Learn about the history of our biennial Congress, a reference in the field of developmental optometry, Vision Therapy, and Rehabilitation.
Since its inception as SIODEC, SIODERV has organized eight congresses in various cities across Spain: Montserrat, Palma de Mallorca, Seville, Gijón, Toledo, Granada, and Madrid. Each edition has brought together more professionals committed to Developmental Optometry, Vision Therapy, and Rehabilitation, establishing itself as a key meeting point for scientific updates and interdisciplinary collaboration.
In October 2025, we will celebrate the IX Congress at the Congress Palace in Alicante, a special edition that will mark the beginning of this new stage as SIODERV.
This biennial event has become a reference observatory in Developmental Optometry in Spain, attracting more and more attendees, speakers, and professionals from around the world.
If you are passionate about the approach of Developmental Optometry, Visual Therapy, and Rehabilitation, this is your Congress.
I Congress Montserrat, 2008
Developed at the Monastery of Montserrat during the days of November 7, 8, and 9, 2008, it was initially a specialized Symposium. During the Gala Dinner, the creation of SIODEC was announced.
Attendees: 70
II Congress Palma de Mallorca, 2010
Held at the Duva Hotel in Palma de Mallorca from May 13 to 16, 2010, this meeting made it clear that excellence and quality training for professionals was one of the central tasks that needed to be addressed.
Attendees: 150
III Congress Sevilla, 2012
Organized at the Silken Al-Andalus hotel in the Andalusian capital from May 17 to 20, 2012, it was an event that marked the definitive consolidation of SIODEC due to the large turnout and number of attendees present.
Attendees: 200
IV Congress Gijón, 2015
It took place at the Gijón Convention Bureau on May 14, 15, 16, and 17, 2015, and marked the beginning of SIODEC's international expansion, as it was attended by professionals from various parts of the world, including Central Europe, Oceania, and America. Additionally, commercial brands and companies in the sector played a significant role with the launch of a Trade Exhibition that received a warm welcome and acceptance.
Attendees: 240
V Congress Toledo, 2017
Held at the Beatriz Hotel in Toledo from May 18 to 20, 2017, it achieved an attendance figure of over 300 vision professionals from 13 different countries. In addition, it featured more than 35 sponsoring companies as well as an extensive Trade Exhibition composed of 27 stands, where new products and discounts related to Optometry were presented.
Attendees: 300
VI Congress Granada, 2019
Held at the Granada Congress Palace on March 28, 29, and 30, 2019, it achieved a record number of 450 attendees from 15 different countries (such as Spain, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, China, Australia, Norway, England, Germany, Hungary, Andorra, Italy, and Portugal) and the attendance of representatives from other entities such as COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development), Canadian Optometrists in Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation (COVT&R), SEEBV (Spanish Society of Specialists in Low Vision), International Optometry Center Foundation, and ACOTV (Catalan Association of Optometry and Vision Therapy). It is worth noting a significant Chinese representation of ophthalmologists and strabologists, which facilitated the translation of the Congress into Chinese.
Attendees: 450
VII Congress Granada, 2022
Held at the Granada Congress Palace on October 13, 14, and 15, 2022, under the Honorary Presidency of Her Majesty Queen Sofia, it featured 350 attendees from 17 different countries (such as Spain, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Bulgaria, Australia, England, Germany, Hungary, Andorra, Italy, and Portugal) and the attendance of representatives from other international entities such as COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development), Canadian Optometrists in Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation (COVT&R), and the British Association of Behavioural Optometrists (BABO).
Attendees: 350
VIII Congress Madrid, 2024
Held at the Pablo VI Space in Madrid from March 6 to 9, 2024, it featured over 400 attendees from 12 different countries and the participation of representatives from other international entities such as COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development) and the Canadian Optometrists in Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation (COVT&R).
Attendees: 375
