What are we going to do?
In Soest, we’ll gather on Saturday, May 10, to listen to various presentations by healthcare providers. Medical topics will be covered, as well as information about ocular prostheses and life with one eye. In the afternoon, there will be workshops and discussion groups to choose from. You’ll explore a specific theme in small groups. During coffee breaks and lunch, there will be plenty of opportunity to talk with other participants. There’s also always a small information fair. The General Members’ Meeting will also take place during this event.
Program
We have put together a wonderful and varied program:
10:00 a.m. – Welcome reception with coffee/tea.
10:30 a.m. – Welcome remarks followed by the General Members’ Meeting.
11:00 a.m. – Short break (exhibit tour).
11:15 a.m. – Presentation on volunteer work at the OOG in OOG Association.
11:30 a.m. – Arthur Liu gives a brief presentation on research into prutogen.
12:00 p.m. – Lecture by Dyonne Hartong, orbital specialist at Amsterdam UMC, on potential complications with an ocular prosthesis and socket issues
12:45 p.m. – Lunch, networking with fellow participants, and visiting booths
2:00 p.m. – Afternoon program begins (you can sign up for one activity)
- Support group for people who can see out of only one eye.
- Support group for parents of children who see with one eye.
- Workshop on Coping with Loss (Due to Vision Problems).
- Hands-on workshop led by Arnold Capoeira.
- A walking tour of Soest for fellow patients and their loved ones, led by a local guide.
4:00 p.m. – Closing reception with refreshments
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
Information Fair
Throughout the day, there will be various information booths. One booth will feature informational materials from the OOG in OOG Association. The Eye Melanoma Working Group of the Melanoma Foundation will also be present with information about eye melanoma. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase the book *De pijl in mijn oog* by Jan Hulsbergen; he’ll be signing copies on site.
Location
On Saturday, May 10, we rented the rooms at the Stayoke hostel in Soest. This hidden gem is located right in the middle of the forest. It’s easily accessible by both public transportation and car, and there’s plenty of free parking.
Not a member yet?
This event is for members of the OOG in OOG Association.
Sign Up
Please register by May 1. For the workshop on coping with grief after an eye removal, please register by April 18 so we can make the necessary preparations.
Program Notes
11:30 a.m.: Presentation on the results of the SOCKEDD study on prutogen
Arthur is a researcher and resident ophthalmologist at Amsterdam UMC. The study began inthe second half of 2023. Arthur has given two presentations at our Contact Days and one during an online meeting to explain the study. Many members signed up to participate in the study at that time.
Through UitZicht (a fund that finances research), several researchers have received funding to conduct a pilot study testing the effectiveness of artificial tears, vitamin A ointment, and anti-inflammatory medications in prosthetic eye wearers with chronic symptoms. The researchers want to determine which treatments are effective and which one works best in a given situation. They are conducting this study in collaboration with ocularists in the Netherlands. The research may lead to the development of guidelines for ophthalmologists and primary care providers.
12:00 p.m.: Presentation on potential problems with an ocular prosthesis or the eye socket
Dyonne will give a presentation on complications related to an ocular prosthesis or the eye socket. Various problems can arise with the socket in which an artificial eye is worn. Some problems may occur immediately after the eye is removed, while others may develop after several years. These include: tissue deficiency in the socket, the prosthesis falling out, drooping of the lower or upper eyelid, rejection of the implant, a prosthesis that sits too deep, and phantom eye syndrome. Fortunately, many people do well, but there are also those who experience problems. There will be time during the presentation to ask questions.
2:00 p.m.: Workshop on coping with loss due to eye problems
This workshop is for people who have had an eye removed or who have lost vision in one eye for another reason. To prepare for this workshop, you’ll complete an online questionnaire individually, in which you’ll be presented with about twenty statements that you’ll rate separately based on your own feelings regarding loss and resilience. This methodology is inspired by the Self-Knowledge Method (ZKM) and enables you to systematically reflect on your experience of the theme of “loss.” After you’ve completed the questionnaire, you’ll receive your report via email. During the contact day, a general explanation of the report’s content will be provided, and there will also be time for individual questions.
During the workshop, we’ll go through the various pages of the report, and the trainer will help you interpret the results correctly. Of course, there will also be time to discuss the topic with one another and share everyone’s experiences.
Due to the intimate setting required for this workshop, members have priority for registration. Partners are also welcome to register for this workshop and will receive a questionnaire. A maximum of 8 people can participate in this session. Once it’s full, it’s truly full, so register quickly—at the latest by April 18—so you can receive your questionnaire by email in time.
Trainer Rita Verduin is a member of the OOG in OOG Association and also works as a grief and loss coach. She wears an ocular prosthesis herself, so Rita speaks from personal experience.
2:00 p.m.: Active Capoeira Workshop
. Everyone is welcome to join! The workshop and performance are based on making genuine connections with people, respecting personal boundaries, humor, and vulnerability. Self-confidence can grow from this connection. Expect hand percussion, capoeira techniques, and writing a poem together. It promises to be an (inter)active afternoon. Curious? Then just sign up for this inspiring workshop.
