New solutions in the diagnosis and management of myopia were addressed at ”Myopia Day” scientific-practical conference

The Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova organized Myopia Day scientific-practical conference with international participation, the 2nd edition. The event took place on October 2 and 3, 2025 and brought together about 200 people, including students, resident doctors, ophthalmologists and optometrists from the specialized departments.

The scientific event was inaugurated by Rector Emil Ceban: "Currently, myopia is no longer viewed as a simple refractive error, but as a major public health challenge at a global level. Today's conference offers us the opportunity to share knowledge, debate the latest scientific evidence and identify practical solutions for the prevention and management of myopia progression, especially in children and young people. For Nicolae Testemitanu University, the event confirms our strategic direction for the development of the optometry program."

In this context, the rector mentioned that our university had initiated the process of accreditation of the Optometry program by the European Council of Optometry and Optics. "It is a decisive step, which demonstrates that the education offered in Chisinau aligns with European standards and meets the needs of modern society. I am certain that this accreditation process, together with conferences of such magnitude, consolidates the position of the Republic of Moldova on the international map of medical research and education," the rector emphasized.

Professor Victor Lacusta, head of the Department of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, noted that "Modern ophthalmology cannot progress without integrating interdisciplinary approaches, and this concept constitutes the basis of many recent discoveries. Science deepens and specializes, but the experience accumulated over centuries teaches us that integrating knowledge from various fields of both diagnosis and treatment is the key to progress. This event will certainly become a reference point in the field."

Associate Professor Lilia Dumbraveanu, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, specified that the scientific event was organized in the context of the 80th anniversary of the founding of Nicolae Testemitanu University and brought together renowned international guests from Italy, France, Switzerland, Poland, Great Britain, Spain, Canada, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Lithuania, Romania, who shared the belief that evidence-based personalized medicine represented the present and future of our activity. The Associate Professor has also mentioned that at the University, Optometry is one of the youngest specialties. "Currently, we have 77 undergraduate and 9 master's students in Clinical Optometry. We are proud of the over 40 graduates, who are successfully working in the healthcare system of the Republic of Moldova, and I would like to note that this year, we have registered twice as many applications for admission to the Optometry program compared to previous years," the head of the department stated.

In turn, Valeriu Cusnir, University Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, president of the Society of Glaucoma and Ocular Inflammation of the Republic of Moldova, gave an overview of our country’s optometry history, mentioning that the first group of optometry specialists was initiated 15 years ago. "Thanks to the exchange of experience we had with specialists from European countries, the donations that came from Norway, the United States of America and not only, we managed to develop this service," the professor emphasized.

Rodica Bilba, head of studies at the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, president of the Society of Orthokeratology and Myopia Management of the Republic of Moldova, said that it was an honor to learn from world-class specialist colleagues and to join the fight against this very widespread pathology. 

The program included scientific sessions, the presentation of current information on the diagnosis and management of myopia, practical workshops and interactive panels, aiming to exchange best practices with specialists in the field, as well as to initiate partnerships with specialized institutions from other countries.

The forum was organized in partnership with the Society of Orthokeratology and Myopia Management and the Society of Glaucoma and Ocular Inflammation of the Republic of Moldova.