What are we going to do?
On Saturday, May 2, we’ll gather at the De Schakel conference and convention center in Nijkerk for an inspiring and informative day. You’ll hear various presentations by healthcare providers. The program will cover medical topics, ocular prostheses, and life with one eye.
In the afternoon, you can choose from various activities: a group walk through Nijkerk, a discussion group, or a workshop on one-eyed photography. During coffee and lunch, you’ll have plenty of time to meet other participants and share experiences. You can also check out the information fair. The General Members’ Meeting will also take place during the day.
Program
10:00 a.m. – Welcome reception with coffee and tea
10:30 a.m. – Welcome remarks, followed by the start of the General Meeting
11:00 a.m. – Presentation: The Impact of Prosthetics on Eye Movements, by ophthalmologist Nara Badalova of Amsterdam UMC.
11:30 a.m. – Short break and a chance to visit the information fair
11:45 a.m. – Presentation: The Digital World by Richard Ouwejan (ICT coach at Koninklijke Visio)
12:30 p.m. – Presentation on volunteer work at the OOG in OOG Association by volunteer coordinator Saskia Spinhoven
12:45 p.m. – Lunch with interesting conversations and an opportunity to visit the information fair.
2:00 p.m. – Start of the afternoon program (sign up for 1 activity)
- Discussion Group for Members
- Support Group for Partners and Loved Ones
- Photography workshop led by our in-house photographer Peter-Paul Lucker (for members only)
- Walk through Nijkerk for members and their loved ones
3:30 p.m. Closing reception with refreshments
More information about the program components
11:00 a.m. – Presentation: The Effect of the Prosthesis on Eye Movements
During this open house, Nara Badalova will give a presentation on the results of her recent study examining the effect of prosthesis size on the mobility of an ocular prosthesis. This study investigated whether the size of the prosthesis (larger or smaller) affects the eye’s mobility. Nara Badalova is a fellow in orbital surgery and a Ph.D. candidate at Amsterdam UMC. In her research, she is investigating how to improve the function of an ocular prosthesis. Her work helps to improve treatment and outcomes for patients.
11:45 a.m. – Presentation: The Digital World
Richard Ouwejan is an ICT coach at Koninklijke Visio and is very knowledgeable about the use of digital tools for people with visual impairments. He will give a practical and informative presentation. He’ll show you how to adjust settings on your phone or tablet, such as enlarging text and adjusting contrast. This way, you can better tailor the device to your needs. He will also explain artificial intelligence (AI) and what it can mean for people with visual impairments.
12:30 p.m. – Presentation on volunteering at the OOG in OOG Association
Saskia Spinhoven is the volunteer coordinator at the OOG in OOG Association. During her presentation, she’ll discuss the opportunities available for volunteers at OOG in OOG. She’ll also explain how to sign up, and you’ll have the chance to ask any questions you may have. Do you want to make a difference in someone else’s life? Come help us! Whether you have a lot of time or just a little, every contribution is welcome. Together, we make a difference.
2:00 p.m. – Workshop: Photography with One Eye (for members only)
During the meet-and-greet, our in-house photographer Peter-Paul Lucker will lead a fun and informative photography workshop. Among other things, he takes photos for the magazine. Peter-Paul has an eye prosthesis himself and will demonstrate that this is no obstacle to taking beautiful photos.
He’ll explain what to look out for if you have an ocular prosthesis and how to take better photos. He’ll also explain how photography has evolved from analog to digital. You’ll learn more about composition and different types of photography. Together, we’ll observe, practice, and choose the right moment to take a photo. You can also ask questions, such as about the settings on your camera or phone. Depending on the weather, we’ll start indoors and then possibly go outside to take photos on your own. So be sure to bring your camera or phone!
2:00 p.m. – Walk through Nijkerk (members and loved ones)
After an informative morning, it’s nice to get outside for a bit after lunch. That’s why we’ve planned a lovely walk starting from the venue. Join us for a pleasant walk, enjoy the fresh air, and get to know other participants and their loved ones. It’s a relaxing opportunity to get to know each other better.
2:00 p.m. – Support Group for Members
Sometimes it’s nice to talk to people who understand what you’re going through. That’s why there’s a support group for members during the contact day. In a calm and safe atmosphere, you can share experiences, support one another, and exchange tips. You’re not in this alone.
2:00 p.m. – Support Group for Partners and Loved Ones
Sometimes it’s nice to talk to people who are in a similar situation. Just tell your story, share experiences, or simply listen to others. That’s why we’re inviting you to join our support group for partners and loved ones. In a relaxed and safe atmosphere, you can engage in conversation with one another. Nothing is required; everything is welcome.
Information Fair
Throughout the day, there will be various information booths, including a booth with 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.
Location
We are guests at the De Schakel conference and convention center in Nijkerk. It is easily accessible by both public transportation and car, and there is ample free parking.
Not a member yet?
This event is for members of the OOG in OOG Association.
Sign up for…
Please register by Monday, April 27, 2026, so that we can let the caterer know the number of participants in a timely manner.
Sign Up
National Contact Day, May 2, 2026
