Artificial intelligence in the focus of ophthalmic optics training
Artificial intelligence is not only changing the world of work, but also the way in which knowledge is imparted and tested. As part of Opti 2026 in Munich, the Ophthalmic Optics/Optometry course at Aalen University and the Bildungszentrum für Augenoptik und Optometrie München (BZAO) invited visitors to the „Pro Next Generation“ format. One highlight was the „AI compact crash course“ on Sunday, which showed how essential the combination of technological expertise and sound specialist knowledge is for the future of the industry.
The speaker Susanne Jansen from Aalen, a teacher and expert in digital media and AI in everyday school life, offered the teachers and trainers present at Opti an intensive, well-founded insight into the possibilities and limits of generative AI. The presentation made it clear that the technology has long since arrived in teaching and studies. In her presentation, Jansen emphasized the urgency of opening up to the topic. „AI is such a dynamic field that is constantly evolving and no longer stops at schools and universities,“ said the speaker. It is therefore essential that AI skills are firmly implemented in the curriculum for both teachers and students. Jansen emphasized that technology alone is no substitute for expertise - on the contrary: „What will be more important than ever is specialist knowledge,“ Jansen emphasized. „Only with sound specialist knowledge can we evaluate and classify the results of AI. That's why it's crucial to teach both: technological application and technical depth.“
Exchange for the future of the industry
The lecture was part of an extensive program at the Opti Campus trade fair stands. In addition to the technical input, the networking event the evening before and the subsequent „NXT Gen“ discussion focused primarily on the exchange between vocational school teachers and Carl Zeiss Vision Center Germany. Retaining employees in the industry is the key issue for the sustainable success of specialist optical stores. The event underlined the role of Aalen University as a pioneer in academic ophthalmic optics/optometry courses, which picks up on technological trends at an early stage and integrates them into teaching. Interested students can qualify for the requirements of the future at Aalen University both in the Bachelor's program in Ophthalmic Optics/Optometry and in the part-time Master's program M. Sc. Vision Science and Business (Optometry).
About the study programs Ophthalmic Optics/Optometry at Aalen University
Aalen University has been offering the optometry degree program at an academic level since 1982. The Bachelor's degree course in Ophthalmic Optics/Optometry is characterized by a high degree of practical relevance, small groups and close networking with industry. Those who have a Bachelor's degree can continue their education in the part-time Master's program M. Sc. Vision Science and Business (Optometry) at the highest level of optometry in Europe in cooperation with the College of Optometry at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, and the State University in New York, with professors from the USA who have practical experience at the highest level of optometry worldwide. Applications are possible at any time.
Source and further information: www.hs-aalen.de/augenoptik and www.hs-aalen.de/optoemtrie
