Board of Directors
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Board of Directors
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Who are we?
HERE YOU CAN KNOW A LITTLE BETTER THE BOD
GULNARA ANDRIENKO
I'm a good candidate bacuse:I would like to express my interest and desire to join the Board of Directors of the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control. With my experience and knowledge, I am ready to make a contribution to the development of our academy and to promote orthokeratology as an important field of ophthalmology and optometry.
My professional achievements:
I have been working in the field of ophthalmology for over 25 years and have significant experience in the diagnosis and treatment of various visual impairments, especially in the use of RGP and orthokeratological lenses. My career in orthokeratology began in 2006, when I already had experience working with rigid contact lenses. Since 2013, I have become a member of EurOK. After that, I confirmed my level of knowledge and experience by successfully passing the exam and receiving the FIAOMC and FIACLE titles. I have also completed a number of specialized courses and seminars on orthokeratology, which allows me to stay up to date with all modern methods and technologies in this field. .
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
Promote orthokeratology as a safe and effective method of vision correction. - Develop educational programs and training for young specialists.- Participate in scientific research and the implementation of innovations in practice.
If I am given the opportunity to become a member of the Board of Directors, I plan to focus on the following areas:
Attracting new members. - Developing and implementing professional development programs for members of the Academy.- Participating in the organization of research events and conferences. - Interacting with international organizations and specialists to exchange experience and the latest knowledge.
Disclosure of interest:No.
NITESH BAROT
I'm a good candidate bacuse:I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in joining the EurOK Board of Directors. As an active and dedicated member of EurOK, I am inspired by the passion and commitment demonstrated by our community in advancing our organization's goals and values. My experience as a founding board member of Eurok, Secretary of IAOMC, and current Vice President of IAOMC equips me with the necessary skills and insights to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of a Board position. I am eager to collaborate with fellow board members to spearhead initiatives that will not only benefit our members but also drive the overall success of our organization. Recognizing that the selection process involves a vote from our members, I am grateful for this opportunity to be considered as a candidate. I am committed to actively engaging with our members to better understand their needs and aspirations, and I am excited about the prospect of collectively working towards achieving EurOK's strategic objectives. I am confident that my background and dedication to EurOK's mission make me a strong candidate to contribute meaningfully to the Board. I am genuinely looking forward to the possibility of serving EurOK in this capacity and working towards our shared success. Thank you for considering my application. .
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
Industry Expertise - Strategic Thinker - Good Governance Skills - Financial Acumen - Ethical Integrity - Effective Communication Skills - Diversity and Inclusion - Commitment and Accountability
Disclosure of interest:No.
DAVID BERKOW
I'm a good candidate bacuse:I have been in private practice since 1978. I also hold a position at a local hospital. I have a special passion for speciality contact lens fitting of which orthokeratology is one of them. Now, with the importance of taking on myopia management, it is even more important to take on the subject of orthokeratology. I think that with my experience, knowledge and enthusiasm, I can contribute to the BOD if I am elected.
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
I hope to be engaged and contribute to the best of my knowledge and experience as well as promote EuroOK in my country.
Disclosure of interest:No.
RODICA BILBA
I'm a good candidate bacuse:As a candidate for the board of the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (EurOK), I bring over 25 years of experience in myopia control and 20 years in prescribing orthokeratology lenses. I hold a PhD focused on the efficacy of orthokeratology in the treatment and prevention of myopia progression and have authored over 55 scientific papers on myopia control. My academic leadership includes supervising 6 bachelor's theses and 2 master's theses on myopia management. I currently serve as the President of the Association of Orthokeratology and Myopia Management in Moldova and am the Head of Medical Studies at the Department of Optometry and Ophthalmology at the Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Additionally, I am an Accredited International Contact Lens Lecturer by the International Association of Contact Lens Lecturers (IACLE). I have organized numerous conferences and theoretical-practical courses on ocular refraction, including the 2023 Myopia Day scientific-practical conference, which featured prominent specialists such as Prof. Marino Formenti, Jaume Paune, Antonio Calossi, Juan Bolivar, Pierre Bremont, and Daniela Goicea. My extensive background in both the clinical and academic realms, coupled with my active role in the international orthokeratology community, positions me as a highly qualified candidate to contribute to the ongoing success and advancement of EurOK.
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
My commitment as a member of the Board of Directors of the European Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (EurOK) will be characterized by: Dedication to Advancing Research and Education: With over 25 years in myopia control and 20 years in prescribing orthokeratology lenses, along with a PhD in the efficacy of orthokeratology, I will continue to promote and support cutting-edge research and educational initiatives in our field. Leadership and Mentorship: Having supervised 6 bachelor's theses and 2 master's theses on myopia management, and currently leading the Department of Optometry and Ophthalmology at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, I am committed to mentoring the next generation of specialists and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Professional Development and Standards: As the President of the Association of Orthokeratology and Myopia Management in Moldova and an Accredited International Contact Lens Lecturer by IACLE, I will work to uphold and enhance professional standards within EurOK, ensuring that members receive the highest level of professional development and training. Community Engagement and Networking: By organizing significant events such as the 2023 Myopia Day conference, which brought together renowned experts from around the world, I will strive to strengthen the network of professionals within EurOK and facilitate meaningful collaborations and exchanges of knowledge. Advocacy for Innovation and Best Practices: With over 55 scientific papers published on myopia control, I am dedicated to advocating for innovative approaches and best practices in orthokeratology and myopia management, ensuring that our academy remains at the forefront of scientific and clinical advancements. My extensive experience and active involvement in both the academic and clinical aspects of orthokeratology and myopia control position me to make significant contributions to the ongoing success and growth of EurOK. I am committed to working tirelessly to advance our shared goals and uphold the values and mission of our academy.
Disclosure of interest:No.
PIERRE BREMONT
I'm a good candidate bacuse:I fit only orthokeratology lenses in my practice, on the side I'm involved in research and development for a manufacturer. I'm also teaching to students and professional fitters.
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
I can support EurOK in its development and promote the association to find new members.
Disclosure of interest: Swiss Lens.
MARINO FORMENTI
I'm a good candidate bacuse:I have been a founder of EurOK and I have been the president since its foundation
Adjunt professor of optometry, University of Padova.
Actual president of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, IAOMC.
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
Usual involvement in every activity that EurOK would plan in the next future
Disclosure of interest:No.
JAIME PAUNE - FABRE
I'm a good candidate bacuse:I may help develop and grow Eurok. My trajectory in past years as chairman of FIAOMC had been registered and known by the current members.
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
Help to develop new structures and link with other associations to work in conjunction.
Disclosure of interest:Paunevision, Precilens and Owner DRL OK designs
CALIN POP
I'm a good candidate bacuse:I am a EurOK member since 2014. 10 years in which I have benefit of EurOK scientific support, professional meetings and extraordinary exchange of experiences with other members and gave back, in the same time, passion in developing this movement towards colleagues, partners and other professional associations around central eastern Europe.
I am a enthusiastic person dedicated to create professional relationships and offer the best practical support to those who need it. Nonconformist as I am, I bring new development opportunities to the projects I am involved in. .
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
If I will be elected as a member of the BoD, I will contribute with energy and optimism to the development of a new EurOk platform that will be more dynamic, communicative, present in the daily work of members and followers, in order to be a real partner in S2P (Science to Practice). I believe this is the most important trigger to grow the exposure of EurOK in the myopia management environment. EurOk needs more mobility and substance as a partner with other professional entities (ophthalmology, optometry) all over Europe and must partnership all industry components related to myopia management. I will involve all my knowledge and relations to help create the best platform of interaction between industry and members (followers), to offer our colleagues objectiv access to different updated strategies, equipments and treatments. We need to change the interaction time between members and board, to be updated much faster and have access to updated professional trainings in each areas of Europe.
Disclosure of interest:In the past I worked with products of different producers (Menicon, Precilens, Euclid, Optikon, Icom), but starting with 1st of July I will be self employed offering scientifical and practical (technical) support regarding myopia management strategy and protocols to those who need it.
OLGA RYABENKO
I'm a good candidate bacuse:I have been practicing orthokeratology for more than 20 years. I am the founder of the Russia and CIS section EurOk. I have extensive experience in clinical, scientific and educational activities (in 2024, I gave presentations and lectures at 37 conferences in 8 countries). I am the chief physician of the largest clinic in the country for the selection of special contact correction, including orthokeratological lenses. I have extensive experience in organizing the work of the myopia control center. I have a large team of highly qualified ophthalmologists and orthokeratologists working under my leadership. My entire team adheres to strict principles and follows the protocols of the International Academy of Orthokeratology. We cooperate with professionals from different fields - equipment, special glasses and soft contact lenses for the control of myopia, with various pharmaceutical companies, lawyers and marketers, child psychologists, government institutions. We have a lot of educational projects. I am constantly and gladly sharing my experience with colleagues.
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
All my experience, resources and knowledge will be focused on making orthokeratology accessible and safe for every child with myopia.
Disclosure of interest:SkyOptix
SANDRO SCIACCA
I'm a good candidate bacuse:Because I'm involved in EurOK since the beginning and I know EurOK very well
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
Support in planning every future activity of EurOK.
Disclosure of interest:No
BEATA TAPASTZO
I'm a good candidate bacuse:Since 1992, I have worked as an ophthalmologist at Semmelweis University in Budapest. My job involves caring for patients, teaching students, and conducting research. Over the years, I have taught many medical and optometry students and helped establish a contact lens practice at our clinic. I specialize in fitting special lenses for irregular corneas, and I have been involved in orthokeratology since 2005. Currently, I am assisting nearly 700 patients with ortho-K lenses and another 100 with anti-myopia soft lenses. In addition to my clinical work, I have contributed significantly to research. Collaborating with 26 experts from across Europe, I was one of the main authors of the European Myopia Guidelines and the primary author of the flowchart that guides practitioners in myopia control. I am also an invited speaker at several European congresses. In addition to the EurOK, 2025 will be my third opportunity to speak at the myopia section of the European Ophthalmological Society's biennial conference.
My engagement as member of the EurOK’s Board of Directors will be characterized by:
To support the excellent work EurOK has done so far, to focus on the latest advances in myopia management and to increase our membership. It’s crucial to ensure that paediatric contact lens fitting across Europe is safe and to minimize the impact of adult myopia. It's important to bring in more experts from different parts of Europe and build stronger teamwork between eye doctors and optometrists. I am also committed to helping new practitioners through training and support.
Disclosure of interest:No