, the event has attracted an outstanding line-up of speakers from Germany, Austria, Slovenia and the United States. Featured presenters include Prof. Dr. Lorne Yudcovitch, Prof. Dr. Denise Goodwin and Dr. Joshua Torrent Despouy, alongside several distinguished graduates of Aalen University’s master’s program.
Many of these alumni have between 10 and 20 years of clinical experience and have built distinguished international careers as clinicians, educators, researchers, and thought leaders, earning recognition among the leading professionals in contemporary optometry.
Today, they are actively shaping the future of optometry through their contributions to clinical practice, education and scientific advancement, demonstrating that Aalen graduates are competing and succeeding at the highest international level of the profession. Their presentations will combine the latest scientific evidence with practical insights and solutions for everyday patient care.
The event is accredited with 12 SwissOptom credits and 8 Continuing Optometric Education (COE) credits, providing participants with an excellent opportunity for professional development and continuing education.
A special offer is available for bachelor’s degree graduates interested in pursuing further academic qualifications. They may attend the event free of charge and gain exclusive insights into the Vision Science and Business (Optometry) master’s program. The fully English-language program is distinguished by its international faculty, with professors from leading U.S. institutions such as the State University of New York (SUNY), Pacific University, and the New England College of Optometry (NECO) teaching in Aalen on a monthly basis.
The weekend also provides an ideal platform for current master’s students and alumni to exchange clinical experiences, establish new professional contacts and strengthen existing networks. The close connection between academia, clinical practice and the international optometric community has made this event a fixture in the calendars of many participants for years. A particular highlight is the traditional Saturday Night Party, organized by current master’s students. In a relaxed atmosphere, attendees can continue professional discussions, develop new collaborations and further expand Aalen’s global optometric network.
Program & Registration: https://www.optometry-friends.com/alumni-meeting-2026/
