SURF'S UP FOR SIGHT: RIDING THE VISION WAVE
October 15-18, 2026 | Portland, Oregon
2026 Congress Student Program
Saturday, October 17, 2026
7:00 am - 4:00 pm | Registration Desk Open
Check in and get your badge and conference ‘goodies’. Remember: you need to account for lines at registration! Please arrive early to allow time for check-in. If you are more than 7 minutes late after the class starts, there is NO CE credit.
8:00 am – 10:00 am | Saturday Continuing Education Sessions
Attend OD educational sessions. Please remember to register and select the sessions you wish to attend.
All courses are COPE-certified for CE credit
10:00 am – 11:00 AM | Student Program begins!
Opening session: Welcome from the GWCO Board
Meet the AOA President and Board of Trustees ¬– You will be able to talk and ask questions of the leadership of the AOA. This will be a truly unique opportunity!
Pacific University Student CE will be given
11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Student Program
Title: From Student to Doctor: Own Your Value with Confidence
Presenter: Meghan McCarthy, M.S.,
Senior Enterprise Learning and Development Specialist at VSP Vision
Pacific University Student CE will be given
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch – Sponsored by VSP Vision
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | GWCO State/Student Networking
All GWCO-affiliated state association leaders and the Province of British Columbia representatives will be there to meet you and discuss opportunities in their respective states.
Pacific University Student CE will be given
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Student Program
AOA PAC Tentative
GWCO Board Discussion Tentative
Pacific University Student CE will be given
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Student Program
Title: Resources For After You Graduate
Presenter: Ron Kemper
University & Student Relations Manager for VSP
Sponsored by: VSP
Pacific University Student CE will be given
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Student Program
Title: Start Strong: Tips for Integrating Financial Wellness into Your Optometry Career Part I
Presenter: Pamela Carson
OD Recruiter, Professional & Academic Relations AEG
Sponsored by: AEG Vision
Pacific University Student CE will be given
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Student Program
Title: Start Strong: Tips for Integrating Financial Wellness into Your Optometry Career Part II
Presenter: Pamela Carson
OD Recruiter, Professional & Academic Relations AEG
Sponsored by AEG Vision
Pacific University Student CE will be given