SURF'S UP FOR SIGHT: RIDING THE VISION WAVE
October 15-18, 2026 | Portland, Oregon
Congress Continuing Education Details
Anterior Segment Cases that Fooled Us All
Presented by Dr. Jade Coats
COPE #: 104084-TD
This course presents a comprehensive review of challenging anterior segment cases that can be easily misdiagnosed or overlooked in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on the recognition, triage, and co-management of ocular trauma and urgent anterior segment conditions affecting patients across all age groups, from pediatrics to adults. Through case-based discussion, attendees will refine their clinical decision-making skills, identify when escalation of care is necessary, and better understand the relationship between ocular findings and underlying systemic conditions. Practical strategies for on-call management and coordination of care across optometric, ophthalmologic, and hospital-based settings will be highlighted to optimize patient outcomes.
Caution Steep Hill Ahead: Diagnosing and Managing Keratoconus in Clinical Practice
Presented by Dr. Melissa Barnett
COPE #: 102108-TD
Are you ready to conquer keratoconus? This lecture focuses on the modern management of keratoconus, early diagnosis, how to stop progression and rehabilitate vision. We will cover everything from methods to detect keratoconus earlier, an overview of corneal collagen cross-linking, and contact lens and surgical treatment options. Recognizing the methods to manage keratoconus sooner will shift the treatment paradigm for patients to improve quality of life, reduce the economic burden of the disease and avert vision loss.
Concussion De-mystified
Presented by Dr. Scott Lewis
COPE #: 103965-NO
Features of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) including clinical and pathology Signs and Symptoms patients will present with Discussion of the quality of life and and visual rehabilitation of the patient
Current and Future Considerations for CXL, NK and NCP
Presented by Dr. Walter Whitley
COPE #: 103747-TD
This course will discuss novel approaches to address corneal ectasia, neurotrophic keratitis (NK) and neuropathic pain (NP). Using case examples, the presenter will provide pearls to aid in the diagnosis and treatment for these complex corneal conditions.
Dry Eye Jeopardy
Presented by Dr. Melissa Barnett
COPE #: 103482-TD
Dry Eye Jeopardy! is a fast-paced, interactive team game where participants compete for the winning title! Questions will increase in difficulty from basic to challenging. Come and test your dry eye disease skills; you may be the winner!
Genetics in Optometry-Applied Cellular Biochemistry
Presented by Dr. Jason Clopton
COPE #: Coming soon!
This course will discuss how genetics can be applied to Optometry.
Glaucoma Update Turning Clinical Pearls into Practice
Presented by Dr. Greg Caldwell
COPE #: 102799-GL
This course provides a comprehensive and clinically relevant update on glaucoma, equipping optometrists with practical strategies for diagnosis, management, and treatment. Key topics include current risk-factor assessment, the influence of pharmaceutical agents, setting and achieving target IOP, advancements in surgical and laser interventions, and the interpretation of modern diagnostic technologies. Emphasis will be placed on actionable clinical pearls for primary care optometrists and effective approaches for managing challenging cases. Interactive case presentations will anchor the session, delivering an engaging, evidence-based, and practice-ready learning experience.
How to Handle Non-Ocular In Office Emergencies
Presented by Dr. Jade Coats
COPE #: 104082-GO
Seconds matter when a patient experiences a medical emergency in the office. This course prepares optometrists to recognize, triage, and respond to non-ocular emergencies during patient care. Topics include the role of CPR training, emergency medical kits, staff preparedness, and management of common crises such as anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, seizures, syncope, hypoglycemia, and opioid overdose. Practical steps and integration of emergency protocols will be emphasized to enhance safety and outcomes in clinical practice.
How to Heal When You Can’t Feel - Neurotrophic Keratitis Update
Presented by Dr. Melissa Barnett
COPE #: 102107-TD
This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the etiology and pathophysiology of neurotrophic keratitis. The presentation will cover key symptoms, signs, and differential diagnoses, with a focus on timely diagnosis and current management strategies.
It's All About the Lids: Demodex, MGD and More
Presented by Dr. Walter Whitley
COPE #: Coming Soon!
This lecture will discuss current and future treatment options for lid margin disease. Using case examples, this lecture will provide perspective on managing various lid conditions. Implementation pearls as well as best practices will be covered to take your practice to the next level!
Latest Advances in Eye Care Technology Innovations in Early Detection and Management
Presented by Dr. Greg Caldwell
COPE #: 103700-GO
Technology in eye care continues to evolve rapidly, offering new opportunities to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve patient outcomes, and streamline clinical decision-making. This course highlights the latest innovations in imaging, diagnostic, and treatment technologies, with a focus on how they support earlier detection and more effective management of ocular disease. Attendees will explore the clinical value of integrating current technologies into everyday practice and the importance of staying up to date in an ever-advancing field. Patient case-based examples will be used to illustrate how embracing innovation can elevate patient care.
Light and Hormone Regulation: How to Feel Your Best
Presented by Dr. Sarah Bortz & Dr. Ford
COPE #: Coming soon!
More information soon!
Maximizing Contact Lens Practice Success
Presented by Dr. Melissa Barnett
COPE #: Coming soon!
This course is designed to empower eye doctors and their teams to maximize the success of their contact lens practices. Participants will learn advanced techniques for enhancing patient satisfaction and loyalty, optimizing practice management, and leveraging cutting-edge technology in the contact lens field. The course will cover strategic marketing approaches tailored specifically for contact lens practices, effective communication techniques, and tips for streamlining operations to increase profitability. Attendees will be equipped with practical tools and insights to attract new patients, retain existing ones, and ensure the long-term growth of their contact lens practice.
Metabolic Drivers of Ocular Damage: Muscle Health, and Antioxidants in Disease and Prevention
Presented by Dr. Greg Caldwell
COPE #: 104315-SD
This course explores how insulin resistance, GLP-1 physiology, muscle health, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction drive ocular damage and accelerate disease progression. Attendees will learn how systemic metabolic dysfunction impacts the retina, optic nerve, cornea, and vasculature, and how preventive strategies—including metabolic screening, carotenoid assessment, muscle preservation, and nutritional optimization—can be integrated into optometric care.
Neuro Eye Grand Rounds: My Favorite Cases
Presented by Dr. Chris Borgman
COPE #: 102826-NO
This grand-rounds style continuing education course will highlight unique neuro-optometry cases that the author has managed and used to increase his knowledge in the neuro-optometry realm of eye care. This course will review and discuss the pathology behind specifically chosen real neuro-optometry and orbital pathology cases that are not seen every day in optometry. An approach to review and use our vast knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology will be reviewed to best manage patients that may not present every day.
Nutrition in Ocular Disease Beyond Carotenoids
Presented by Dr. Greg Caldwell
COPE #: Coming soon!
I will examine how a comprehensive antioxidant approach can aid in the prevention and management of ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, dry eye disease, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, as well as systemic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders that can negatively impact vision and the eye. Attendees will gain clinical insights into dietary and supplemental strategies that promote long-term eye health, disease prevention, and overall well-being.
OCT Grand Rounds
Presented by Dr. Chris Borgman
COPE #: 102606-GO
This course will review and discuss several unique grand rounds cases where optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used as the main diagnostic technology to make the appropriate diagnosis in these challenging case presentations. The purpose of this course will be to highlight the use of OCT in relatively new and/or unique ways to provide attendees with new insight on the use of OCT.
Oculoplastics Role in Anterior Segment Disease
Presented by Dr. Walter Whitley
COPE #: Coming soon!
Through case presentations, this course will review common oculoplastics procedures and the optometrist role in comanaging anterior segment disease. From abnormal lid positions to tearing to orbital conditions, presenters will discuss diagnosis, treatment and surgical management for these conditions.
Orbiting the Globe: A Grand Rounds Adventure in Comprehensive Optometry
Presented by Dr. Jade Coats
COPE #: 104107-TD
This course presents a case-based exploration of both anterior and posterior segment conditions, highlighting practical strategies for diagnosis, management, and co-management. Participants will review real-world clinical scenarios across a wide spectrum of ocular disease, integrating evidence-based approaches to enhance patient care and optimize outcomes in comprehensive optometric practice.
Overview of PhotoBiomodulation advances for the eyecare provider
Presented by Dr. Scott Lewis
COPE #: 103963-FV
To guide and inform OD’s and Vision therapists on recent advances of photobiomodulation in general medicine, Ophthalmology and Optometry practices with examples and videos.
Rapid Fire Referrals
Presented by Dr. Walter Whitley
COPE #: 99718-GO
In a rapid fire format, this course will discuss cases that are frequently referred to a tertiary referral clinic from ocular surgery to trauma to infectious disease. Presenters will highlight the benefits of collaborative care by providing a variety of clinical cases and how these patients are properly treated and managed with the referring provider and other specialists.
Retina Brainteaser Cases
Presented by Dr. Christopher Borgman
COPE #: 102605-TD
This course will review and discuss the pathology behind approximately a dozen retinal pathology cases that are not seen in optometry every day. An approach to review and use our knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology will be reviewed to best manage these types of patients that may not present every day. New and old thoughts in the management and treatment of retinal pathology cases will also be reviewed. Additionally, pitfalls in the diagnosis of these conditions will be discussed in an attempt to prevent the attendees from making the potential mistakes that the lecturer did in some aspects of these cases.
Scleral Lenses – The Future is Now
Presented by Dr. Melissa Barnett
COPE #: 94721-CL
This lecture touch on current and future technologies including lens material and designs, lens cleaning solutions, lens surface modifications, multifocals, higher order aberration correction, and devices containing scleral lenses.
Surgical Mythbusters
Presented by Dr. Walter Whitley
COPE #: 104396-PO
Through case examples, this course will review common misconceptions of ocular surgery from cataracts to glaucoma to oculoplastics to retina. Presenters will discuss questions often received from patients and referring providers and provide evidence-based literature to address the issues.
The Non- Healing Cornea: Neurotrophic Keratitis
Presented by Dr. Greg Caldwell
COPE #: 102227-TD
Neurotrophic keratitis is an advanced, often-overlooked corneal disease that requires timely recognition and management. This course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify, diagnose, and effectively treat neurotrophic keratitis. The use of a biologic agent will be explored as a primary treatment option, along with a discussion on amniotic membrane as an alternative or complementary therapy. Real-world case studies will be presented to illustrate best practices and strategies for improving patient outcomes.
The Treatment Matrix: Understanding IPL, RF, LLLT and More
Presented by Dr. Walter Whitley
COPE #: 102282-TD
This course will review the latest ophthalmic devices used in eyecare for dry eye and aesthetics. Presenters will discuss the role of various devices and where they fit in for medical indications and aesthetic considerations.
To Image or Not to Image-When Where, How and Why to Order Neuro-Imaging
Presented by Dr. Jason Clopton
COPE #: Coming soon!
This course will discuss Neuro-Imaging for the Optometrist. We will go through which imaging is used for what pathology types, we will discuss how to order imaging, when to order imaging, why to order imaging, How to discuss with Radiologists and what information they need, and how to follow up. Pediatrics to Brain Injury with case review.
Tropical Eye-sights: Conversations on Ocular Surface Disease and Aesthetics
Presented by Dr. Walter Whitley
COPE #: 101412-TD
This lecture will discuss current and future diagnostic / treatment options for ocular surface disease (OSD) to optimize our patient outcomes. Through an interactive question and answer format, attendees will discuss commonly asked questions about cases, protocols, and technology.
Vestibular Treatment of Strabismus
Presented by Dr. Jason Clopton
COPE #: Coming soon!
The vestibular system controls EOM function subcortically until we develop cortical control. Starting as an infant, reflex eye movements develop into controlled eye movements. Knowing the underlying pathways and mechanisms of strabismus allows us to develop correct visual function.
Vision Therapy Sequencing, a Binocular Approach
Presented by Dr. Scott Lewis
COPE #: 103964-FV
This is a binocular sequence to perform vision therapy that can be used with patients from skills cases, to strabismus and amblyopia to TBI and stroke patients.