The NOG Congress 2025, held from April 2 to 4 at the MECC Maastricht, was a great success. This annual event brought together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share the latest insights and innovations in ophthalmology. Our Low Vision Research group was well represented with fascinating presentations.
Ruth van Nispen: Prevalence of Visual Impairments in the Netherlands
Professor Ruth van Nispen delivered an impressive presentation on the prevalence of visual impairments in the Netherlands. She presented a meta-analysis, conducted by Ellen Elsman, based on data from over 1.8 million individuals. The study provides valuable insights that contribute to future eye care policies. The research highlights the importance of accurate prevalence estimates to further improve care for people with visual impairments.
Contributions from Our Talented PhD Candidates
In addition to Ruth’s presentation, three of our PhD candidates were in the spotlight with their innovative research:
- Mariska presented her evaluation of the conversation aid Macular Degeneration: What Now?. This tool has proven to be a valuable support for patients in formulating questions during consultations. With positive feedback and an average rating of 7.6, her research shows how communication in healthcare can be further improved.
- Katie demonstrated how generative artificial intelligence can be used to create synthetic retinal images for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Her multimodal model achieved impressive results and opens new avenues for non-invasive screening methods.
- Arthur presented his work on vergence measurements using a stereoscopic eye tracker. His self-built system shows promising results for detecting vergence errors such as strabismus. With further optimization, this research could make a significant contribution to diagnostics in ophthalmology.
Working Together Towards a Better Future
The NOG Congress was not only a platform for scientific exchange but also a place where collaboration and innovation took center stage. We are proud of our researchers, who contribute to better care and quality of life for people with visual impairments. This congress has inspired us to make even more impact in the future.
We look forward to new discoveries and collaborations that will emerge from this wonderful event!