20 years of JenVis Research

International conference for optometry and vision science

The Jena Vision Conference, held from 31 October to 2 November 2025, marked the 20th anniversary of the Jena Vision Research Institute. Over 300 guests, 25 speakers from 6 countries came together to discuss current developments in optometry and vision science – and to look back on two decades of JenVis Research history. 

The conference began on Friday at the Scala restaurant in the Jena Tower with an atmospheric evening above the rooftops of the city. Speakers, alumni, partners and guests of honor met for an informal welcome reception. Against the backdrop of Jena’s illuminated streets, cocktails, drinks and snacks provided the setting for initial discussions with international and national speakers – a foretaste of the rich program of events to follow the next day.

JenVis – grown out of the university, now internationally networked

The celebration honored the JenVis research institute, which was founded 20 years ago by Professor Wolfgang Sickenberger and Dr Sebastian Marx. Both continue to head the institute today. JenVis grew out of the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences in Jena, but operates as an independent research network, combining academic teaching with international vision science research.

Prof. Wolfgang Sickenberger has been shaping the university for many years. With his practical, clear and scientifically based teaching approach, he repeatedly succeeds in inspiring students to engage in research-oriented work. One result of this work was impressively evident in Jena: the young optometry students at Ernst Abbe University are accomplished speakers, accustomed to attending international conferences and engaging in scientific discussions. Dr Sebastian Marx has also been committed to this close integration of science, study and international exchange for many years.

Both contributed humorous retrospectives to the conference, making the program both personal and entertaining.

Technical program in the former public baths

Saturday was the scientific centerpiece of the anniversary conference. The former Volksbad Jena, a historic bath, provided a unique atmospheric setting. Today international experts presented on solid ground their latest research findings – partly in German, partly in English.

Among them was Professor Lyndon Jones (University of Waterloo/CORE), who presented the latest developments in contact lens materials, study results and international trends. Brian Tompkins, known for his lively and humorous presentations, travelled from the United Kingdom. His lecture Recipe for Contact Lens Success combined scientific content with a live cooking demonstration – a performance that surprised and delighted the audience.

Between looking back and looking ahead

Another focus of the conference was the development of the JenVis network and its significance for research and career paths. Dr Hendrik Walter and Prof. Alex Münz reported on the early years at EAH Jena and JenVis – from projects to insights into student life and why Jena is a leading location for vision science. But also, why it has provided a launch into international fields of work for many of the students.

This was also evident among the younger generation: students or former students such as Monique Bretschneider, Katharina Keller, Hannah Kistner and Lukas Sempf presented in their lectures how close education, research and practice are interlinked in Jena. Two former students also took on the role of moderators: Dr Oliver Kolbe & Johannes Schubart.

An evening at the Zeiss Planetarium

An emotional highlight was the evening event at the Zeiss Planetarium Jena, the oldest planetarium in the world still in existence. For the conference, the seating was removed and replaced with bar tables – an unusual but impressive sight.

In his welcome address, the mayor of Jena, Dr Thomas Nitzsche, praised the importance of Jena as a research location. In his video address, Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt, Dr Reiner Haseloff, emphasized the role of optometry in the context of modern health research. The program for the evening was far from over. After the speeches between dinner, conversations, retrospectives and a photo backdrop for memories, it became clear how broad the network of science, industry and academia has grown.

A look at the lifespan of vision

On Sunday, further lectures continued the program – this time with a thematic arc ranging from vision in infancy and childhood to age-related physiological changes. Speakers included Prof. Hans-Jürgen Grein (TH Lübeck and Fielmann Academy, Plön), Kathleen S. Kunert (Regiomed Rehaklinik Masserberg) and Prof. Hakan Kaymak (MVZ Breyer Kaymak Klabe, Düsseldorf). This day of the conference combined basic research with clinically relevant issues, rounding off the thematic diversity.

The anniversary not only honored the international significance of JenVis, but also its close connection to the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences in Jena – and the people who have shaped this development: above all Prof. Wolfgang Sickenberger and Dr Sebastian Marx.