Saturday, Nov. 8th

7:00 AM - 7:55 AM

Registration & Breakfast

Conference check-in can be done at the registration table in the Conference Centre foyer (2nd floor). A buffet breakfast will be available for all registered attendees.

7:55 AM - 8:00 AM

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Let's Get Digital: Enhancing Patient Experience Through Online Eyecare Services

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Dr. Harbir Sian | COPE ID: 101251-PM (1hr)

People are buying just about everything online. From groceries, to clothes, to eyecare products, its all available at the tap of a finger. Other industries have adapted to this shift in retail behaviour, but eyecare professionals are lagging behind.In this course, attendees will understand: detailed stats and data about current consumer behaviors online; current and upcoming online retail trends; fundamentals for building an online presence for your business; applications and functionalities that improve your website and search engine optimization (SEO); how to harness social media to increase traction online; and influencer marketing.

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Bobier Distinguished Lecture: The Long Arm of Vision Science

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Dr. Elizabeth Irving | COPE ID: 101022-FV (1hr)

Vision is a highly developed sense with a wide range of impact. The lecture examines studies that include basic science, lifespan changes in visual function, through clinical investigations, to new developments in practical applications of vision science. It touches on topics such as myopia, paediatric eye care, Parkinson’s Disease and aviation.

About the Clair Bobier Distinguished Lecture in Vision

The “Clair Bobier Distinguished Lecture in Vision” was created to recognize and thank Dr. Clair Bobier for his vision for the future of and his contributions to optometry.

Clair was born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, and received his Diploma of Optometry in 1948 from the Ontario College of Optometry in Toronto, the predecessor to the School. During his first year of private practice, Clair began sharing his methodical, analytical approach to clinical practice with the students at the College. In fact, throughout his life, he retained a common sense, thoughtful approach to his home life and to his chosen profession. An approach he would quickly tell you, with a mischievous grin, that he learnt in a prairie town with an obscure name like Peapod, Saskatchewan.

Clair was one of the first Canadian optometrists to undertake post graduate research in vision science. For his MS degree, he studied at Ohio State University under Professor Glenn Fry. His exposure to this eminent optometric researcher shaped his view on the importance of the scientific approach to the optometric profession. Over the many years of dedicated service, Clair became instrumental in the development of a scientifically-based curriculum and research-oriented faculty in Canada.

Immediately after receiving the MS degree in 1956, Clair returned to teach at the Ontario College and continued to do so at the new School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo, until his retirement in 1982. Clair was extremely influential in bringing optometry to the University of Waterloo. His ideals were passed along to university and government officials in many influential briefs which did much to ensure the respect and funding necessary for the future growth of the profession within the University of Waterloo.

The School of Optometry building itself embodies in its interface of clinic and research facilities, Clair's concept of what the profession should be: excellence in modern vision care, built on a firm base of scientific understanding.

10:15 AM - 10:40 AM

Cutting Edge Dry Eye Management: Integrating Regenerative and Advanced Therapies

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Dr. Julian Prosia | non-COPE (0.5hr)

Explore cutting-edge dry eye management, focusing on inflammation and regenerative therapies. Learn the mechanisms and clinical benefits of advanced treatments, including amniotic membranes, IPL, and plasma-based therapies, and discover how to select appropriate patients and integrate these technologies into a comprehensive management plan.

10:45 AM - 11:35 AM

Innovations in Ophthalmic Pharmacology: Canadian TPA Update

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Dr. Ethan Wohlgemuth | COPE ID: 101052-PH (1hr)

New advances in ophthalmic drug technology offer additional avenues for managing ocular diseases. Eye care providers should stay informed about newly developed ophthalmic drugs to provide up-to-date and effective care to their patients. This course will review recently developed ophthalmic drugs, including their indications, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles.

11:40 AM - 12:30 PM

Neuro-Ophthalmological Emergencies

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Dr. Jacqueline Theis | COPE ID: 95025-NO (1hr)

This course covers the diagnosis and management of neuro-ophthalmologic emergencies, including giant cell arteritis, Horner’s syndrome, aneurysms, myasthenia gravis, and intracranial lesions such as cavernous sinus thrombosis and pituitary apoplexy, equipping optometrists to handle urgent cases.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Lunch & Trade Show

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Enjoy a buffet lunch while networking with industry representatives at our onsite trade show.

Workshop 1

12:35 PM - 2:15 PM

Hands-on Workshop: Amniotic Membrane Workshop

Orchid Room (2nd floor, upper level)

Please note: this workshop has an additional cost and pre-registration is required; limited to 20 participants.

Dr. Chelsea Bray | COPE ID: 101124-TD (2hrs)

This hands-on workshop introduces optometrists to the clinical use of amniotic membrane therapy for ocular surface disease. Participants will review indications, insertion techniques, and post-procedure care, with emphasis on patient selection, contraindications, and documentation. Through demonstrations and guided practice, attendees will gain practical skills and confidence to integrate amniotic membrane therapy into optometric practice.

Workshop 2

2:00 PM - 3:40 PM

Hands-on Workshop: Office-based Gonioscopy & Laser Procedures

Violet Room (2nd floor, upper level)

Please note: this workshop has an additional cost and pre-registration is required; limited to 20 participants.

Dr. Ethan Wohlgemuth | COPE ID: 101054-LP (2hrs)

This workshop provides an introduction to office-based laser procedures and essential gonioscopy skills. Attendees will learn practical approaches to patient assessment and interpretation using both traditional techniques and imaging tools. Guided practice and demonstrations will help participants strengthen their confidence for clinical application.

3:40 PM - 4:30 PM

Clinical Research Showcase: Insights from the Optometry Clinic

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Drs. Nadine Furtado, Shamroze (Zay) Khan, William Ngo | COPE ID: 101416-GO (1hr)

Join us for an insightful session where four distinguished research-focused colleagues will present concise, high-level overviews of the latest developments in their fields of expertise. This translational research showcase will highlight practical applications of these advancements and how they can inform clinical, individual, community, and global level frameworks.

4:40 PM - 5:30 PM

Dizziness: Is it Coming From the Eyes and if not...Where is it Coming From?

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Dr. Jacqueline Theis | COPE ID: 101033-SD (1hr)

Dizziness is a vague symptom that can come from a vast etiology including vestibular, ocular, cardiovascular, neurologic, metabolic and psychologic. This course delves into the various etiologies, providing optometrists with advanced skills in differential diagnosis.

5:35 PM - 6:25 PM

The Mediterranean Diet and Ocular Health

Conference Centre (2nd floor)

Dr. Laurie Capogna | COPE ID: 101034-PB (1hr)

The Mediterranean diet promotes health and longevity through specific food and lifestyle choices. It is extensively studied and shows a benefit to ocular and general health. Learn about daily meal plans, key components of the diet, and strategies to educate and motivate patients to adopt this healthy, sustainable way of eating and living.

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Saturday Social

Join us for an evening of connection, fun, and music bingo. Our Saturday Social will offer a great opportunity to casually network with colleagues while enjoying complimentary food and drinks (one drink ticket per person). We look forward to unwinding with you after a full day of learning!

NextDoor Restaurant

139 Main Street, Unionville (Markham), Ontario, L3R 2G6 (transportation is not provided)

RSVP

This social event is generously sponsored by the Ontario Association of Optometrists.

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