Para-Optometric Schedule

Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. — Optional: Welcome Reception 

Monday, Jan. 13, 2025

8:30 – 9:20 a.m. | Ophthalmic Lenses from A to Z| Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, NCELC, LDO
This course equips opticians with essential knowledge of the most common ophthalmic lenses, focusing on lens design, prescription analysis, and patient needs. Participants will explore various lens types and develop skills to make informed recommendations, enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes in their practice. Join us to elevate your expertise!

9:30 – 10:20 a.m. | Communication - Why is it so Hard? | Mary Lou Newbold
Master effective communication by understanding its complexities, navigating difficult conversations, and applying strategic timing and location for both personal and professional growth in optometric practice.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Troubleshooting Eyewear| Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, NCELC, LDO
Optometric Surgical Procedures, including lump and bump removal, chalazion treatment, punctual occlusion, suture correction for entropion, and various anterior segment laser procedures, among others, are essential procedures for optometrists to be familiar with. Furthermore, optometrists in many states are now performing these procedures on a routine basis. This interactive presentation will review and update these optometric surgical procedures including indications, contraindications, risks, complications, treatment protocols, and pre- and post-op management.

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025

8:30 – 9:20 a.m. | Leadership in Optometry – Why Power Makes It Harder | Mary Lou Newbold
This course introduces the dynamic between power and leadership.  All too often in optometry, there are individuals who do not fully understand the power of influence.  Leaders, employees, customers, owners, vendors, and others all have power, and understanding the impacts will support attendees in relationship management.   

9:30 – 10:20 a.m. | Solutions to Low Vision Beyond Magnifiers | Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, NCELC, LDO
Low vision is a debilitating condition that cannot be corrected using spectacle or contact lenses. According to the CDC, 2.9 million people in the US over 40 years of age have low vision. Optometrists and opticians must understand available treatment options, limitations, and expected outcomes for low-vision patients. This course explores evaluating and treatment options for patients with low vision.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Going the Wrong Way: Recognizing Human Trafficking for the Medical Professional | Dr. Cecelia Koetting
To keep patients in our care safe, doctors including Optometrists need to understand what human trafficking is. There are many components to human trafficking that will be covered in this course including how to identify when it may be occurring as well how to report it when it is suspected.

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025

8:30 – 9:20 a.m. | Family Feud: Staffing Best Practices | Dr. Roberto “Bobby” Saenz
This course will take you on a journey from 17 employees to 100 employees discussing the up and downs and emphasizing pearls to help practices succeed. This course will focus on culture, core values, team accountability, and providing extraordinary customer service. In addition to all of the biggest mistakes we have made, this course will discuss ways personality testing can be used to find the best position for an employee.

9:30 – 10:20 a.m. | Prism Optics Reimagined | Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, NCELC, LDO
Prism is the foundation of lens design.  This course explores modern applications of ophthalmic prism. Participants will learn about the physics of prisms, their role in refractive error correction, and prescription calculations. Additionally, we will examine advancements in prism technology, micro prism, contouring prism, and calculating prism.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Marketing – Beyond Your Brand | Mary Lou Newbold
This course presents concepts around marketing and the branding of an optometric practice.  Participants will be introduced to how broad a strategic marketing philosophy should be.  A strong brand is the foundation to any marketing initiative.  Doctors and employees need a clear understanding of how every interaction, conversation, and action impact both.  Participants will leave with ideas that can immediately be implemented into their day-to-day operations.

_{*Course schedules are subject to change}