Rike Middendorf to Receive One of Germany's Five Master Professional Optometrie Certificates

Rike Middendorf, an optician master at Optik Hölscher in Schüttorf, Lower Saxony, is one of only five individuals in Germany holding the "Master Professional Optometrie (HWK)" qualification. She will receive her certificate on December 9, 2025, alongside four other graduates, following training at the ZVA Education Center and examination by the Düsseldorf Chamber of Crafts. The program comprised five two-week blocks over twelve months, including a home-schooling week, and required a study on central corneal thickness as a factor in orthokeratology target refraction. Middendorf applies this advanced expertise to fit specialty lenses for patients with conditions like keratoconus or post-keratoplasty needs, utilizing OCT technology to identify retinal degeneration and refer patients appropriately.