2022 OAO Symposium and InfoMart

April 1-3 at Niagara Falls Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, Ontario

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Your health and safety is our top priority. OAO requires that everyone in attendance (including delegates, speakers, vendors, OAO staff members and volunteers) be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, wear a face mask, and not be experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms (that may include a sore throat, a runny nose, and/or nasal congestion). For further information, please read our FAQs and our Duty of Care document.

Registration Closed

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Speakers

Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO

Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO is a 2002 graduate of the New England College of Optometry.

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Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO is a 2002 graduate of the New England College of Optometry. He is a partner of Premier Vision Group, a successful four location optometric practice in Northwest Ohio. He practices full scope optometry with an emphasis on ocular disease management of the anterior segment and specialty contact lenses. He is active at all levels of organized optometry. Dr. Brujic is on the editorial board for a number of optometric publications. He has published over 350 articles and has given over 1700 lectures, both nationally and internationally on contemporary topics in eye care.

Andrew G. Lee, M.D

Andrew G. Lee, M.D. is chair of the Blanton Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology at Houston.

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Andrew G. Lee, M.D. is chair of the Blanton Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas and is Professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. He is adjunct professor of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine; Texas A and M College of Medicine; University of Iowa and the University of Buffalo; and Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas and the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. He has been the invited speaker at over 400 national and international eye meetings and has given 14 named lectureships.

Dr. Anthony Litwak

Dr. Anthony Litwak is the Program Director for Ocular Therapeutics Continuing Education (OTCE).

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Dr. Anthony Litwak is the Program Director for Ocular Therapeutics Continuing Education (OTCE). He is the Past Residency and Student Program Director at the Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center. Dr. Litwak is an adjunct Clinical Professor at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, State University of New York, New England College of Optometry, University of Alabama College of Optometry and Southern College of Optometry. He is a founding member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society and National Glaucoma Society and on the Editorial Board of the Optometric Glaucoma Society E-Journal. Dr. Litwak is past Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Eye and Vision Care and is course director for “Ocular Therapeutics in Cancun” and “Glaucoma in the Gorge”. He is a national and international lecturer on ocular disease and author of the glaucoma textbook, “The Glaucoma Handbook”.

Bobby Saenz, OD, MS, FAAO

Dr. Saenz graduated summa cum laude with a dual OD/MS degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry.

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Robin Elliott – President of Consulting - Robin graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Communication. With more than 22 years in business management, Robin has worked in the optometric industry for 14 years as both a Williams Group client and business consultant. Nine of those years have been dedicated to helping our industry grow across North America.

Dr. Glen Steele

Dr. Steele is a professor at the Southern College of Optometry Pediatric Service emphasizing the vision care needs of the infant and young child during development.

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Andrew G. Lee, M.D. is chair of the Blanton Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas and is Professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. He is adjunct professor of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine; Texas A and M College of Medicine; University of Iowa and the University of Buffalo; and Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas and the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. He has been the invited speaker at over 400 national and international eye meetings and has given 14 named lectureships.

Dr. Jessica Steen

Dr. Steen is an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, serving as Director of the Glaucoma Service and attending optometric physician at the College’s Eye Care Institute.

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Dr. Jessica Steen is an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry where she serves as Director of the Glaucoma Service and as an attending optometric physician at the College’s Eye Care Institute. Dr. Steen teaches the course in glaucoma and ocular pharmacology at NSU where she has a special interest in pharmaceutical and health policy. Dr. Steen also serves as the Primary Care with Emphasis in Ocular Disease Residency Coordinator. Dr. Steen graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science and completed her residency in Primary Care with Emphasis in Ocular Disease at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Steen’s main clinical interests include glaucoma, retinal disease, neuro-ophthalmic disease with an emphasis in medical and surgical management. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society, and currently serves as President of the Palm Beach County Optometric Association.

Dr. Julie Rodman

Dr. Julie Rodman is the Chief of the Broward Eye Care Institute in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Her interests include OCT/OCTA and Vitreoretinal Disease.

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Dr. Anthony Litwak is the Program Director for Ocular Therapeutics Continuing Education (OTCE). He is the Past Residency and Student Program Director at the Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center. Dr. Litwak is an adjunct Clinical Professor at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, State University of New York, New England College of Optometry, University of Alabama College of Optometry and Southern College of Optometry. He is a founding member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society and National Glaucoma Society and on the Editorial Board of the Optometric Glaucoma Society E-Journal. Dr. Litwak is past Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Eye and Vision Care and is course director for “Ocular Therapeutics in Cancun” and “Glaucoma in the Gorge”. He is a national and international lecturer on ocular disease and author of the glaucoma textbook, “The Glaucoma Handbook”.

Dr. Roshni Echharam

Dr. Echharam, originally from Durban, South Africa, completed her Undergraduate degree in Optometry at the University of Durban-Westville.

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Dr. Echharam, originally from Durban, South Africa, completed her Undergraduate
degree in Optometry at the University of Durban-Westville in 1996. After graduation, she
worked in rural Africa, however, due to economic instability in Africa, she immigrated to
the United States in 1999. She was accepted in the international graduates’ program at
the New England College of Optometry in June 2000 and graduated with honors in
2002.  Dr. Echharam has worked in various optometry settings in the US and Toronto.
In August 2017 she opened her medical optometry practice, that has a dedicated Dry
Eye and Specialty contact lens Centre.

Dr. Jason Compton

Dr. Jason E. Compton graduated from the SUNY State College of Optometry and completed his residency at the Wilmington Delaware VA Medical Center.

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Dr. Jason E. Compton graduated from the SUNY State College of Optometry and completed his
residency at the Wilmington Delaware VA Medical Center. Dr. Compton owns three private
practices [Compton Eye Associates] in the New York City area. Dr. Compton serves as Assistant
Adjunct Faculty for the SUNY State College of Optometry and is a Regional Trustee for the New York
State Optometric Association. Dr. Compton is the Immediate Past Chair for the American
Optometric Association’s Contact Lens and Cornea Section and is a fellow in the American Academy
of Optometry. Dr. Compton is the President/Founder of TheRightContact.com, a contact lens
resource used by eye care professionals worldwide.

Susan Crawford

Susan Crawford is a dynamic coach, facilitator and speaker – her “Purpose Driven Trifecta”.

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Susan Crawford is a dynamic coach, facilitator and speaker – her “Purpose Driven Trifecta”. She is the founder of Meraki Inspired Coaching & Consultation and a fiercely courageous trailblazer who left her corporate job in 2018 to find happiness, success, and fulfillment, on her terms. Susan holds a Master of Social Work, a certificate in adult education, and is a certified Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0) assessor. She is on a mission to help organizations develop strong teams and leaders by leveraging the power of Emotional Intelligence so they can do more great work with compassion, confidence, and impact.

Dr. Shawn Moore

Dr. Shawn Moore owns a full scope practice in Orillia, Ontario with Practice Pillars including Primary Eye Care and Optical Gallery.

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Dr. Shawn Moore owns a full scope practice in Orillia, Ontario with Practice Pillars including Primary Eye Care, Optical Gallery, Contact Lenses, Vision Therapy, Dry Eye Disease, Macular Health, and Myopia Management. He is passionate in providing all patients with an unparalleled experience and he has spoken at multiple conferences to both doctors and staff on how to use knowledge, great products and services to differentiate their practices while providing exceptional care to their patients.

Dr. Alan Ulsifer

Dr. Alan Ulsifer graduated from the University of Waterloo as an optometrist in 1990, where he was acknowledged for several awards in clinical achievement.

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Dr. Alan Ulsifer graduated from the University of Waterloo as an optometrist in 1990, where he was acknowledged for several awards in clinical achievement, including the Ontario Association of Optometrists Award for Excellence in Patient Management.
After graduating, Dr. Ulsifer became one of the founders and the managing partner of Northern Vision Centre, which developed into one of Canada’s largest independent optometric practices. Dr. Ulsifer has also been involved at the executive level with various not for profit Boards including: Alberta Optometric Association, Rotary, Optometry Giving Sight, the Alberta Freestyle Ski Association and the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce.
In 2008, Dr. Ulsifer oversaw the creation of FYidoctors, which still stands as the largest business merger in Canadian history in terms of the number of companies involved. He was awarded the Ernst and Young Emerging Entrepreneur Award for Western Canada in 2008 and the Top Canadian Entrepreneur Award in 2012. Dr. Ulsifer has served on many Boards over the years and has an ICD.d designation. He currently serves as CEO & Chair of the FYidoctors Board of Directors.

Joyce Van Rooyen

Joyce Van Rooyen is currently the Senior Trainer for Eye Recommend, one of Canada’s leading Optometric Buying Groups.

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Joyce Van Rooyen is currently the Senior Trainer for Eye Recommend, one of Canada’s leading Optometric Buying Groups. In this role, Joyce creates, develops and facilitates trainings programs for all aspects of the Optometric Practice from Optical Basics, Front Desk Etiquette and Advanced Dispensing to Practice Management Topics including Eyewear Trends and Visual Merchandising and Teamwork as well as mentors the team of Trainers at Eye Recommend.
Joyce began her career in the optical industry 30 years ago, while working in her father’s edging lab. She has spent time working as a lab technician for four high-end optical stores, a dispensary manager for a busy four-doctor practice and the professional Education Coordinator for Hoya. She has developed and implemented workshops on various topics throughout the optical industry as well as an optometry assistant course for Conestoga College. She also worked as a workshop coach and lecturer for CAO’s Optometric Assistant program for 10 years. Joyce loves sharing her passion for the optical industry and believes that we should never stop learning.

Dr. Brad Sutton

Dr. Brad Sutton is a Clinical Professor at the Indiana University School of Optometry and is the Chief of Service at the Indianapolis Eye Care Center.

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Dr. Brad Sutton is a Clinical Professor at the Indiana University School of Optometry and is the Chief of Service at the Indianapolis Eye Care Center. Dr. Sutton’s main areas of clinical interest include ocular disease and surgical co-management. He has given over 450 continuing education lectures on topics related to ocular disease at the local, state, national, and international level, and has published extensively. He was named the Young OD of the year in both Tennessee and Indiana, and he has served as the President of the Optometric Retina Society.

Dr. Kashif Baig

Dr. Kashif Baig is a Cornea, Anterior Segment, and Refractive Surgeon at Herzig Eye Institute Ottawa, where he also serves as the Medical Director.

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Dr. Kashif Baig is a Cornea, Anterior Segment, and Refractive Surgeon at Herzig Eye Institute
Ottawa, where he also serves as the Medical Director. He completed his medical and residency
training at McGill University in Montreal, Master of Business Administration Degree (specializing
in Health Services Management) at McMaster University in Hamilton, and Fellowship training in
the United States. Dr. Baig has a strong interest in the development and implementation of
surgical innovations in corneal and anterior segment surgery. He performs Herzig Eye Institute’s
full range of surgical procedures at Herzig Eye Institute Ottawa.

Dr. Sheldon Herzig

Dr. Sheldon Herzig is one of the world’s most respected and experienced cataract and refractive surgeons.

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Dr. Sheldon Herzig is one of the world’s most respected and experienced cataract and refractive surgeons. Dr. Herzig completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Toronto, then completed a fellowship in corneal and cataract surgery at the Mary Shiels Eye Hospital in Dallas, Texas. There, he was trained in the most advanced micro-surgical techniques for cataract and refractive surgery. He has pioneered the development and application of leading- edge technologies in advanced cataract and refractive surgery. In 1996, Dr. Herzig co-founded Herzig Eye Institute, where he now serves as the Chief Medical Officer and performs the full range of procedures.

Dr. Milad Modabber

Dr. Milad Modabber is a double-board certified Cornea, Anterior Segment, and Refractive surgeon. He completed his medical training at McMaster University.

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Dr. Milad Modabber is a double-board certified Cornea, Anterior Segment, and Refractive surgeon. He completed his medical training at McMaster University, then went onto his ophthalmology residency at McGill University. At the prestigious University of California, Davis, he pursued a fellowship in cornea, anterior segment, and refractive surgery. Dr. Modabber maintains a strong interest in global health, program development, and the provision of eye care to underserved communities. He has worked with organizations like ORBIS and United Medical Relief to help provide care in several countries. Dr. Modabber currently performs refractive and cataract procedures at Herzig Eye Institute in Toronto.

Dr. Darrell Lewis

Dr. Darrell Lewis is a Cornea, Anterior Segment, Cataract, and Refractive Surgeon. He completed Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo.

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Dr. Darrell Lewis is a Cornea, Anterior Segment, Cataract, and Refractive Surgeon. He completed Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo followed by undergraduate medical training at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Lewis then completed his ophthalmology residency at Dalhousie University. Subsequently, he completed his corneal transplantation fellowship training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. He has a strong interest in cataract, corneal transplantation, keratoconus, and refractive surgery. Dr. Lewis performs refractive and cataract surgery at Herzig Eye Institute Ottawa.

Janet Vanderpost

Janet Vanderpost is currently a Senior Business Coach with Eye Recommend, one of Canada’s leading Optometric Buying Groups.

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Janet Vanderpost is currently a Senior Business Coach with Eye Recommend, one of Canada’s leading Optometric Buying Groups. As a Business Coach Janet works with the Eye Recommend practice owners and office managers, to help identify the needs and assess possible solutions that can help practices achieve their goals. Working on everything from HR solutions, Operational Analysis and Financial Benchmarking she is a resource and support to help optometric practices run smoothly. She believes that when we help others succeed we all succeed.

Janet’s professional background includes more then 16 years of experience in sales for the pharmaceutical, dental and optometric industries. A life long learner she is in the process of achieving her Associate Certified Coach Credential from the International Coaching Federation having completed over 120 hours of coach and leadership training. In her personal life, Janet has travelled throughout Canada and around the world. She enjoys any activity that takes her outside, especially hiking. She draws inspiration from her parents, who are both successful entrepreneurs and very active in their community.

Program

7:00-8:00 a.m.
Breakfast buffet
8:00-8:30 a.m.
President's Welcome
8:45-10:45 a.m.Current Concepts in Glaucoma
Dr. Anthony Litwak
COPE ID 75831-GL		Advanced Dry Eye Diagnosis and Management
Dr. Mile Brujic
COPE ID 72363-AS
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.How to Determine Glaucoma Progression

Dr. Anthony Litwak

COPE ID 74300-GL		Dry Eye Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Pearls from the Trenches

Dr. Mile Brujic
COPE Pending
12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
TYidoctors logo
Lunch and Lecture sponsored by FYidoctors
1:30-4:30 p.m.
InfoMart trade show
4:30-5:30 p.m.
OAO/UW reception
6:00-10:00 p.m.
Alcon Logo
Alcon presents PRECISION1® for Astigmatism Launch & Dinner Celebration

Note: ODs may select from the "Regular Stream" or the "Practice Management Stream" but not both.
7:00-8:00 a.m.
Breakfast buffet
Regular OD Stream
Practice Management Stream for OAs and ODs
8:00-10:00 a.m.Therapeutic Innovations The Game Changers

Dr. Jessica Steen

COPE Pending		Five Neuro-Ophthalmic Triage Decisions That Can Save a Life in the Optometric Clinic

Dr. Andrew Lee

COPE ID 71990-NO		The EQ Advantage, Leveraging Self Awareness in the Workplace

Susan Crawford
COPE Pending
10:15-11:15 a.m.Overview of Injections in Eye Care

Dr. Brad Sutton

COPE Pending		What to Expect Pregnancy and the Eye
Dr. Jessica Steen
COPE Pending		Objections are an Opportunity
Joyce VanRooyen
COPE Pending
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Taking the Mystery Out of Oral Medications
Dr. Brad Sutton
COPE Pending		Herpetic Eye Disease Acyclovir to Zoster
Dr. Jessica Steen
COPE Pending		Make Your Meetings Matter
Dr. Shawn Moore and Joyce VanRooyen
COPE Pending
12:45-2:15 p.m.
President's luncheon and OAO Awards
2:30-3:30 p.m.Overview of Corneal Dystrophies
Dr. Brad Sutton
COPE Pending		Am I a Candidate for Refractive Surgery?
Dr. Bobby Saenz
COPE Pending		Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
Janet Vanderpost
COPE Pending
3:45-4:45 p.m.Scleral Lenses - Advanced Fitting Strategies/Complicated Cases
Dr. Jason Compton
COPE Pending		Cataract Surgery: Lasers and Lenses
Dr. Bobby Saenz
COPE Pending		Sales and Personalities
Joyce VanRooyen
COPE Pending
5:00-6:00 p.m.Myopia Management - Decision Making
Dr. Jason Compton
COPE Pending		Crosslinking
Dr. Bobby Saenz
COPE Pending		Patient Experience Recovery
Dr. Shawn Moore
COPE Pending
7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sponsored social events TBD

7:00-8:00 a.m.
Breakfast buffet
8:00-10:00 a.m.Retinal Vascular Occlusive Disease

Dr. Julie Rodman

COPE Pending		Children and Their Devices

Dr. Glen Steele

COPE ID 75705-FV
10:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
AGM
12:30 - 1:45 p.m.

Co-Managing Lens-Based Refractive Procedures
2:00-3:00 p.m.OCT, OCTA, the What, When, How

Dr. Julie Rodman

COPE Pending		Baby Steps: Eye Care for Young Children

Dr. Glen Steele

COPE ID 74809-FV
3:15-4:15 p.m.Marketing for Specialty Lenses

Dr. Jason Compton

COPE Pending		Cosmetics, Esthetics and the Ocular Surface: Today's Dry Eye Disease is a Lifestyle Disease!

Dr. Roshni Echharam

COPE Pending

Lecture Descriptions and Handouts

TimeSpeakerTitleSession DescriptionHandout
8:00-8:30 AMDr. Sheldon SalabaPresident's Welcome
8:45-10:45 AMDr. Anthony LitwakCurrent Concepts in GlaucomaThis course provides the clinician with the latest advances and technologies in glaucoma diagnosis and management. Topics will include when to initiate glaucoma treatment, how to identify glaucoma damage to the optic nerve, how to interpret OCT RNFL, GCA and visual field findings, and how avoid misinterpretations of the OCT findings. Case examples will be used to demonstrate state of the art glaucoma diagnosis and management.VIEW
8:45-10:45 AMDr. Mile BrujicAdvanced Dry Eye Diagnosis and ManagementDiagnostic and therapeutic strategies for dry eye has advanced tremendously over the last several years. This course will overview new contemporary strategies for dry eye management emphasizing its clinical utilization.VIEW
11:00 AM-12:00 PMDr. Anthony LitwakHow to Determine Glaucoma ProgressionThe most arduous process of glaucoma management may be determining when a patient has progressed with their disease and requires additional treatment. This course will review the various techniques to monitor a glaucoma patient for progression. Topics will include optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer photography, OCT progression analysis, and serial visual field interpretation. Cases will be presented to highlight pros and cons of each technique.VIEW
11:00 AM-12:00 PMDr. Mile BrujicDry Eye Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Pearls from the TrenchesWith the amount of current information available regarding dry eye disease, it can sometimes become overwhelming to assimilate into clinical meaningful ways. This course will highlight clinically applicable diagnostic and treatment pearls to optimize the outcomes for your dry eye patients.VIEW
12:15-1:30 PMDr. Alan UlsiferCanadian Eyecare: Consumer Behaviours ExposedGain access to the latest industry specific research from McKinsey, Euromonitor and VSA. We will take a deeper look through the research ranging from winning brands to disrupters and how independents are fairing throughout. Diving into recent changes in the Canadian Eyecare market and exploring how they will impact the overall industry. You’ll walk away with a comprehensive understanding of our current industry and how this impacts you moving forward.
TimeSpeakerTitleSession DescriptionHandout
8:00-10:00 AMDr. Jessica SteenTherapeutic Innovations The Game ChangersThis course will discuss the most recent therapeutic advancements in management of ocular disease with an emphasis on first in class medications and alternative routes of medication administration. Clinical applications and impact will be highlighted using case examples.VIEW
8:00-10:00 AMDr. Andrew LeeFive Neuro-Ophthalmic Triage Decisions That Can Save a Life in the Optometric ClinicIn a case-based format, this presentation will examine several neuro-ophthalmic entities with potential for significant morbidity ad mortality. Conditions discussed include giant cell arteritis, pituitary apoplexy, aneurysmal third nerve palsy, Horner syndrome and carotid dissection. Key features are presented to enable the clinician to correctly identify these conditions.VIEW
10:15-11:15 AMDr. Brad SuttonOverview of Injections in Eye CareOptometrists are legally permitted to utilize injections in the delivery of eye care services in many states. This overview of injections covers basic injectable concepts as well as injection types specific to the eye. Intralesional, peribulbar, sub-conjunctival, sub-tenon's, and intravenous injections are discussed in detail.VIEW
10:15-11:15 AMDr. Jessica SteenWhat to Expect Pregnancy and the EyeThis course discusses the necessary considerations for optometrists while managing patients who may be pregnant or breastfeeding. The treatment of acute and chronic ocular conditions using oral and topical medications will be highlighted, with a focus on risk-benefit evaluation. The role of the FDA in evaluating the safety and efficacy of medications in pregnant and nursing individuals will be evaluated. Additionally, maximizing the utility of available key resources for prescribers will be presented. VIEW
11:30 AM-12:30 PMDr. Brad SuttonTaking the Mystery Out of Oral MedicationsThis course covers the common oral medications prescribed by eye care practitioners including antibiotics, antivirals, pain medications and steroids. Emphasis is placed upon both pharmacological principals, and helping ODs to get comfortable with the clinical use and prescribing of each category of medication.VIEW
11:30 AM-12:30 PMDr. Jessica SteenHerpetic Eye Disease Acyclovir to ZosterThis course will provide an overview of the clinical aspects of herpetic eye disease including herpes simplex and herpes zoster. The diagnostic challenge of herpetic eye disease, current treatment trends and clinical pearls will be emphasized through case presentations.VIEW
2:30-3:30 PMDr. Brad SuttonOverview of Corneal DystrophiesThis course presents an overview of many inherited corneal dystrophies. Covered conditions include the following dystrophies: EBMD, Meeseman's, Reis-Buckler's, Granular, Macular, Lattice, Avellino, Fuch's, PPD, CHED, and others.VIEW
2:30-3:30 PMDr. Bobby SaenzAm I a Candidate for Refractive Surgery?This course will discuss the most up-to-date surgical co-management with an emphasis on the growing role of the optometrist. We will discuss how optometrists can more involve themselves in both the pre and postoperative care of their patients with regards to LASIK, SMILE, ICLs, and refractive lens exchange. Interactive cases, through electronic audience polling, will provide instantaneous feedback to optometrists as they are involved in surgical planning.
3:45-4:45 PMDr. Jason ComptonScleral Lenses - Advanced Fitting Strategies/Complicated CasesScleral lenses can be both rewarding and challenging for practitioners. Thankfully, improvements in designs and materials have made what would have previously been considered a challenging case much more manageable. This lecture will review various strategies to address some of your more complicated cases. VIEW
3:45-4:45 PMDr. Bobby SaenzCataract Surgery: Lasers and LensesThis course will discuss the most up-to-date surgical co-management with an emphasis on the growing role of the optometrist. The discussion will be focused on the latest lasers and lenses used in cataract surgery. Tips will be given on how successful education will lead to happier patients. Interactive cases, through electronic audience polling, will provide instantaneous feedback to optometrists, as they are involved in surgical planning.
5:00-6:00 PMDr. Jason ComptonMyopia Management - Decision MakingAs myopia management options become more common place in our practices, we find ourselves with multiple options to offer our patients. While this is beneficial, it can complicate the decision-making process. This lecture will review available options and help refine your personal myopia management algorithm.VIEW
5:00-6:00 PMDr. Bobby SaenzCrosslinkingThis interactive course will discuss the most up-to-date surgical treatment options for keratoconus. We will discuss how Optometrists can involve themselves more in both pre and post-operative care of keratoconus patients who are undergoing corneal cross-linking. Interactive cases, through electronic polling, will provide instantaneous feedback to optometrists, as they are involved in surgical decision planning.
This program is open to both Optometric Assistants (OAs) and ODs. ODs may register for this series of lectures as a standalone or as part of a three-day symposium package.
TimeSpeakerTitleDescriptionHandout
8:00-10:00 AMSusan CrawfordThe EQ Advantage, Leveraging Self Awareness in the Workplace COPE PendingEmotional Intelligence fosters stronger relationships with patients and colleagues by helping you develop effective communication. Leveraging Emotional Intelligence enhances overall effectiveness and productivity in the practice by connecting each person through trust and mutual respect. Come and learn how to recognize and use Emotional Intelligence to enhance your relationships with patients and your team mates on all levels. VIEW
10:15-11:15 AMJoyce VanRooyenObjections are an Opportunity COPE PendingWhile some people think objections mean someone is looking for an excuse to NOT buy from you, the truth is that objections are an opportunity. It means someone wants to know more about WHY they should buy from you, they just don’t know how to ask the right questions. This session will provide you with a formula you can apply to any objection that will make you more comfortable and feel better prepared to not only overcome objections, but actually embrace them. VIEW
11:30 AM-12:30 PMDr. Shawn Moore and Joyce VanRooyenMake Your Meetings Matter COPE PendingHow do your teams feel when they know a team meeting is upcoming? Are they excited, scared, bored or wondering “what now?!” This session will look at how to make all your meetings more positive and productive. We’ll examine three different types of meetings and their value to creating effective and stronger teams. You will walk away with actionable ways to improve any meeting you have. VIEW
12:45-2:15 PMPresident's Luncheon and OAO Awards
2:30-3:30 PMJanet VanderpostCreating a Positive Workplace Culture COPE PendingCreating a positive workplace culture is crucial to retaining and attracting awesome teams. The culture of your practice is also an important element in developing patient loyalty and can make your patients brand ambassadors for you due of the experience an invested and passionate team creates at each and every visit. Come and learn what elements make up a positive office culture and how to create ownership in each of your team members as well as how to determine effective goals. Explore the WHY for both yourself and your teams; why you do what you do as well as why culture is so important. VIEW
3:45-4:45 PMJoyce VanRooyenSales and Personalities COPE PendingOne of the key qualities in the best salespeople is empathy, the ability to identify with customers and understand their motivations.  Learn about the four major personality types: how they think, how they make decisions, and how to build rapport with them.  We will also look at the different generations in our patient base to discover how their collective experiences influence their buying habits.  You will come away from this session with a greater understanding of how to relate to your patients as customers and possibly how to relate to each other better as well.VIEW
5:00-6:00 PMDr. Shawn MoorePatient Experience Recovery COPE PendingWe all know things can go wrong. Some things are in our control and others are not. How we recover from when that happens can make our patients even more loyal to us than if nothing went wrong at all. Changing our mindset and thinking of patient concerns as a compliment and an opportunity can change how we handle them when they come up. Come and learn how to Recover the Experience and create even more satisfied and loyal patients. VIEW
TimeSpeakerTitleSession DescriptionHandout
8:00-10:00 AMDr. Julie RodmanRetinal Vascular Occlusive DiseaseThis course will provide a general review of retinal vascular occlusive disease including the clinical manifestation. An understanding of who may be at risk for this disorder will be discussed. The lecture highlights the method for making the proper diagnosis, the management and follow-up schedule of RVO and RAO. Appropriate treatment and preferred practice guidelines will be presented. VIEW
8:00-10:00 AMDr. Glen SteeleChildren and Their DevicesThis course will address all issues of device use and present guidelines for helping parents manage childrens device use. Digital device use is exploding through the world. This generation that has grown up using devices is very new to our society. As adults, we use our phone and the internet for many everyday activities that most recently required a phone call and physically talking with a person. We view podcasts as preparation for or participation in a meeting. Information is available immediately available through search engines. Products and services, including food can be ordered and delivered in record speed through a phone app. The issues are starting young and prolonged use of such devices for gaming and social media. Guidelines for managing a young population who use devices for long periods at a time.VIEW
12:30-1:45 PMDrs. Sheldon Herzig, Kashif Baig, Darrell Lewis and Milad ModabberCo-Managing Lens-Based Refractive ProceduresThis lecture was designed to provide a comprehensive guide for Co-Managing Lens-Based Refractive Procedures. The following sections: Decision-Making in Refractive Surgery, Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL), and IOL Selection for Post-Laser Vision Correction Patients, will take delegates through the patient journey from a practitioner’s perspective, followed by a Q&A.
2:00-3:00 PMDr. Julie RodmanOCT, OCTA, the What, When, HowOCT has revolutionized our understanding of retinal disease. This lecture will provide a nuts-and-bolts approach using clinical cases to understand and interpret OCT. An introduction into OCTA including image acquisition, interpretation and clinical utility of this technology will be presented.VIEW
2:00-3:00 PMDr. Glen SteeleBaby Steps: Eye Care for Young ChildrenThis course addresses history and examination protocols for examining infants and young children. Clinical testing and pearls for examining and managing eye and vision conditions of children ages newborn to three years. The conditions most frequently encountered will be the primary focus.VIEW
3:15-4:15 PMDr. Jason ComptonMarketing for Specialty LensesWe are very fortunate to have multiple marketing options for our specialty contact lens practices. This lecture will review how to market to your existing patients as well as how to find new ones. We will review traditional marketing strategies as well as review the new effective marketing trends for 2022. VIEW
3:15-4:15 PMDr. Roshni EchharamCosmetics, Esthetics and the Ocular Surface - Today's Dry Eye Disease is a Lifestyle Disease!This course will provide an overview of the various cosmetic and esthetic beauty trends seen today, from make-up ingredients to application to elective medical and non-medical procedures, societal and cultural challenges and the impact these have on dry eye disease. Key tips will be provided to help identify these multifactorial aesthetic risk factors and how to holistically manage these dry eye patients.VIEW

Fees

Optometrist (OD) Program for OAO Members*

 Early Bird Registration
by Feb. 18, 2022		Regular Registration
after Feb. 18, 2022
Full three days
April 1-3, 2022
$635$735
Friday
April 1 only
$320$400
Saturday
April 2 only
$390$470
Sunday
April 3 only
$320$400

Optometrist (OD) Program for Non-OAO Members

 Regular Registration
Full three days
April 1-3, 2022
$900
Friday
April 1 only
$500
Saturday
April 2 only
$550
Sunday
April 3 only
$500

Saturday Practice Management Stream – open to both Optometric Assistants (OAs) and ODs

 Early Bird Registration
by Feb. 18, 2022		Regular Registration
after Feb. 18, 2022
Saturday, April 2, 2022 Optometric Assistant (OA) price$150$200
Saturday, April 2 only Optometrist price**
$390$470

**Saturday only price
ODs attending the three-day symposium may choose the Saturday Practice Management Stream as an option on Saturday.

OD students – $100 (for full three days April 1-3, 2022)
InfoMart only – $75 (for Friday, April 1, 2022 from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
AGM (for OAO members only) – free of charge

Registration Closed

*Membership with the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) provides extensive and impactful benefits for your career including: reduced rates to attend the OAO symposium and InfoMart, access to high-quality, members-only online learning for continuing education credit, best-in-class comprehensive professional liability insurance, and personalized assistance on OHIP billing issues and government legislation. Click here for further information.

Note: Delegates must pay in full to confirm their registration and course selections. Any registrations without payment (pending) will be given 48 hours to provide payment otherwise the registrations will be removed from the system and delegates will need to re-register with payment.

Accommodations

Host Hotel

Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites 
6361 Fallsview Boulevard
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2G 3V9

Directions

Conference Venue

Niagara Falls Convention Centre (NFCC)  
6815 Stanley Avenue
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2G 3V9

Directions

Click here to reserve your room at the exclusive OAO group rate

Contact Us

If you have any questions or other inquiries, please send us a message.  One of our team members will be happy to help.  

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