About CEwire2026

Join us for the largest online CE event in optometry and see why over 20,000 ODs across the world have chosen to participate over the past decade!

Earn up to 75 COPE-approved CE credits from leading eye care experts with all-new lectures, without leaving home.

Use your conference pass to Watch LIVE online these dates:

January 31 & February 1, 2026
April 11-12, 2026
June 6-7, 2026
September 19-20, 2026


... OR watch ON DEMAND at your own pace and on your own schedule through December 1, 2026.

Register to receive exclusive discounts from leading vendors, and tune in to the CEwire2026 Livestream, where we'll chat with optometric thought leaders and eye care industry executives.

CEwire2026 Livestream!

As in prior years, during the live weekends we will broadcast from CEwire HQ.

CEwire staff will give participants the latest updates on the conference in real time, including current discounts being offered at the show, and interviews with leaders in eye care.

Come join the fun!

REGISTER NOW

CEwire2026 Course List

• All courses (75 hours) will be presented online at each event as ONLINE INTERACTIVE/SYNCHRONOUS COPE credits.
• The first live event is on the weekend of January 31 - February 1, 2026.
• All courses will also available ON DEMAND from February 2, 2026 through December 1, 2026 as ONLINE ENDURING/ASYNCHRONOUS COPE credits.
• Your CEwire2026 Season Pass will work at ALL LIVE and On Demand sessions - there is no need to re-register or pay again if you've already signed up. One pass gives you full access!

Speakers

	Kayla Ashlee is the founder of Spexy, an international optometric speaker, a certified optician, and an optometric renegade. Her direct and relatable approach to training has set her apart in the optical industry. Kayla took her knowledge of industry coaching and adapted it to reach any eyecare office that is hungry to grow by putting her training in an online video learning platform called Spexy® The result, she and her team train opticals how to give a sensational experience to their patients and it is transforming the patient relationship with their optical in a powerful way. She also created a tool called FrameTurn® for independent opticals. It allows opticals to have access to frame inventory coaching and guidance based upon each optical’s unique sales numbers and has proven to be a massive profit builder for the independent! To learn more about her visit www.beSpexy.com.
	Roya Attar, OD, MBA, DHA, FAAO Roya Attar serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Optometric Services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. As the sole optometrist at the state's only medical school, she strives to make a meaningful impact on patient care, education, and leadership. Beyond her primary responsibilities, Roya is deeply committed to providing comprehensive clinical care, sharing knowledge with residents, and ensuring the smooth operation of optical services. With dual Doctorates in Optometry and Health Administration, complemented by a Master's in Business Administration, she actively pursues ongoing growth and development in her role. A distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, Roya assumes pivotal roles, including chairing the AAO Retina Special Interest Group and serving as the vice chair of the AOA Leadership Development Committee. In addition, she is president of her local society, where she contributes to discussions on best practices and professional development. Though grateful for recognition and numerous accolades, including awards like Mississippi Young OD of the Year, SECO Young OD of the Year, AOA Young OD of the Year, and Women in Optometry Young OD of the Year, she remains focused on serving others and committed to advancing the optometric profession.
	Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA is a world-renowned key opinion leader recognized for her expertise in dry eye disease, specialty and scleral lenses, keratoconus and presbyopia. She has authored more than 300 articles and books, delivered over 500 lectures, is a board member and founding member of Intrepid Eye Society and serves on several industry boards. Dr. Barnett is the author and editor of Specialty Contact Lenses and Contemporary Scleral Lenses: Theory and Application, which features insights and contributions from leading international experts. Her work has been featured in medical journals, professional magazines, as well as consumer publications such as The Washington Post, Bloomberg, Prevention Magazine, and Good Housekeeping. Dr. Barnett is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC), credentialed by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She specializes in mindful leadership, wellness, and public speaking, empowering individuals to become their best selves in both their personal and professional lives. She is energized by her passion for helping people improve their lives by optimizing their vision, health and wellness with a customized approach. Dr. Barnett is most proud of being awarded the Legends Award from AOA CLCS, the Scleral Lens Practitioner of the Year from the Scleral Lens Education Society, the inaugural Theia Award for Excellence for Mentoring by Women In Optometry and was granted the Most Influential Women in Optical from Vision Monday. Dr. Barnett is the host of the Clearly KC and Starting Strong podcasts. She advocates for elevating eye care through technology and her influence on the profession.
	Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO is a 1990 graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles with a degree in Biology. He received his optometric degree from the New England College of Optometry in 1994. After graduation Dr. Bloomenstein finished a residency in secondary ophthalmic care at the Barnet Dulaney Eye Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He received his fellowship from the American Academy of Optometry in December 1998. Currently Dr. Bloomenstein is the Director of Optometric Services at the Schwartz Laser Eye Center in Scottsdale, Arizona and President of MRB Eye Consultants. Dr. Bloomenstein is on the editorial board of Primary Care of Optometry News, Review of Optometry, Optometry Times, Modern Optometry, Optometric Management and a frequent contributor to other various optometric journals. Dr. Bloomenstein served as the Chairman of the AOA Continuing Education Committee and served on the board of the Ocular Surface Society of Optometry (OSSO), as well as a founding member of the Optometric Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Society (OCCRS). Dr. Bloomenstein has served as the President of the Arizona Optometric Association, Legislation Chair and President of the Board of the Arizona Optometric Charitable Foundation. Dr. Bloomenstein has delivered over 1500 invited lectures worldwide and serves as a consultant to numerous industry-leading pharmaceutical, biomedical and information technology companies.
	Shelby Brogdon, OD, is a native Arkansan, practicing at McFarland Eye Care in Little Rock. Dr. Brogdon loves seeing patients of all ages and is passionate about leading her practice's Dry Eye Clinic. She is an active member of the Arkansas Optometric Association where she serves on several committees and is a graduate of its LEADership program. Dr. Brogdon graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word, Rosenberg School of Optometry. She was named a Contact Lens Institute Visionary in 2024, a role which she uses to raise awareness regarding contact lens health and safety by promoting best practices tools, tips and research through CLI's The EASY Way program and See Tomorrow initiative.
	Kristen Brown, OD, FAAO is a provider and Chief Operating Officer of Eyewell. She completed her clinical training at the University of California, School of Optometry in 1992. After completing two Ocular Disease Residencies and a 2-year Fellowship in Ocular Disease, Dr. Brown completed a Research Fellowship at the Boston University School of Medicine. She holds academic appointments as Associate Professor of Clinical Optometry at the New England College of Optometry and the MCPHS School of Optometry. Prior to Eyewell, Dr. Brown served as the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at the New England College of Optometry and was the Clinical Director at TLC Laser Centers, where she oversaw two high-volume laser refractive and cataract surgery centers and developed clinician networks between optometrists and ophthalmologists throughout New England. Dr. Brown is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists. She is a Diplomate in the Cornea, Contact Lens and Refractive Technology Section of the American Academy of Optometry. Her clinical and research interests focus on dry eye management and diseases that affect the tear film and ocular surface.
	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 three location optometric practice in Northwest Ohio. He practices full scope optometry with an emphasis on ocular disease management of the anterior segment, contact lenses and glaucoma. 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 250 articles and has given over 1400 lectures, both nationally and internationally on contemporary topics in eye care.
	Lorcan Butler, BSc (Hons), MCOptom is an optometrist and dispensing optician from Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. He works with The Brain Tumour Charity where he is responsible for aiding practitioners in identifying and managing patients with signs and symptoms that may be associated with a brain tumour. Lorcan has spoken extensively at optical conferences throughout the UK and Ireland. He has worked with numerous optical bodies and organisations including the AOP, ABDO, Optometry Wales, Optometry Northern Ireland and the European Academy of Optometry and Optics.
	Benjamin P. Casella, OD is a third-generation optometrist who owns and operates Casella Eye Center in Augusta, GA, which was established in 1948 by his grandfather, Victor. After graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry and completing his residency at State University of New York College of Optometry, Dr. Casella joined the family practice in 2008, continuing the tradition of providing quality care to the local community alongside his father. In addition to managing the family practice, Dr. Casella serves as the chief optometric editor of Optometry Times®. He is very active within the professional optometric community, holding many positions within the Georgia Optometric Association, serving on the AOA Evidence Based Optometry Committee, and having been named the Young OD of the South by SECO International in 2014.
	A. Paul Chous, MA, OD, FAAO Dr. Paul Chous has a private practice specializing in diabetes eye care and education in Tacoma, WA and is Adjunct Professor of Optometry at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. He completed his undergraduate education at Brown and UC Irvine, and then received his Masters and Doctorate of Optometry degrees from UC Berkeley. He is the author of Diabetic Eye Disease: Lessons From a Diabetic Eye Doctor, which was included in the “Top 12 Diabetes Books” by Diabetes Update magazine in 2004. He is editorial advisor to Review of Optometry and Optometry Times, AOA representative to the National Diabetes Education Program, Primary Investigator for the Diabetes Visual Function Supplement Study (DiVFuSS), and was named one of the 250 most influential optometrists in 2017. Dr. Chous has had type 1 diabetes since 1968.
	Pinakin Davey, OD, PhD, FAAO is a tenured full Professor at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Optometry. He holds Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from Southern College of Optometry and a Ph.D. from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England. His post-doctoral research fellowship at University of Louisville for three years was focused on improving imaging techniques in glaucoma. His research is focused on retinal physiology and glaucoma particularly improving visual function in disease states. He has authored over 75 international publications and has given over 300 conference and invited presentations both nationally and internationally. His research work is funded in past and present by the National Institute of Health and industry sponsored FDA trials.
	Mark Friedberg, MD graduated with top honors from Brown University Undergraduate and was selected to the medical honor society at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Friedberg was also chosen to be one of 12 residents at the renowned Wills Eye Hospital where he did his training. He was then selected to be the coveted, sole retinal trainee for the Washington National Eye Center located at the Washington Hospital Center. He is the co-founding editor and original lead author of the best selling book in ophthalmology, The Wills Eye Manual: Office and Emergency Room Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease. Dr. Friedberg has also published numerous articles on eye surgery, has given dozens of lectures to societies of eye doctors, and has been a reviewer for eye journals in the past. He has served as a consultant to over 100 eye doctors and has performed thousands of eye operations.
	Ben Gaddie, OD, FAAO earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry. He further honed his expertise with a residency in ocular disease through Northeastern State University College of Optometry at Triad Eye Medical Clinic and Cataract Institute in Tulsa, OK. He is the proud owner and director of Gaddie Eye Centers, a renowned multi-location practice established by his father more than four decades ago. As a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and former president of the Optometric Glaucoma Society, Dr. Gaddie is actively involved in advancing the field of optometry. He currently co-chairs the International Vision Expo meetings and has held past leadership roles, including president of the Kentucky Optometric Association. His extensive contributions to ophthalmic literature are reflected in his editorial roles with Review of Optometry, Optometric Management, Primary Care Optometry News, and Optometry Times. In 2011, Dr. Gaddie was inducted into the Oklahoma Pioneers in Optometry Hall of Fame, recognizing his impact on the field. He was also honored as one of the Most Influential in Optometry by Optometric Management in 2015. He was also named a "Leader in Sight" by Bausch & Lomb and received the Kentucky Optometric Association Optometrist of The Year award. His recent works include influential articles on glaucoma and insights from legendary optometris
	Susan Gromacki, MS, OD, FAAO, FSLS is an internationally-recognized clinician, lecturer, and author in optometry. In practice for 31 years, she graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame and The Ohio State University College of Optometry and completed a residency in hospital-based optometry with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She has presented over 800 professional lectures and publications and has served as Contributing Editor of Contact Lens Spectrum, Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses, Contemporary Optometry, and CL Today. She serves on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, composing and overseeing the written examinations that ensure the qualifications of new US optometrists to enter practice. She is one of only 24 doctors worldwide to earn both a Fellowship in the Scleral Lens Education Society and the prestigious Diplomate in Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies of the American Academy of Optometry. She has presented on behalf of the profession of optometry to the US FDA and FTC, and in countries around the world. Formerly a faculty member of the New England College of Optometry and the University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology, she has received almost 50 professional awards for excellence, including the “Top Doctor of 2024” Award from the National Keratoconus Foundation, the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) Culture Award (2023), the 2022 Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, the World’s Top Optometrists (2020) and one of the Most Notable Alumni in the 100-year history of The Ohio State University College of Optometry. She currently practices at First Sight Vision Care in Fulton, MD.
	Andrew Gurwood, OD, FAAO graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1984. Following his undergraduate education he entered the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1989. He completed a one year post-graduate residency at The Eye Institute in 1990. In addition to his clinical practice at The Eye Institute, he also maintains at practice in the Department of Ophthalmology at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia Dr. Gurwood is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry. He is a member in good standing of the American Optometric Association and the Pennsylvania Optometry Association. In 1998 he was recognized by the American Optometric Association as “Young Optometrist of the Year.” The Pennsylvania Optometric Association recognized him in 2006 as the state's "Optometrist of the Year." Dr. Gurwood has published extensively in optometric journals, and has authored textbook chapters, as well as entire professional texts. He currently serves on the numerous editorial boards including The Journal of The American Optometric Association (Optometry), The Southern Journal of Optometry, and the Review of Optometry. Dr. Gurwood continues to lecture extensively throughout the country on his areas of professional expertise, internal and external ocular disease.
	Mitchel J. Ibach, OD, FAAO is a residency trained optometrist at Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls, SD. Dr. Ibach attended the Pacific University College of Optometry where he graduated summa cum laude. Mitch completed his residency training at Minnesota Eye Consultants with a concentration on cornea, refractive surgery, external disease and glaucoma. In September of 2014, he joined Vance Thompson Vision to focus on advanced anterior segment surgery care and pathology. Mitch is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, an Intrepid Eye Society member, a member with the American Optometric Association, Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS), and the South Dakota Optometric Society. Dr. Ibach is the residency co-coordinator at Vance Thompson Vision, and is also an adjunct clinical faculty for the Illinois College of Optometry and the Pikesville College of Optometry
	Viola Kanevsky, OD is a pediatric optometrist specializing in custom contact lenses, who has practiced on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for almost 30 years. An émigré from the former Soviet Union, Dr. Kanevsky lived in Netanya, Brussels, and Miami, until her family settled in New York City in 1979. Many years later, having earned a BS from Pace University and a Doctorate from SUNY State College of Optometry, she works and lives with her husband, daughter, and son in the neighborhood that she loves best. She is the immediate past President of the New York State Optometric Association and has served on its board in various capacities for several years; she has served as director of the Optometric Society of the City of New York. She is the president of the NY chapter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) and has joined VOSH on medical missions to orphanages in Mexico, Peru and Guatemala. In 2022, Dr. Kanevsky ranked #1 on Newsweek’s list of America's Best Eye Doctors.
	Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, DipABO is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the Department of Ophthalmology in Denver, CO. Her primary focus is in anterior segment and ocular surface disease, neuro-optometry, and peri-operative care. She partakes in clinical research and has served Externship Director and adjunct faculty for several schools and colleges of optometry. Dr. Koetting is a member of Intrepid, a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry, a diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, an active member of AOA and has served as both local and state officers within AOA. She was named young Optometrist of the year by the state of Virginia. Dr. Koetting lectures locally, nationally and internationally at conferences, continually contributes articles to and serves on editorial board for multiple publications.
	Srinivas Sai Kondapalli, MD is a senior partner and retina specialist at Everett and Hurite Ophthalmic Association in Pittsburgh, PA. He is also the founder of Rinsada, an irrigating eyelid retractor. A Cleveland, Ohio native, he graduated from The Ohio State University and received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Dr. Kondapalli completed his ophthalmology residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. He then returned to Ohio to complete a fellowship in medical retina and ocular oncology in through The Havener Eye Institute at The Ohio State University Wexford Medical Center. He has extensive experience in treatment of macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions, and diabetic retinopathy. He was actively involved in clinical trials and is up to date on the most current treatment modalities.
	Graham Lakkis, BScOptom, GradCertOcTher, FACO owns a private practice in East Victoria, Australia, with a clinical focus on ocular disease management and glaucoma treatment. Graham also holds positions as a Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne Department of Optometry and Vision Science, and Lead Optometrist at the University of Melbourne Glaucoma Clinic. He is a member of the Optometry Board of Australia's Scheduled Medicines Advisory Committee, Optometry Australia's Glaucoma Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Glaucoma Communities of Practice. Graham has lectured at both local and international conferences on the topics of glaucoma, ocular disease and advanced clinical instrumentation.
	Jonathan M. Lam, MD, MBA practices in Boca Raton, Florida. He specializes in refractive cataract surgery, corneal surgery, laser vision correction, and the treatment of glaucoma. Dr. Lam attended Tufts University in Massachusetts, and received his M.D. from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. After completing his Ophthalmology Residency, where he also served as Chief Resident, Dr. Lam completed additional subspecialty fellowship training in Anterior Segment, Cornea, and Refractive surgery at the prestigious Harvard/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, the #4 ranked eye hospital nationally. Currently, Dr. Lam is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Refractive Surgery Alliance. He has published and presented his research at both national and international scientific conferences, served as a speaker on industry panels, and been an investigator on clinical trials. When he's not working, Dr. Lam enjoys playing golf and tennis, traveling, and spending time with his wife, two young boys Ethan and Gabriel, and mini-goldendoodle Ruby.
	Cory J. Lappin, OD, FAAO is a native of Northeast Ohio and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with Honors with Distinction. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where he concurrently completed his Master of Science degree in Vision Science. At the college he served as Class President and was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. Following graduation, Dr. Lappin continued his training by completing a residency in Ocular Disease at the renowned Cincinnati Eye Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Lappin has been recognized for his clinical performance, receiving the American Academy of Optometry Foundation Practice Excellence Award. He has also been actively engaged in research, being selected to take part in the NIH/NEI T35 research training program and receiving the Vincent J. Ellerbrock Memorial Award in recognition of accomplishments in vision science research. Dr. Lappin practices at Phoenix Eye Care and the Dry Eye Center of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona, where he treats a wide variety of ocular diseases, with a particular interest in dry eye and ocular surface disease. Additionally, he has authored numerous articles and lectures on topics related to ocular surface disease. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a member of the American Optometric Association, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Arizona Optometric Association. He also volunteers with the Special Olympics Opening Eyes program. In his free time, Dr. Lappin enjoys weight lifting, trail running, and exploring the world through hiking and new culinary experiences.
	Anupam Laul, OD, FAAO, DIPL ABO has been clinical faculty at SUNY Optometry since 2016. Prior to SUNY, he served as clinical faculty at Johns Hopkins, School of Medicine and the Ohio State University, College of Optometry where he was the Chief of the Ocular Disease Service. He graduated from the Michigan College of Optometry, followed by a residency in Ocular Disease at the Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston/New England College of Optometry. He is an attending in the Primary Eye Care Service and the Glaucoma Service and also teaches ocular disease clinical procedures labs. He is the instructor of record of the Ophthalmic Lasers and In-Office Surgical Procedures course and The Role of the Optometrist in Surgical Care elective. He is a member of the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, the Optometric Glaucoma Society and is board certified by the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Laul is also the Chair of the Environmental Safety and Infection Control Committee and runs the Glaucoma Micro-Credential Program at the College.
	Austin R. Lifferth OD, FAAO graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 2003 and completed a post-graduate residency in ocular disease at the Huntington, West Virginia Veterans Affairs Medical Center 2003-2004. Since that time, he has practiced in an ophthalmology co-management center for several years at Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers, a hospital-based setting at The Villages, Florida Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, and is now back home again in Indiana as a consultative optometrist with an emphasis in glaucoma management at Center for Sight in Carmel, Indiana. Dr. Lifferth is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Glaucoma Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry, Chair of the Glaucoma Section of the American Academy of Optometry, and is a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society.
	Nate Lighthizer, OD, FAAO is a graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry. Upon graduation, he completed a residency in Family Practice Optometry with an emphasis in Ocular Disease through Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry (NSUOCO). Dr. Lighthizer has since joined the faculty at the Oklahoma College of Optometry and serves as the Chief of Specialty Care Clinics and the Chief of Electrodiagnostics Clinic. In 2014, he founded and now heads the Dry Eye Clinic at the College of Optometry. Also in 2014, he was named the Director of Continuing Education as well as the Assistant Dean for Clinical Care Services at the Oklahoma College of Optometry. Starting in 2020, he was named the Associate Dean of the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry. He is a founding member, and currently serves as President, of the Intrepid Eye Society which is a group of emerging thought leaders in optometry. He was named a member of PCON 250 – A list of the top 250 optometrists in the country who practice progressively, provide innovative patient care, conduct optometric research or excel in academia and share what they have learned with other optometrists to advance the profession. Dr. Lighthizer lectures nationally and internationally on numerous topics, most notably advanced ophthalmic procedures, electrodiagnostics, and ocular disease.
	Sarah MacIver BSc, OD, FAAO is an optometrist and associate clinical professor at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. At the University of Waterloo, she is director of continuing professional development and residency supervisor for the ocular disease and glaucoma residency program. She has a special interest in the treatment and management of chronic ocular disease, specifically glaucoma, retinal imaging and dry eye for which she has been invited to speak at various continuing education across North America. Areas of scholarship include glaucoma, dry eye disease, retinal imaging, inter-professional collaboration with primary healthcare and optometric education. She is a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society and program chair for the American Academy of Optometry's Glaucoma section.
	Charles McBride, OD is the owner of McBride Optometrists in Beaverton, Oregon. Dr. McBride started working with contact lenses at a young age under the guidance of his father and grandfather, both optometrists. He went on to Oregon State University and later Pacific University where he earned his doctorate. Dr. McBride has a strong professional interest in complex contact lens fits, and is considered a leading expert in the use and fitting of scleral lenses.
	Vittorio Mena, OD, MS specializes in corneal and contact lens management, serves as the sports vision director at the Optical Academy in New Jersey. He is the Co-Clinical Director of Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes Program, servicing athletes and coaches yearly. Dr. Mena was awarded the “Young OD of the Year 2019” by the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP) and now serves on the NJSOP board of directors.
	Thuy-Lan Nguyen, OD, FAAO received her Bachelors of Science Degree from James Madison University in 1997. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 2002 with a Doctor of Optometry Degree. She completed a Residency in Primary Care with Emphasis in Cornea and Contact Lenses at NSU in 2003. Dr. Nguyen is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Society. In August 2015, Dr. Nguyen joined the Nova Southeastern University Faculty on a full time basis. She is Chief of the Cornea and Contact Lens Service and currently holds the rank of Assistant Professor. She teaches in the contact lens clinic and practice management course. Dr. Nguyen volunteers with Vision Service Plan’s mobile eye clinics and serves as VSP’s state professional representative (SPR) for South Florida. Dr. Nguyen is a member of the American Optometric Association, Florida Optometric Association, Broward County Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry and the Scleral Lens Society.
	Ada Noh, OD is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association, Arkansas Optometric Society, AOA Leadership institute, VC Woman Achieve, and Arkansas Women Executives. She practiced in primary care optometry for 8 years before opening a specialty dry eye clinic. She now exclusively treats dry eye disease in Little Rock, Arkansas.
	John Nolan, PhD is the Principal Investigator of the Macular Pigment Research Group (MPRG) in the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (www.nrci.ie) in Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland. His research group studies the role of eye nutrition for vision and prevention of blindness, and current studies are investigating the link between nutrition and brain health and function. Dr. Nolan has secured over €5 million in research funding to date to support these studies. He has presented at over 100 international scientific conferences and has published 89 peer-reviewed scientific papers, which have been cited 3,317 times. His H-index is 37. He is co-editor of Carotenoids and Retinal Disease published by Taylor and Francis in 2013 & is a member of the Ocular Nutrition Society. He is currently serving his third term as Chair of the International Brain and Ocular Nutrition (BON) Conference, and is an editor of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
	Carlo J. Pelino, OD, FAAO is a 1994 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. In 1995 Dr. Pelino completed a PCO ocular disease residency at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia, where he concentrated in retina and neuro-ophthalmic disease. Dr. Pelino is currently a full time Assistant Professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and is director of the optometric retina service at The Eye Institute. He recently completed a one year retinal fellowship emphasizing medical and surgical treatments under the direction of vitreo-retinal surgeons at Crozier-Chester and Riddle Memorial Hospitals in suburban Philadelphia. Dr. Pelino is a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry. He regularly lectures in domestic and international programs.
	Tamara Petrosyan, OD is an associate clinical professor at SUNY College of Optometry in the Primary Care, Ocular Disease, Pediatrics, and Vision Therapy departments. Dr. Petrosyan lectures internationally and has published articles and book chapters on various topics. Dr. Petrosyan helped implement free pediatric exams for over 30,000 children through the Armenian Eyecare Project, developed over a dozen vision therapy workbooks, and helped start and previously worked with Anteo Health where she developed all of the vision therapy content. She is the InfantSEE liaison for New Jersey, head of the clinical care committees for pediatrics and vision therapy, and previously on the board of directors for the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP). Dr. Petrosyan has received the Young Optometrist of the Year and Optometrist of the Year from NJSOP and the Young Optometrist of the Year award from the AOA.
	Joseph Pizzimenti, OD, FAAO is a full-time faculty member at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (UIWRSO). He received his Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, and completed a residency in Low Vision and Ocular Disease at the University of Houston. Dr. Pizzimenti is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and the Optometric Retina Society (ORS), serving as ORS President from 2012-2014. Dr. Pizzimenti’s areas of research interest include diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, vitreomacular adhesion, and low vision. His scientific articles have appeared in a host of peerreviewed journals. Dr. Pizzimenti was awarded a Fellowship by the World Council of Optometry in 2006, resulting in an appointment to teach and evaluate optometric education programs in Central Europe. He is involved in the both the didactic and clinical education at UIWRSO and the UIW Eye Institute.
	Jessilin Quint OD, MBA, MS, FAAO is a Texas native and graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Biology. She completed Master in Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science (MS) in Biology degrees at West Texas A&M University. Dr. Quint received a Doctorate of Optometry degree (OD) from Indiana University. After graduation, she completed a post-doctoral Residency in Ocular Disease with an emphasis on ocular emergency and trauma at the Illinois Eye Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Quint has been an active volunteer, presenter, and author in industry publications. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Quint co-owns Smart Eye Care and Smart Eye & Med Spa in Maine. She serves as President of the Maine Optometric Association Board of Directors and is a member of the Intrepid Eye Society.
	Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO is a consultative optometric physician who has been in practice at the Charles Retina Institute (CRI) since 1996. Dr. Rafieetary is a graduate of Boston University and received his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He completed a residency in Primary Care Optometry and Ocular Disease at the Southern College of Optometry (SCO) and the Memphis Health Center. Upon completion of his residency in 1989, Dr. Rafieetary joined SCO's faculty and served as an Associate Professor and the Chief of Advanced Ocular Disease Service and at the Southern College of Optometry until he joined CRI. Dr. Rafieetary has received several awards including the SCO Faculty of the Year, American Diabetic Association's National Achievement of Distinction Award, and the Tennessee Associations of Optometric Physician's Optometrist of the Year. Dr. Rafieetary has served on the board of several professional organizations such as the Church Health Center and the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Rafieetary is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and Optometric Retina Society. He is board certified by the American Board Optometry as well as the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry. Dr. Rafieetary is licensed to practice Optometry in the states of Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas. Dr. Rafieetary is published in numerous professional publications and lectures extensively on the subject of diseases of the eye with emphasis on conditions of the retina and vitreous.
	Julie Rodman, OD, MSc, FAAO is the Chief of the Broward Eye Care Institute in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Her research interests include Optical Coherence Tomography/Angiography and Vitreoretinal Disease. Dr. Rodman has authored over thirty publications with an emphasis on retinal disease. She recently published “Optical Coherence Tomography Atlas: A Case Study Approach”, the first reference book on this topic written by an optometrist. Dr. Rodman is a member of the American Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry, Florida Optometric Association, Optometric Retina Society and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Dr. Rodman is a member of the Optovue Advisory Board where she serves as a lecturer and consultant. She holds her Oral Pharmaceuticals Certification and is Laser/Surgical Certified as well. Dr. Rodman has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Clinical Precepting, and Preceptor of the Year. She was recognized as a Primary Care Optometry News “Top 300” Optometrists recognizing excellence in innovation and furthering of the profession. FYI: In her free time, Dr. Rodman loves spending time with her husband and two daughters….just doing anything with them!!!!
	Justin Schweitzer, OD is an adjunct clinical professor at The Illinois College of Optometry and Kentucky College of Optometry. He is a national leader in glaucoma, anterior segment surgery, and anterior segment pathology who lectures to his colleagues nationwide. Dr. Schweitzer is a member of several industry organizations, has held many leadership positions within them, is the current president of the South Dakota Optometric Society, and is involved in community eye care initiatives. He currently serves as a chief medical editor for Modern Optometry and is the Optometric Externship Director for the Illinois College of Optometry at Vance Thompson Vision.
	Steve Silberberg, OD is the founder of a group practice, An Eye to the Future in Matawan, NJ, and is the Program Coordinator of CEwire. Dr Silberberg is a frequently published author and consultant for industry. He has served as VP of the Monmouth-Ocean Counties Society of Optometric Physicians, as a member-director for IDOC alliance, an was one of the original trustees of the American Association of Doctors of Optometry (AADO). He currently serves as an administrator the Facebook group Facebook group Private Practice in Optometry, which has over 6,000 members. Dr Silberberg graduated as departmental valedictorian from SUNY at Stony Brook before attending MIT on full scholarship in Planetary Astrophysics. He then attended SUNY College of Optometry, graduating as class valedictorian along with winning the Beta Sigma Kappa award for vision science, the Fredrick Brock award for excellence in Vision Therapy, and the Ester Werner award for academic excellence.
	Steven Sorkin, OD earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the State University of New York College of Optometry. He has received multiple clinical honors and has participated in many contact lens related studies. He lectures extensively throughout the country and internationally on contact lenses, dry eyes, ocular allergies, ocular therapeutics and corneal disease. He has a special interest in difficult to fit contact lens patients, such as those with keratoconus and post surgical cases and manages many patients with complex anterior segment conditions. Dr. Sorkin currently serves as President of the Essex County Optometric Society and is a member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians. He is also a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society. He was named New Jersey Optometrist of the Year by NJSOP in 2018.
	Jessica Steen, OD, FAAO, Dipl-ABO is an associate 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 courses in glaucoma and ocular pharmacology at NSU. 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. Dr. Steen’s research interests are centered on artificial intelligence applications in the management of glaucoma. 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 the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and is Past President of the Palm Beach County Optometric Association.
	Shaina Sullivan, OD is a Pacific University College of Optometry graduate who practices in Beaverton, OR in partnership with Dr. Charles McBride. She is the Membership Director for the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association and an active advocate for optometry across the state and nation. Dr. Sullivan enjoys bowling, camping, attending local sporting events, and spending time with her husband and son.
	Tracy Schroeder Swartz, OD, MS, FAAO attended Indiana University School of Optometry for her doctorate as well as a master’s degree in physiological optics. Dr. Swartz earned her Fellowship from the American Academy of Optometry and Diplomate from the American Board of Optometry, specializing in co-management and anterior segment disease. She has edited 7 textbooks, authored blogs and published numerous articles. Dr. Swartz is the Past President of the Optometric Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Surgery Society, and a member of the Alabama Optometric Association and American Optometric Association.
	Jacqueline Theis OD, FAAO, FNAP is a practicing optometrist, clinical researcher, international lecturer and author. She received her doctoral and post-doctoral residency training in Neuro-Optometry and Binocular Vision disorders from the University of California at Berkeley School of Optometry. She is a previous Assistant Clinical Professor and the Founder and Chief of the UC Berkeley Sports Vision and Concussion Clinic and currently serves as an Assistant Professor for the Uniformed Services University, School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She has extensive clinical experience in post-traumatic brain injury and neurologic visual dysfunctions including neuropathic eye pain, neurologic dry eye, cranial nerve palsies, oculomotor dysfunction, photophobia, visual processing, and visuo-vestibular symptoms as well as neurologic dry eye.
	Richard S. Witlin, MD, FACS, of the Witlin Center for Advanced Eye Care, serving East Brunswick, Toms River, and Morristown, New Jersey, is one of the pioneers in refractive surgery in the New Jersey area since 1981 when he performed the first radial keratotomy procedure in central New Jersey. Following the FDA approval of excimer laser surgery in 1996, Dr. Witlin took up both photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASIK surgery. One of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in New Jersey, Dr. Witlin has performed 6,000 LASIK procedures and 25,000 cataract procedures since 1997. The surgical results have been outstanding, with over 98% of his patients achieving 20/40 or better visual acuities. A board-certified ophthalmic microsurgeon, Dr. Witlin received his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, where he graduated with honors at the top of his class and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the National Medical Honor Society. He completed his internship and residency at the Albany Medical Center Hospital in Albany, New York, where he served as chief resident in ophthalmology. Dr. Witlin is an enthusiastic refractive surgical educator, sharing his expertise with numerous professional and civic groups. He has trained and supervised many eye doctors and has lectured throughout the United States and internationally. Dr. Witlin maintains faculty appointments at several prestigious teaching hospitals, including Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in New York City. In 1998, Dr. Witlin established the Witlin Center for Advanced Eye Care, dedicated to the performance of refractive eye surgery and small incision, sutureless cataract microsurgery.
	Mary Beth Yackey, OD joined Cincinnati Eye Institute (CEI) in 2004. She provides patient care at the Blue Ash, Ohio and Edgewood, Kentucky offices. Dr. Yackey is a provider of Optometric Services and is a member of the Vitreoretinal team. She enjoys co-managing pre- and post-operative patients. Her practice emphasizes eye diseases such as cataract, diabetes, macula related conditions, vascular disease of the retina, and urgent eye care. As a part of her optometric training, Dr. Yackey completed four rotations with an emphasis in Ocular Disease, Specialty Contact Lens Fitting, and Pediatric and Special-Needs Populations. Dr. Yackey recruits patients for various research projects. She is involved in teaching and educating Optometry and Ophthalmology Residents and Fellows. She is certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry for treatment and management of ocular disease. She currently holds active Optometry Licenses in Ohio and Kentucky. Dr. Yackey is active in teaching optometric continuing education classes. She is also active in the community and gives numerous presentations on the importance of eye health to local elementary schools. Dr. Yackey volunteers by giving eye exams at The Cincinnati Eye Institute Foundation Roselawn Eye Clinic.