oao symposium 2026 agenda

  • 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    REGISTRATION
  • 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
    breakfast buffet
  • 7:30 AM - 8:50 PM
    Amniotic Membrane Workshop 
    Speaker: Dr. Julian Prosia 
    Non-COPE 
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
    TBD
    Speaker: TBD  
    Non-COPE
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 9:05 AM - 10:05 aM
    President’s Welcome and Keynote 
    Speakers: Dr. Shaina Nensi and Neil Pasricha 
    Non-COPE 
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 10:05 AM - 11:00 aM
    Books for sale and signing with Neil Pasricha
  • 10:40 AM - 11:30 aM
    Beauty & the Blink: the ECP Guide to Aesthetics
    Speakers: Dr. Andrea Lasby and Dr. Janice Luk 
    COPE ID 97473-GO
    This course explores the intersection of beauty, skincare, and ocular health, equipping eye care professionals with the knowledge to address patients' growing interest in aesthetics and eye-related beauty trends. Topics include safe cosmetic practices, ingredient awareness, the ocular implications of lash and skin treatments, and innovative therapies like IPL, RF, and plasma treatments. Gain insights into patient communication, product recommendations, and building a successful medical aesthetics practice, all while ensuring optimal eye health and safety. 
  • 10:40 AM - 11:30 aM
    Diagnose this Disc Edema!
    Speaker: Dr. Carolyn Majcher 
    COPE ID 98780-NO
    Using primarily a case-based presentation format, this course will cover some common and some not-so-common causes of unilateral and bilateral disc edema including papilledema and pseudopapilledema, ischemic optic neuropathy and optic neuritis. Case discussions will include interpretation of ancillary imaging diagnostic tests, systemic investigation, and generation of management plans using evidence-based medicine. 
  • 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    Lunch & InfoMart
  • 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
    Retina Rejuvenation: Advances in AMD Wellness, Diagnostics and Treatments
    Speaker: Dr. Trevor Miranda 
    COPE ID 
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
    Myopia Management Overview and Best Practices
    Speaker: Dr. Sheila Morrison 
    COPE ID
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
    Connecting With the Generations to Inspire Sales
    Speaker: Joyce VanRooyen  
    COPE ID
    We are all working with up to 5 different generations every day, each of which is looking for a different experience! This session will enable everyone in the practice to understand how to effectively communicate with every generation, uncover ways to keep their practices relevant, create personalized experiences and increase patient retention. Join us to learn about the unique characteristics for each generation and their buying habits. Discover new ways to engage each generation to attract them to the practice – and keep them there to make a sale and increase revenue in the practice.
  • 4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
    Diagnosis Diabetes: The Optometric Modern Management Guide 
    Speaker: Dr. Carolyn Majcher 
    COPE ID
    This course will cover both fundamental and advanced concepts of contemporary diabetic retinopathy care, with an emphasis on recent diagnostic and management developments. Real-world clinical applications of multi-modal imaging technology will be explored, including how it can detect pathology earlier and provide more accurate retinopathy staging.
  • 5:00 PM - 5:50 PM
    Level Up: Collaborative Care for 2025 and Beyond
    Speaker: Dr. Anu Ondhia 
    COPE ID 98190-PO
    This session will provide a practical overview of today's common ophthalmic surgeries, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to optimize their patient care. We'll explore the latest advancements in intraocular lenses, the evolving landscape of glaucoma interventions, and best practices for perioperative management to achieve optimal patient outcomes and practice growth.
  • 5:00 PM - 5:50 PM
    Optometry in the Game: Putting Primary Care ODs on the Concussion Starting Lineup
    Speaker: Dr. Shirley Blanc 
    COPE ID 102024-NO
    This lecture provides practical strategies for building, training, and motivating an optometric team, from initial hiring through advanced training. Participants will explore personalized team-building goals, effective management systems, and techniques for fostering long-term growth. Emphasis is placed on creating structured, franchise-like systems that support team members, patients and sustainable success.
  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    OAO/UW Reception
    Join us at the OAO/UW reception to network with peers and enjoy delicious food and drink. 
  • 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    REGISTRATION
  • 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
    breakfast buffet
  • 8:00 AM - 8:50 PM
    TBI, BV, Vision Therapy
    Speaker: Dr. Jacqueline Theis
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
    Myopia Management 101
    Speakers: Dr. Andrea Lasby and Dr. Sheila Morrison
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 9:05 AM - 10:05 AM
    President’s Welcome and Keynote
    Speakers: Dr. Shaina Nensi and Neil Pasricha 
    Non-COPE
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 10:05 AM - 11:00 aM
    Books for sale and signing with Neil Pasricha
  • 10:40 AM - 11:30 aM
    beauty & the Blink: the ECP Guide to Aesthetics
    Speakers: Dr. Andrea Lasby and Dr. Janice Luk
    This course explores the intersection of beauty, skincare, and ocular health, equipping eye care professionals with the knowledge to address patients' growing interest in aesthetics and eye-related beauty trends. Topics include safe cosmetic practices, ingredient awareness, the ocular implications of lash and skin treatments, and innovative therapies like IPL, RF, and plasma treatments. Gain insights into patient communication, product recommendations, and building a successful medical aesthetics practice, all while ensuring optimal eye health and safety. 
  • 10:40 AM - 11:30 aM
    911 for the Eyes – A Crash Course in Triage
    Speaker: Joyce VanRooyen
    How do you feel when you get those emergency calls at the office? Are you prepared with how to handle them in a way that calms the patient and gathers all the information for the OD? Triaging your patients is crucial to maintaining the flow of the office as well as providing your patients with timely care in a sometimes scary situation. This session walks through what you need to know about triaging effectively but with care and compassion for the patient on the other end of the line. Come and get refreshed on what you already do right as well as learn some tips and tricks on triaging your patients.  
  • 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    Lunch & InfoMart
  • 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
    Retina Rejuvenation: Advances in AMD Wellness, Diagnostics and Treatments
    Speaker: Dr. Trevor Miranda
    Session description
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
    Cataracts and Laser Co-management – Staff Perspective
    Speaker: Dr. Anu Ondhia
    Session Description
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
    Connecting With the Generations to Inspire Sales
    Speaker: Joyce VanRooyen
    We are all working with up to 5 different generations every day, each of which is looking for a different experience! This session will enable everyone in the practice to understand how to effectively communicate with every generation, uncover ways to keep their practices relevant, create personalized experiences and increase patient retention. Join us to learn about the unique characteristics for each generation and their buying habits. Discover new ways to engage each generation to attract them to the practice – and keep them there to make a sale and increase revenue in the practice 
  • 4:00 PM - 5:50 PM
    Interactive Specialty Contact Lenses Workshop
    Speakers: Dr. Andrea Lasby and Dr. Sheila Morrison
    Session Description
    This course will cover both fundamental and advanced concepts of contemporary diabetic retinopathy care, with an emphasis on recent diagnostic and management developments. Real-world clinical applications of multi-modal imaging technology will be explored, including how it can detect pathology earlier and provide more accurate retinopathy staging.
  • 5:00 PM - 5:50 PM
    Interpreting the Essentials: A Beginner’s Guide to VF and OCT in Clinical Practice
    Speaker: Dr. Sarah MacIver
    This session provides optometric assistants with practical skills to understand and confidently interpret OCT and visual field results. Participants will learn key patterns, common artifacts, and red flags that support accurate testing and enhance patient care. Designed to strengthen clinic workflow, communication, and the assistant’s role in glaucoma and retinal assessments.
  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    OAO/UW Reception
    Join us at the OAO/UW reception to network with peers and enjoy delicious food and drink.
  • 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    REGISTRATION
  • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
    breakfast buffet
  • 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
    TBD
    Speaker: TBD 
    Non-COPE 
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 9:20 AM - 10:40 aM
    Amniotic Membrane Workshop 
    Speaker: Dr. Julian Prosia 
    COPE ID
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 9:20 AM - 11:00 aM
    Retina Case-Based Panel Discussion
    Speakers: Dr. Thomas Lee, Dr. Adam McLaughlin, and Dr Raman Tuli 
    COPE ID 
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
    Oral Pharmaceuticals in Primary Optometry
    Speaker: Dr. Blair Lonsberry  
    COPE ID
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
    Bringing Artificial Intelligence Use in Glaucoma from Concept to Clinic
    Speaker: Dr. Sarah MacIver  
    COPE ID
    This session examines how AI is reshaping glaucoma care. It will cover clinical integration of deep learning, algorithmic fairness, and regulatory frameworks. Attendees will explore emerging applications in OCT analysis, progression prediction, and risk stratification, with discussion on real-world barriers, transparency issues, and the role of clinicians in AI-assisted care.
  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    President’s Lunch and OAO Awards
  • 1:40 PM - 3:10 PM
    Retina Rejuvenation: Becoming a Centre of AMD Wellness
    Speaker: Dr. Trevor Miranda 
    COPE ID 
    This session reviews treatments for AMD as well as the processes of setting up an AMD wellness center within the clinic.
  • 1:40 PM - 3:20 PM
    Wellness Panel Discussion
    Speakers: Dr. Laurie Capogna, Dr. Sarah MacIver, and Dr. Mike Sebastian 
    COPE ID 
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM
    Pediatric Problems: Is It Really Dyslexia?
    Speaker: Dr. Jacqueline Theis 
    COPE ID 
    This course will review the examination recommended to rule out visual dysfunction in patients with learning and reading disorders and outline the management options and scholastic accommodations that can be advocated for to empower your pediatric patients in their educational pursuits.
  • 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM
    Laser Procedures in Optometric Practice
    Speaker: Dr. Blair Lonsberry 
    COPE ID
    Session description TBD
    This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice. 
  • 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM
    Specialty Contact Lenses Made Simple
    Speaker: Dr Shalu Pal 
    COPE ID 98436-CL
    How do we take a complex fitting process like fitting scleral lenses, orthokeratology and hybrid lenses and make the process simple? Years ago, fitting toric and multifocal contact lenses was reserved for contact lens experts. Today let’s simplify the fitting process so these specialty lenses are just as simple to fit. I will take the last 22 years of specialty lens fitting and simplify the process for you.
  • 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM
    Practical Approaches to Modern Dry Eye Treatment and Management
    Speaker: Dr Marc Bloomenstein 
    COPE ID 
    In this course, we will give eyecare professionals a first look at new data, technology, and treatments that are evolving patient care and propelling the profession forward.
  • 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM
    Networking event at The National Gallery 
  • 7:45 AM - 4:00 PM
    REGISTRATION
  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    breakfast buffet
     
  • 8:30 AM - 10:10 AM
    The Science of Red Light Therapy
    Speaker: Dr. Cecelia Koetting 
    COPE ID 101600-TD
    This lecture will give an overview of photobiomodulation and its treatment applications for ocular surface disease. It will discuss the science of technology, treatment protocols, and clinical applications. Case studies will be reviewed to demonstrate implementation pearls and best practices.
  • 8:30 AM - 10:10 AM
    Front to Back of the Eye Cases
    Speaker: Dr. Marc Bloomenstein 
    COPE ID 97489-TD
    As ODs we tend to separate the front of the eye from the back of the eye. However, there are conditions that affect the eye from the anterior to posterior. This course will use case examples to illustrate how, as ODs we need to treat the whole eye.
  • 10:10 AM - 10:45 AM
    AGM check-in
  • 10:10 AM - 12:30 PM
    Annual Meeting
  • 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
    Lunch Buffet
  • 1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
    Corneal Meltdowns to Retinal Blowouts:A Survival Guide to Ocular Emergencies
    Speaker: Dr. Cecelia Koetting 
    COPE ID 101596-TD
    Who doesn’t love a last-minute ocular emergency? This course explores common anterior and posterior segment emergencies, equipping clinicians with practical triage and treatment strategies to manage urgent cases efficiently.
  • 2:55 PM - 3:45 PM
    Managing Presbyopia to Its Full Potential
    Speaker: Dr. Shalu Pal 
    COPE ID 
    The expectation of presbyopes to have functional vision in all ranges of vision is higher than ever before. Presbyopes are young active adults needing hassle free vision. Let’s explore the options available to provide the best care for our patients.
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learn from

world-class speakers

The annual OAO Symposium and InfoMart invites world-class speakers from North America to present a thoughtfully-curated program of continuing education lectures to enhance your knowledge and skills and learn how to treat the often-challenging scenarios of the patients you serve.