Joe Wheat received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Texas at Austin, followed by his Doctor of Optometry from The University of Houston College of Optometry. He completed an optometric residency at the Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center affiliated with Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry before returning to the University of Houston College of Optometry to complete a Ph.D. in Vision Science. Past honors include the William C. Ezell fellowship award, the Institutional Ruth Kirschstein National Research Post-Doctorate Award, and the NIH Mentored-Clinician K award. He has also held a position at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Administration Medical Center in Houston, Texas where he was director of the optometric residency program. In 2017, he joined the University of Houston College of Optometry faculty and is currently the director of the ocular disease optometric residency program and an instructor for Ocular Pathology of the Posterior Segment course and the Grand Rounds and New Developments course. He is a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
Registering for Live Conferences
- Select the conference you wish to attend
- Click "Register"
- Select “Enroll Yourself”
- Login using your Live CE login information
- Your Username is your OE Tracker Number
- Email us at optce@central.uh.edu if you need assistance logging in.
- Select your registration fee
- Complete payment
Once registered, you will receive a transaction email. Conference logistics will be sent as the conference date approaches.
For additional registration assistance, please view:
March
March 6, 2024
7-8 PM CST
Focus on Myopia Control Practice Management
Zoom Webinar
1 Hour of COPE Accredited Synchronous Virtual CE
Join us each month, and earn continuing education hours from the comfort of your own home!
Hear from UHCO Faculty on focused topics that are timely and informative, including myopia control, amblyopia, primary angle-closure disease.
Accreditation Information:
- These live webinars are accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 30 | $ 30 |
|
Registration Closed Monday, March 4th, at Noon CST Late Registration is available for an additional fee. |
||
Ashley Wallace-Tucker, OD, FAAO, ABO Diplomate, FSLS
Dr. Tucker graduated from UHCO where she also completed a Cornea and Contact Lens Residency. During her residency, she received extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of corneal and anterior segment diseases, in complex contact lens fits and myopia management. Dr. Tucker spends the majority of her clinic time managing patients who are in need of specialty contact lenses or myopia management. Dr. Tucker is a partner at Bellaire Family Eye Care and The Contact Lens Institute of Houston. She is also a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry where she is the course master for the Ophthalmic Optics Laboratory. Through her affiliation with the University of Houston, she regularly provides continuing education on the topics of anterior segment disease, specialty contact lenses, myopia management and ophthalmic optics. Dr. Tucker is a member of the Speaker’s Bureau for the Specialty Division of Bausch Lomb, a consultant for CooperVision and SynergEyes, and a lecturer for the STAPLE (Soft Toric and Presbyopic Lens Experience) program. She currently serves as the Public Education Chair Elect for the Scleral Lens Education Society and is on the advisory board for the Gas Permeable Lens Institute (GPLI).
April
April 3, 2024
7-8 PM CST
Focus on Pain Management
Zoom Webinar
1 Hour of COPE Accredited Synchronous Virtual CE
Join us each month, and earn continuing education hours from the comfort of your own home!
Hear from UHCO Faculty on focused topics that are timely and informative, including myopia control, amblyopia, primary angle-closure disease.
Accreditation Information:
- These live webinars are accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 30 | $ 30 |
|
Registration Closes Monday, April 1, at 5pm CST If you have registered for a previous session, please contact us at optce@central.uh.edu to register. |
||
Danica Marrelli, OD, FAAO, AAO Diplomate (Glaucoma)
Dr. Marrelli received her doctor of optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO), and completed a residency in hospital-based optometry at the Baltimore VA Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. She is currently a clinical professor at UHCO, where she serves as Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and staffs the glaucoma, retina, and general eye disease clinics. In the classroom, Dr. Marrelli teaches ocular pharmacology, glaucoma and case-based learning courses. She became a diplomate in the ocular disease section of the American Academy of Optometry in November 2009 and is the vice president of the Optometric Glaucoma Society.
April 6-7, 2024
8:00 am CST to 5:00 pm CST Daily
Dallas, Texas
Earn 16 COPE Accredited CE Hours at this Synchronous In-Person conference
Mix and Match! Participants can choose from 19 available hours to customize their CE experience.
The Sunday PM block offers a variety of lectures to choose from! Concurrent lectures will take place in two ballrooms: Texas Requirements Track and Therapeutics Track. Participants can choose which lecture to attend each hour.
- Need Texas Requirements? Attend all lectures in the Texas Requirements Track ballroom.
- Licensed outside of Texas or already have all of your Texas hours? Attend all lectures in the Therapeutics Track ballroom.
- Need a little of this and a little of that? Switch ballrooms as needed at the end of each lecture.
The following required courses for Texas Optometrists will be available:
- Opioid Prescribing Course
- 2024 Professional Responsibility Course for Texas Optometrists
- Human Trafficking Course
Event Location
Hotel Information
Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre
5410 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, TX 75240
(972) 934-8400
Click Here to Reserve Your Stay!
Room Block Name: University of Houston College of Optometry
Room Block Rate: Standard - $179.00+tax and fees per night
- Discounted Room Rate applies to April 5-7th only.
Room Block Deadline: Friday, March 15, 2024
Please Note: Discounted Room Rate may sell out before the Room Block Deadline.
Self-Parking: $12.00+tax per night
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Entire Course | $ 495 | $ 550 |
| Saturday Only | $ 395 | $ 425 |
| Sunday Only | $ 395 | $ 425 |
|
Early Bird Deadline ended on Friday, March 15th, at 5pm CST Registration closed Tuesday, April 2, at Noon CST On-site Registration is available and incurs an additional fee. |
||
Marcus Gonzales, OD, FAAO, ABO Diplomate (Conference Director)
Dr. Gonzales received his undergraduate degree at Baylor University and completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2006. He then went on to complete an Ocular Disease residency at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic, an inner-city charity clinic caring for a diseased, indigent population, in Dallas Texas. Currently, Dr. Gonzales is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic for UHCO. He was named the 2009 Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association, and he received a President’s Award in 2011. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. His interests are in ocular disease, specifically glaucoma and retinal disease.
David Dinh, OD, FAAO
Dr. Dinh hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry where he received multiple honors and awards from his colleagues and professors in recognition for his excellence in pediatrics, as well as his leadership. Following optometry school, Dr. Dinh underwent an intensive residency in Ocular Disease at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, where he gained advanced training in the areas of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and maintains active memberships in the Texas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the local Dallas County Optometric Society and the International Gold Key Honor Society.
Viviana Gonzalez, OD
Dr. Gonzalez graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2019 and completed her residency in ocular disease the following year at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic - a UHCO affiliated clinic focused on the underserved population. Thereafter, she served as the sole optometrist for a federally qualified health center where she was able to collaborate with other disciplines to coordinate patient care. Currently, Dr. Gonzalez holds the position of Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry, where she supervises fourth-year students at both Cedar Springs and Community Eye Clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO
Dr. Kemp graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2014. Dr. Kemp completed an Ocular Disease residency at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, a UHCO-affiliated community clinic. Currently, Dr. Kemp is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic and the Community Eye Clinic working with fourth year optometry externs and residents. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. Additionally, Dr. Kemp is an Associate Optometrist at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Center and the Optometry Medical Records Quality Assurance Director for Lone Star Circle of Care in Austin, Texas. His research interests include the application of OCT-Angiography in the detection of retinal changes in diabetics, as well as the management of glaucoma. Dr. Kemp’s memberships include the Texas Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and the Texas Public Health Association. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves as a consultant for the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. He was named the 2022 American Optometric Association Optometric Educator of the Year.
Becky Luu, OD, FAAO
Dr. Luu received her Doctorate of Optometry at the University of Houston College of Optometry. Afterwards, she furthered her clinical training and completed the pediatric residency program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. During her residency, she provided care to over 1,200 pediatric patients in areas of strabismus, low vision, red eyes, contact lens, and binocular vision disorders, such as convergence insufficiency. It was also then that she was exposed to the world of concussion. She worked in a multidisciplinary setting with other physicians and therapists to treat and manage symptomatic concussion patients. In addition to providing direct care for concussion patients, she was also active in the research field and was the principal investigator for an ongoing concussion study. Her clinical passions are in pediatric primary care, concussion, myopia control, pediatric contact lenses and providing care to the special needs population.
Carlo Pelino, OD, FAAO
Dr. Pelino received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). Dr. Pelino did a post-graduate residency training in ocular disease at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia. Following residency training, Dr. Pelino joined the clinical faculty at The Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, where he holds the rank of Assistant Professor. Dr. Pelino did a clinical fellowship with an emphasis on medical and surgical management of vitreo-retinal diseases. In addition to caring for patients in the adult primary care service of The Eye Institute, Dr. Pelino also has a referral retinal practice. He is a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a member of the Optometric Retina Society. Dr. Pelino lectures extensively in his areas of interest in both domestic and international programs.
Jason Spees, MSN, MaOM, APRN, FNP-C
Jason is an alumnus from the University of Texas in Austin School of Nursing where he served as a clinical instructor in both graduate and undergraduate level courses. He is a board certified and licensed family nurse practitioner. He is currently pursuing a PhD in nursing with a research focus in human trafficking, and volunteers as an educator in human trafficking to healthcare providers and for Victims Advocate Network. His background includes family practice, urology, emergency medicine, chronic pain and rehab, hospice and palliative care, long term care and skilled nursing.
Richard Trevino, OD, FAAO
Dr. Trevino is a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry and completed a residency in Primary Care Optometry at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He is now is a Clinical Professor at Indiana University School of Optometry. Prior to joining the IU faculty in 2021 Dr. Trevino was on faculty at the Rosenberg School of Optometry where he served as Director of Residency Programs and Chief of the Ocular Health Service. His clinical and research interest is in the field of glaucoma. Dr. Trevino is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometric Glaucoma Society.
Maria Walker, OD, PhD, FAAO
Maria K Walker is a clinician scientist with a clinical and research focus on keratoconus and scleral lenses. She graduated with an OD and MS degree from The New England College of Optometry in 2013 and went on to complete a one-year Cornea & Contact Lens Residency at Pacific University in Portland, OR. She joined the faculty of UHCO in 2014 and in 2021 completed her PhD with a dissertation entitled: “The Impact of a Scleral Lens on the Eye”. Throughout her education and early career, Maria has won several awards including the Sheldon Wechsler contact lens residency award, the Founders’ Grant from the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists, and she is a two-time recipient of the Ezell Fellowship offered through the American Optometric Foundation (AOF). She is also the 2021 recipient of the Clinical Research Award given by the AOF. Maria is an active Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry, a Fellow and the 2021 President of the Scleral Lens Education Society, as well as an advisory board member of the Gas Permeable Lens Institute. Dr. Walker is currently a tenure-tracked assistant professor at UHCO, where her lab focuses on tear film and inflammatory research on keratoconus.
April 20-21, 2024
8:00 am CST to 5:00 pm CST Daily
Zoom Webinar
Earn 16 COPE Accredited CE Hours at this Synchronous Virtual conference
Topics Presented at this webinar include:
- Specialty Lenses
- Pediatric Binocular Vision
- Practice Management
- Imaging
Please note: The Required Courses for Texas Optometrists will NOT be presented during this webinar.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| 16 Hours - 4 Sessions | $ 360 | $ 410 |
| 12 Hours - 3 Sessions | $ 300 | $ 325 |
| 8 Hours - 2 Sessions | $ 180 | $ 205 |
| 4 Hours - 1 Session | $ 100 | $ 125 |
|
Early Bird Deadline ended on Friday, March 22nd, at 5pm CST Registration closed Wednesday, April 17th, at Noon CST
Choose one session per 4 hours while registering. Please note: The Required Courses for Texas Optometrists will NOT be presented during this webinar. |
||
Marcus Gonzales, OD, FAAO, ABO Diplomate
Dr. Gonzales received his undergraduate degree at Baylor University and completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2006. He then went on to complete an Ocular Disease residency at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic, an inner-city charity clinic caring for a diseased, indigent population, in Dallas Texas. Currently, Dr. Gonzales is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic for UHCO. He was named the 2009 Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association, and he received a President’s Award in 2011. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. His interests are in ocular disease, specifically glaucoma and retinal disease.
Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO
Dr. Kemp graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2014. Dr. Kemp completed an Ocular Disease residency at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, a UHCO-affiliated community clinic. Currently, Dr. Kemp is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic and the Community Eye Clinic working with fourth year optometry externs and residents. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. Additionally, Dr. Kemp is an Associate Optometrist at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Center and the Optometry Medical Records Quality Assurance Director for Lone Star Circle of Care in Austin, Texas. His research interests include the application of OCT-Angiography in the detection of retinal changes in diabetics, as well as the management of glaucoma. Dr. Kemp’s memberships include the Texas Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and the Texas Public Health Association. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves as a consultant for the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. He was named the 2022 American Optometric Association Optometric Educator of the Year.
Muriel Martinez, OD, FAAO
Dr. Muriel Martinez graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Organismal and Integrative Biology with a double minor in Chemistry and Italian. She went on to obtain her Doctor of Optometry degree and Pediatric Residency from the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO). Dr. Martinez was awarded the 2014 Terrance N. Ingraham Pediatric Optometry Residency Award by the American Optometric Foundation, she is also a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She is currently an Assistant Clinical Faculty at UHCO where her primary interest and focus is in pediatric primary care, specialty pediatric care, binocular vision, and brain injury eye exams. She serves as the Director if the Pediatric and Binocular Vision Service, the Pediatric Residency Director, as well as course master to multiple pediatric and binocular vision courses. Her passion is teaching about eye care in special populations and pediatrics. As course master, she has lectured extensively in these areas at UHCO as well as international lectures in optometry schools in Mexico.
Katrina Mendiola, OD
Dr. Mendiola received her Doctor of Optometry from the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio. She then completed a residency in Primary Care with an emphasis in Pediatrics at the University of Houston College of Optometry. She has given lectures and presentations on binocular vision dysfunction, management of amblyopia and strabismus, anterior segment inflammation, and ocular sequelae in cases of suspected child abuse. Her special interests include pediatric eye care, amblyopia/strabismus management, and working with people with special needs. Her goals are to provide quality eye care in a safe, compassionate space for all her patients. Dr. Mendiola is a licensed therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist, as well as an active member of the American Optometric Association, Texas Optometric Association, and Fellowship Candidate for the American Academy of Optometry. She is also a participating doctor for the InfantSee Program, which advocates comprehensive eye exams at no cost for all infants up to 12 months of age.
Clarke Newman, OD, FAAO, FSLS
Dr. Newman is a 1986 graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry, and he has been in private practice in Dallas, TX since then. His practice specializes in the visual rehabilitation of patients who have had corneal diseases, failed refractive surgeries, or corneal trauma. Dr. Newman is a Past President of the Texas Optometric Association, served as Chair of the AOA Federal Relations Committee for four years, currently serves on the Evidence Based Optometry Committee, and is a long-time member of the AOA’s Cornea and Contact Lens Section (CCLS). He has won numerous awards, including the TOA Young OD of the Year, TOA OD of the Year, the TOA Distinguished Service Award, AOA CCLS Luminary Award for Distinguished Practice, AOA CCLS Legends Award, AOA Advocate of the Year, and the CLMA GPLI Practitioner of the Year. He writes and lectures frequently on a wide range of anterior segment and contact lens related topics.
Maureen Plaumann, OD, PhD, FAAO
Dr. Plaumann received her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2015 from the Southern California College of Optometry after earning her B.S. in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She then completed a residency in Pediatric Optometry and Vision Therapy at the Southern California College of Optometry in 2016. Dr. Plaumann is completing her Ph.D. at Ohio State University. Her dissertation work with her advisor, Dr. Teng Leng Ooi, focuses on adult amblyopia, analyzing fixation patterns and developing translational measures of interocular suppression with the goal of one day developing better treatments for the condition. Dr. Plaumann attends in the Binocular Vision and Pediatrics, Vision Therapy, and Primary Vision Care services of the clinic. Dr. Plaumann is the 2021 Danne Ventura/Essilor Ezell Fellow and the 2019 Baycross Christian Family Foundation Binocular Vision & Pediatrics Ezell Fellow. She is also the recipient of a NIH loan repayment program and research fellowship. Dr. Plaumann joins the department of Clinical Sciences as an Assistant Professor.
Eric Ritchey, OD, PhD, FAAO
Dr. Ritchey is a 2001 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry. After graduation, he completed a 2-year Advanced Practice Fellowship in Cornea and Contact Lenses at Ohio State, where his research focused on overnight orthokeratology and extended wear contact lenses. Following fellowship, Dr. Ritchey served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis College of Optometry before beginning his PhD training at Ohio State. During his PhD training, Dr. Ritchey's research in the laboratory of Dr. Andy Fischer focused on the mechanisms behind refractive error development. After completing the PhD, Dr. Ritchey joined Johnson and Johnson Vision Care as a Principal Research Optometrist in the Emerging Technologies Group, where he worked on contact lens technologies to control myopia progression. After 4 years in industry, Dr. Ritchey decided to return to academia to teach Ophthalmic Optics to 2nd year optometry students. His clinical interests are in specialty contact lens fitting, anterior segment disease and ocular prosthetics. His research activities will focus on myopia development and contact lenses.
Diane Sayah, OD, PhD
Dr. Sayah is an optometrist with special interests in ocular biomechanics and hemodynamics. She obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Montreal. She then completed her PhD in glaucoma and biomechanics research at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (University of Montreal) and worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard Retinal Imaging Lab (Massachusetts Eye and Ear). Dr. Sayah served as lecturer and clinical instructor at the University of Montreal School of Optometry for over seven years before joining the University of Houston College of Optometry as an Assistant Professor (tenure-track). As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Sayah's interests are directed towards neurodegenerative diseases of the eye, particularly glaucoma, as well as myopia. Benefiting from cutting-edge technology and innovative methods for probing biomechanical and choroidal involvement in eye diseases, her objective is to lead translational research which will directly improve clinical care.
Anita Ticak, OD, MS, FAAO
Dr. Ticak received her combined O.D./M.S. degrees from Ohio State College of Optometry (OSU) in 2008 and completed a Residency in Cornea and Contact Lens at the University of Houston College of Optometry the following year. She is a Clinical Associate Professor devoting her time between didactic teaching, clinical teaching, and translational clinical research. Didactically, she is the course master of two courses that directly target transition of student classroom education into clinical application. Clinically, she is the co-founder and an attending faculty in the Dry Eye Service and is the interim Director of the Cornea Contact Lens Service. Dr. Ticak has a passion for evidence-based practice and prioritizes research that can help answer questions and optimize care to her patients. Her previous research was set in the VOI Lab creating custom wavefront-guided scleral lens solutions for the keratoconic population and for the last 7 years she has been the primary clinical examiner for the BLINK studies which focus on myopia management for children. Dr. Ticak is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, she serves as a Topical Associate Editor for Optometry and Vision Science (OVS), and is a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease (JDEOSD).
Maria Walker, OD, PhD, FAAO
Dr. Walker is a clinician scientist with a clinical and research focus on keratoconus and scleral lenses. She graduated with an OD and MS degree from The New England College of Optometry in 2013 and went on to complete a one-year Cornea & Contact Lens Residency at Pacific University in Portland, OR. She joined the faculty of UHCO in 2014 and in 2021 completed her PhD with a dissertation entitled: “The Impact of a Scleral Lens on the Eye”. Throughout her education and early career, Maria has won several awards including the Sheldon Wechsler contact lens residency award, the Founders’ Grant from the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists, and she is a two-time recipient of the Ezell Fellowship offered through the American Optometric Foundation (AOF). She is also the 2021 recipient of the Clinical Research Award given by the AOF. Maria is an active Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry, a Fellow and the 2021 President of the Scleral Lens Education Society, as well as an advisory board member of the Gas Permeable Lens Institute. Dr. Walker is currently a tenure-tracked assistant professor at UHCO, where her lab focuses on tear film and inflammatory research on keratoconus.
Christopher Wolfe, OD, FAAO, ABO Diplomate
Dr. Christopher Wolfe is a graduate of Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. While in school, he served as president of the American Optometric Student Association, where he represented over 6,000 members. He is currently the Chair of the American Optometric Association's State Government Relations Committee and the Legislative Chair for the Nebraska Optometric Association. In 2013 and 2015 he was awarded Young Optometrist of the Year for the Nebraska Optometric Association. In 2016 he was awarded the Optometrist of the Year for the Nebraska Optometric Association and the Young Optometrist of the Year for the American Optometric Association. In 2014 he was awarded Political Keyperson of the Year for the Nebraska Optometric Association and Alumni of the Year from Skutt Catholic High School. Dr. Wolfe has a passion for education. He is a co-founder of KMK Board Certification Review Services, a company specializing in preparing Doctors of Optometry to take the American Board of Optometry examination. He is the founder of EyeCode Education, a company specializing in the clinical and billing education. Dr. Wolfe is a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. He also has special interests in therapeutic scleral contact lenses to correct visual distortions in patients with corneal diseases.
May
May 1, 2024
7-8 PM CST
Focus on Amblyopia
Zoom Webinar
1 Hour of COPE Accredited Synchronous Virtual CE
Join us each month, and earn continuing education hours from the comfort of your own home!
Hear from UHCO Faculty on focused topics that are timely and informative, including myopia control, amblyopia, primary angle-closure disease.
Accreditation Information:
- These live webinars are accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 30 | $ 30 |
|
Registration Closed Monday, April 29, at 5pm CST If you have registered for a previous session, please contact us at optce@central.uh.edu to register. |
||
Maureen Plaumann, OD, PhD, FAAO
Dr. Plaumann received her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2015 from the Southern California College of Optometry after earning her B.S. in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She then completed a residency in Pediatric Optometry and Vision Therapy at the Southern California College of Optometry in 2016. Dr. Plaumann completed her Ph.D. at Ohio State University. Her dissertation work focused on adult amblyopia, analyzing fixation patterns and developing translational measures of interocular suppression with the goal of one day developing better treatments for the condition. Dr. Plaumann is the 2021 Danne Ventura/Essilor Ezell Fellow and the 2019 Baycross Christian Family Foundation Binocular Vision & Pediatrics Ezell Fellow. She is also the recipient of a NIH loan repayment program and research fellowship. Dr. Plaumann is now an Assistant Professor in the department of Clinical Sciences at UHCO.
June
June 5, 2024
7-8 PM CST
Focus on A & B Scans and Ophthalmic Ultrasounds
Zoom Webinar
1 Hour of COPE Accredited Synchronous Virtual CE
Join us each month, and earn continuing education hours from the comfort of your own home!
Hear from UHCO Faculty on focused topics that are timely and informative, including myopia control, amblyopia, and primary angle-closure disease.
Accreditation Information:
- These live webinars are accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 30 | $ 30 |
|
Registration Closes Monday, June 3, at 5pm CST If you have registered for a previous session, please contact us at optce@central.uh.edu to register. |
||
Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO
Dr. Kemp graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2014. Dr. Kemp completed an Ocular Disease residency at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, a UHCO-affiliated community clinic. Currently, Dr. Kemp is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic and the Community Eye Clinic working with fourth year optometry externs and residents. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. Additionally, Dr. Kemp is an Associate Optometrist at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Center and the Optometry Medical Records Quality Assurance Director for Lone Star Circle of Care in Austin, Texas. His research interests include the application of OCT-Angiography in the detection of retinal changes in diabetics, as well as the management of glaucoma. Dr. Kemp’s memberships include the Texas Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and the Texas Public Health Association. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves as a consultant for the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. He was named the 2022 American Optometric Association Optometric Educator of the Year.
June 8-9, 2024
8:00 am CST to 5:00 pm CST Daily
Zoom Webinar
Earn 16 COPE Accredited CE Hours at this Synchronous Virtual conference
Topics Selected by Conference Director Dr. Ashley Wallace-Tucker include:
- Keratoconus
- Specialty Lenses
- Ocular Surface Disease
- Uveitis
- Aesthetics and Optometry
- Ocular Emergencies
- Glaucoma
- Therapeutic Innovations
- Neurotrophic Keratitis
- Advanced Procedures
- AMD
Please note: The Required Courses for Texas Optometrists will NOT be presented during this webinar.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| 16 Hours - 4 Sessions | $ 360 | $ 410 |
| 12 Hours - 3 Sessions | $ 300 | $ 325 |
| 8 Hours - 2 Sessions | $ 180 | $ 205 |
| 4 Hours - 1 Session | $ 100 | $ 125 |
|
Early Bird Deadline ended on Friday, 31st, at 5pm CST Registration closed Wednesday, June 5th, at Noon CST
Choose one session per 4 hours while registering. Please note: The Required Courses for Texas Optometrists will NOT be presented during this webinar. |
||
Ashley Wallace-Tucker, OD, FAAO, ABO Diplomate, FSLS (Conference Director)
Dr. Tucker graduated from UHCO where she also completed a Cornea and Contact Lens Residency. During her residency, she received extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of corneal and anterior segment diseases, in complex contact lens fits and myopia management. Dr. Tucker spends the majority of her clinic time managing patients who are in need of specialty contact lenses or myopia management. Dr. Tucker is a partner at Bellaire Family Eye Care and The Contact Lens Institute of Houston. She is also a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry where she is the course master for the Ophthalmic Optics Laboratory. Through her affiliation with the University of Houston, she regularly provides continuing education on the topics of anterior segment disease, specialty contact lenses, myopia management and ophthalmic optics. Dr. Tucker is a member of the Speaker’s Bureau for the Specialty Division of Bausch Lomb, a consultant for CooperVision and SynergEyes, and a lecturer for the STAPLE (Soft Toric and Presbyopic Lens Experience) program. She currently serves as the Public Education Chair Elect for the Scleral Lens Education Society and is on the advisory board for the Gas Permeable Lens Institute (GPLI).
Andrew Fischer, OD, FAAO, FSLS
Dr. Fischer practices at Professional Eyecare Associates in Huntingburg and Jasper, IN, where he leads the Dry Eye and Specialty Contact Lens Clinic within the practice. Dr. Fischer graduated from the Indiana University School of Optometry in 2018, completed his residency in Corneal Disease, Specialty Contact Lenses, and Dry Eye Disease at Specialty Eye in Seattle in 2019, and is a Fellow of both the Scleral Lens Education Society and of the Cornea and Contact Lens Section of the American Academy of Optometry.
Sophia Leung, OD, FASOS, Dipl. ABO, Dipl. AAO
Dr. Sophia Leung is the Principal Optometrist at Seema Eye Care Center, a tertiary medical and surgical center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is also the Clinical Director of the Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease Center at Seema Eye Care Center. Dr. Leung has a clinical emphasis in medical cornea, advanced glaucoma, and anterior segment surgical co-management. Dr. Leung is a University of Waterloo School of Optometry alumni. She also completed an Ocular Disease and Refractive Surgery Residency, and an Advanced Glaucoma and Cornea Fellowship with Oklahoma Medical Eye Group (affiliated with NSUOCO). Dr. Leung is the current President-Elect of the Alberta Association of Optometrists, a Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry in the Anterior Segment Section, a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, a Fellow and Board Member of the American Society of Optometric Surgeons, and a Fellow of the Canadian College of Specialties in Optometry. She also serves as an Adjunct Faculty member with NSUOCO and an Adjunct Clinical Lecturer with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science.
Carolyn Majcher, OD, FAAO, FORS
Carolyn Majcher is a Doctor of Optometry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and Optometric Retina Society. She received her Doctorate of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University and completed an ocular disease residency at the Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Following completion of her residency, Dr. Majcher served as Chief of the Retinal Disease Clinic and an Assistant Professor at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry for 8 years. In 2019 she joined the Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry as an Associate Professor and the Director of Residency Programs.
Anith Pillai, OD
Dr. Pillai completed his B.A. in Biology at the University of Texas at Austin, then went on to earn his Doctorate in Optometry at the University of Houston College of Optometry. He as worked in private practice, specializing in diabetic retinopathy, foreign body removals, and LASIK and cataract co-management, as well as an in an ophthalmology practice working with up-to-date diagnostic tools and working side by side with many of the nation’s leaders in intraocular surgery and research. Now in his own practice, Dr. Pillai specializes in anterior segment disease, including keratoconus, corneal degenerations and dystrophies, ocular surface disease, scleral lenses and specialty contacts, and myopia management. Dr. Pillai is also certified in orthokeratology. Dr. Pillai has earned fellowship in the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, and the Scleral Lens Education Society. He is an active member of the American Optometric Association, Texas Optometric Association, and serves as President of the Harris County Optometric Association.
Jessilin Quint, OD, MBA, MS, FAAO
Dr. Quint 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. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Quint practices in Maine where she co-owns Smart Eye Care. She is the founder of the Smart Dry Eye Center of Excellence. She enjoys providing comprehensive family eye care to her patients with a distinct interest in specialty contact lenses and dry eye disease.
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Jessica Steen, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO
Dr. Steen 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. She 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. Her 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.
June 30, 2024
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Earn 3 hours of Texas Required Courses during this Synchronous Virtual Webinar
Register for this date and take advantage of the Early Bird Rate!
Accreditation Information:
- This webinar is accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
Topics Include:
One-Hour 2024 Professional Responsibility Course
- Course required each year for all active licensees.
One-Hour Opioid Prescribing Course
- Section 481.0764 of the Health and Safety Code requires all active licensees who prescribe or dispense opioids to take each year a one-hour board-approved opioid course.
One-Hour Human Trafficking Course
- Section 116.002 of the Occupations Code requires all active licensees who provide direct patient care to complete a training course approved by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission once per renewal cycle.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 135 | $ 135 |
|
Registration Closed Thursday, June 27th, at Noon CST
Missed the Registration Deadline? Register for the September 15th session, or complete these courses via our online, on-demand catalog! |
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David Dinh, OD, FAAO
Dr. Dinh hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry where he received multiple honors and awards from his colleagues and professors in recognition for his excellence in pediatrics, as well as his leadership. Following optometry school, Dr. Dinh underwent an intensive residency in Ocular Disease at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, where he gained advanced training in the areas of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and maintains active memberships in the Texas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the local Dallas County Optometric Society and the International Gold Key Honor Society.
Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO
Dr. Andrew Kemp graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and the University of Houston College Of Optometry in 2014. Dr. Kemp completed an ocular disease residency at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, TX, a UHCO-affiliated community clinic. Dr. Kemp is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and works with fourth year student externs at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic and the Community Eye Clinic. Dr. Kemp’s clinical interests include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, uveitis, keratoconus and the fitting of specialty contact lenses for a variety of corneal abnormalities. Dr. Kemp is a member of the Texas Optometric Association and American Optometric Association.
Natalie Pirrone, MBA
Natalie Pirrone serves as the Education and Outreach Director for Poiema Foundation, a non-profit that fights human trafficking. Natalie holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Dallas Baptist University. While in school, she interned for RescueHer helping spread awareness about sex-trafficking. After earning her degrees, she went on to work as a Voice and Choice Advocate for Traffick911 where she worked directly with minors recovered from sex-trafficking in North Texas walking alongside them on their healing journey. In her current role, she passionately uses her background with education and first-hand experience to bring the public together to fight human trafficking.
July
July 18-21, 2024
Estes Park, Colorado
Earn 20 COPE Accredited CE Hours at this Synchronous In-Person conference!
UHCO is heading back to the Rockies!
Estes Park, Colorado is the base camp for amazing adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park and your favorite mountain getaway. Escape every day life and join us for four days of world-class continuing education while enjoying the beautiful destination.
Topics Selected by Conference Director, Dr. Danica Marrelli, include:
- Refractive Amblyopia Treatment
- Visual Rehabilitation
- Refer or Relax - Retina and Macula
- Macular Degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Billing and Coding
- Amniotic Membranes
- Myopia Management
- Scleral Lenses
Please note: The Texas Required Courses will not be presented at this conference.
Event Location
Hotel Information
Holiday Inn Estes Park - Formerly The Ridgeline Hotel
101 S St Vrain Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 527-1500 - press 1 for Group Reservations.
Click Here to Reserve Your Stay!
Room Block Name: University of Houston
Room Block Rate: Standard - $209.00+tax and fees per night
Room Block Deadline: Monday, June 17, 2024
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| 20 Hours (All Four Days) | $ 500 | $ 550 |
| 15 Hours (Three Days) | $ 450 | $ 495 |
| 10 Hours (Two Days) | $ 350 | $ 385 |
| 5 Hours (One Day) | $ 200 | $ 220 |
|
Early Bird Deadline ends on Friday, June 21, at 5pm CST Registration closes Friday, July 12, at Noon CST Registration is by day - there will be 5 hours presented per day. Please indicate which day(s) you wish to attend during registration. |
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Danica Marrelli, OD, FAAO, AAO Diplomate (Glaucoma), Conference Director
Dr. Marrelli received her doctor of optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO), and completed a residency in hospital-based optometry at the Baltimore VA Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. She is currently a clinical professor at UHCO, where she serves as Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and staffs the glaucoma, retina, and general eye disease clinics. In the classroom, Dr. Marrelli teaches ocular pharmacology, glaucoma and case-based learning courses. She became a diplomate in the ocular disease section of the American Academy of Optometry in November 2009 and is the vice president of the Optometric Glaucoma Society.
Amy Elsila, OD
Dr. Amy Elsila, a Florida native, earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Stetson University. She then graduated with honors from the University of Houston College of Optometry. Dr. Amy enjoys practicing full scope preventative optometry and is most passionate about working with pediatric patients, particularly those with binocular vision and visual perceptual difficulties. Over the years she has developed an interest and specialty in treating patients with visual symptoms who have suffered from concussion or other traumatic brain injuries. Her biggest joy in practice is seeing her patients’ vision and lives transformed through therapeutic lenses and vision therapy. Dr. Amy is a member of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) and the Neuro- Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA). She also finds it very rewarding to work with and mentor fourth year optometry students completing their internships at the practice. While out the office she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and dancing.
Steven Ferrucci, OD, FAAO
Dr. Ferrucci is currently Chief of Optometry at the Sepulveda VA Ambulatory Care Center in North Hills, CA. He is also the Residency Director at his sight, and a Professor at the Southern California College of Optometry/Marshall B. Ketchum University. Dr. Ferrucci has lectured and published extensively, with a special interest in Diabetes, Diabetic Eye Disease, AMD, OCT and Fluorescein Angiography. He is a fellow in both the American Academy of Optometry and the Optometric Retinal Society, as well as Past-president of the ORS and the Founding Chair of the American Academy of Optometry Retinal Special Interest Group. He also serves on the editorial board for several optometric journals, as well as on the advisory board for some of the premier companies in eye care.
Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO
Dr. Kemp graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2014. Dr. Kemp completed an Ocular Disease residency at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, a UHCO-affiliated community clinic. Currently, Dr. Kemp is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic and the Community Eye Clinic working with fourth year optometry externs and residents. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. Additionally, Dr. Kemp is an Associate Optometrist at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Center and the Optometry Medical Records Quality Assurance Director for Lone Star Circle of Care in Austin, Texas. His research interests include the application of OCT-Angiography in the detection of retinal changes in diabetics, as well as the management of glaucoma. Dr. Kemp’s memberships include the Texas Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and the Texas Public Health Association. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves as a consultant for the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. He was named the 2022 American Optometric Association Optometric Educator of the Year.
Ashley Wallace-Tucker, OD, FAAO, ABO Diplomate, FSLS
Dr. Tucker graduated from UHCO where she also completed a Cornea and Contact Lens Residency. During her residency, she received extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of corneal and anterior segment diseases, in complex contact lens fits and myopia management. Dr. Tucker spends the majority of her clinic time managing patients who are in need of specialty contact lenses or myopia management. Dr. Tucker is a partner at Bellaire Family Eye Care and The Contact Lens Institute of Houston. She is also a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry where she is the course master for the Ophthalmic Optics Laboratory. Through her affiliation with the University of Houston, she regularly provides continuing education on the topics of anterior segment disease, specialty contact lenses, myopia management and ophthalmic optics. Dr. Tucker is a member of the Speaker’s Bureau for the Specialty Division of Bausch Lomb, a consultant for CooperVision and SynergEyes, and a lecturer for the STAPLE (Soft Toric and Presbyopic Lens Experience) program. She currently serves as the Public Education Chair Elect for the Scleral Lens Education Society and is on the advisory board for the Gas Permeable Lens Institute (GPLI).
NOTICE: The July 10th Monthly Webinar has been postponed until July 31st due to impacts Hurricane Beryl has left for Houston and surrounding areas.
July 31, 2024
7-8 PM CST
Focus on Ocular Complications of Herpes Virus
Zoom Webinar
1 Hour of COPE Accredited Synchronous Virtual CE
Join us each month, and earn continuing education hours from the comfort of your own home!
Hear from UHCO Faculty on focused topics that are timely and informative, including myopia control, amblyopia, and primary angle-closure disease.
Accreditation Information:
- These live webinars are accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
| Registration Fee |
||
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 30 | |
|
Registration Closes Tuesday, July 30th at 5pm CST If you have registered for a previous session, please contact us at optce@central.uh.edu to register. |
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Viviana Gonzalez, OD
Dr. Gonzalez graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2019 and completed her residency in ocular disease the following year at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic - a UHCO affiliated clinic focused on the underserved population. Thereafter, she served as the sole optometrist for a federally qualified health center where she was able to collaborate with other disciplines to coordinate patient care. Currently, Dr. Gonzalez holds the position of Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry, where she supervises fourth-year students at both Cedar Springs and Community Eye Clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
August
August 7, 2024
7-8 PM CST
Focus on Primary Angle Closure Disease
Zoom Webinar
1 Hour of COPE Accredited Synchronous Virtual CE
Join us each month, and earn continuing education hours from the comfort of your own home!
Hear from UHCO Faculty on focused topics that are timely and informative, including myopia control, amblyopia, and primary angle-closure disease.
Accreditation Information:
- These live webinars are accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 30 | $ 30 |
|
Registration closed Monday, August 5th at 5pm CST If you have registered for a previous session, please contact us at optce@central.uh.edu to register. |
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Marcus Gonzales, OD, FAAO, ABO Diplomate
Dr. Gonzales received his undergraduate degree at Baylor University and completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2006. He then went on to complete an Ocular Disease residency at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic, an inner-city charity clinic caring for a diseased, indigent population, in Dallas Texas. Currently, Dr. Gonzales is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic for UHCO. He was named the 2009 Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association, and he received a President’s Award in 2011. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. His interests are in ocular disease, specifically glaucoma and retinal disease.
September
September 4, 2024
7-8 PM CST
Focus on Refractive Surgery with Corneal Crosslinking
Zoom Webinar
1 Hour of COPE Accredited Synchronous Virtual CE
Join us each month, and earn continuing education hours from the comfort of your own home!
Hear from UHCO Faculty on focused topics that are timely and informative, including myopia control, amblyopia, and primary angle-closure disease.
Accreditation Information:
- These live webinars are accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 30 | $ 30 |
|
Registration Closes Monday, September 2nd at 5pm CST If you have registered for a previous session, please contact us at optce@central.uh.edu to register. |
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Anuradha Veerappan, OD, MS
Dr. Veerappan completed her Doctor of Optometry & Master's in Vision Science at State University of New York (SUNY). She continued her education with a residency in Ocular Disease/Primary Care at the Veterans Affairs Hospital (VAMC) in Hudson Valley, NY. She had the opportunity to move overseas to Singapore where she completed a 1-Year Postdoctoral fellowship in Dry Eye Research at the Singapore Eye Research Institute. While in Singapore, she also worked at an Orthokeratology private practice. Her clinical interests include specialty contact lenses, pediatrics, and treatment and management of ocular disease. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry. Dr. Veerappan is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the University of Houston College of Optometry.
September 15, 2024
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Earn 3 hours of Texas Required Courses during this Synchronous Virtual Webinar
Register for this date and take advantage of the Early Bird Rate!
Accreditation Information:
- This webinar is accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
Topics Include:
One-Hour 2024 Professional Responsibility Course
- Course required each year for all active licensees.
One-Hour Opioid Prescribing Course
- Section 481.0764 of the Health and Safety Code requires all active licensees who prescribe or dispense opioids to take each year a one-hour board-approved opioid course.
One-Hour Human Trafficking Course
- Section 116.002 of the Occupations Code requires all active licensees who provide direct patient care to complete a training course approved by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission once per renewal cycle.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 135 | $ 135 |
|
Registration for this webinar is closed due to capacity being reached.
Still need the Texas Required courses? Register for the Sunday PM session of our Winter Live Webinar or complete them via our Online, On-Demand Catalog. |
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David Dinh, OD, FAAO
Dr. Dinh hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry where he received multiple honors and awards from his colleagues and professors in recognition for his excellence in pediatrics, as well as his leadership. Following optometry school, Dr. Dinh underwent an intensive residency in Ocular Disease at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, where he gained advanced training in the areas of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and maintains active memberships in the Texas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the local Dallas County Optometric Society and the International Gold Key Honor Society.
Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO
Dr. Andrew Kemp graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and the University of Houston College Of Optometry in 2014. Dr. Kemp completed an ocular disease residency at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, TX, a UHCO-affiliated community clinic. Dr. Kemp is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and works with fourth year student externs at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic and the Community Eye Clinic. Dr. Kemp’s clinical interests include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, uveitis, keratoconus and the fitting of specialty contact lenses for a variety of corneal abnormalities. Dr. Kemp is a member of the Texas Optometric Association and American Optometric Association.
Natalie Pirrone, MBA
Natalie Pirrone serves as the Education and Outreach Director for Poiema Foundation, a non-profit that fights human trafficking. Natalie holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Dallas Baptist University. While in school, she interned for RescueHer helping spread awareness about sex-trafficking. After earning her degrees, she went on to work as a Voice and Choice Advocate for Traffick911 where she worked directly with minors recovered from sex-trafficking in North Texas walking alongside them on their healing journey. In her current role, she passionately uses her background with education and first-hand experience to bring the public together to fight human trafficking.
October
October 2, 2024
7-8 PM CST
Focus on Lab Testing
Zoom Webinar
1 Hour of COPE Accredited Synchronous Virtual CE
Join us each month, and earn continuing education hours from the comfort of your own home!
Hear from UHCO Faculty on focused topics that are timely and informative, including myopia control, amblyopia, and primary angle-closure disease.
Accreditation Information:
- These live webinars are accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 30 | $ 30 |
|
Registration Closes Monday, September 30th at 5pm CST If you have registered for a previous session, please contact us at optce@central.uh.edu to register. |
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Mary Kate Walters, OD, FAAO, ABO Diplomate
Dr. Walters is a Professor of Practice at University of Houston College of Optometry and serves as the Clinic Director at Northside Eye Care Clinic in Fort Worth, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Dr. Walters continued her education at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, where she received her Doctor of Optometry. She also completed an Ocular Disease Residency at the Community Eye Clinic in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Walters is an active member of the American and Texas Optometric Associations, is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and currently serves as the Co-Leader of the Health Professionals and Outcomes Workgroup for the Texas Diabetes Council.
October 5-6, 2024
8:00 am CST to 5:00 pm CST Daily
Zoom Webinar
Earn 16 COPE Accredited CE Hours at this Synchronous Virtual conference
Topics Selected by Conference Director Dr. Andrew Kemp include:
- Glaucoma
- Surgical Pre-Operative Evaluations
- Macular Degeneration
- Double Vision
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases and the Eye
- Optometric Manifestations of Autoimmune Diseases
- Anterior Segment
- Pain Management
- AMD
Please note: The Required Courses for Texas Optometrists will NOT be presented during this webinar.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| 16 Hours - 4 Sessions | $ 360 | $ 410 |
| 12 Hours - 3 Sessions | $ 300 | $ 325 |
| 8 Hours - 2 Sessions | $ 180 | $ 205 |
| 4 Hours - 1 Session | $ 100 | $ 125 |
|
Early Bird Deadline ended on Friday, September 6, at 5pm CST Registration closes Thursday, October 3, at Noon CST
Choose one session per 4 hours while registering. Please note: The Required Courses for Texas Optometrists will NOT be presented during this webinar. |
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Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO, Conference Director
Dr. Andrew Kemp graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and the University of Houston College Of Optometry in 2014. Dr. Kemp completed an ocular disease residency at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, TX, a UHCO-affiliated community clinic. Dr. Kemp is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and works with fourth year student externs at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic and the Community Eye Clinic. Dr. Kemp’s clinical interests include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, uveitis, keratoconus and the fitting of specialty contact lenses for a variety of corneal abnormalities. Dr. Kemp is a member of the Texas Optometric Association and American Optometric Association.
Lily Arendt, OD
Dr. Lily Arendt is a graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry. Upon graduation, she completed a residency in Ocular Disease and Refractive Surgery at Parkhurst Nuvision in San Antonio, TX, where she is now an associate optometrist. She recently obtained her fellowship within the American Academy of Optometry and is a pursuing a Diplomate in the Cornea, Contact Lens, and Refractive Technologies section of the Academy. She is an active member of the Texas Optometric Association and is the current president of her local optometric society, Bexar County District Optometric Society.
Alissa Coyne, OD, MS, FAAO, FASOS
Dr. Coyne graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in biobehavioral health. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University and completed a Primary Care residency at The Eye Institute. Dr. Coyne is recently completed a master's degree in pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. She is an assistant professor at Salus University teaching ocular pharmacology and ophthalmic lasers and minor surgical procedures. Dr. Coyne has special interests in ocular disease, emergency eye care and ocular pharmacology. She has lectured nationally and internationally. Dr. Coyne is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Society of Optometric Surgeons.
Jessica Haynes, OD, FAAO
Dr. Jessica Haynes was born and raised in Manchester, Tennessee. She attended college at Middle Tennessee State University where she earned her degree in chemistry with a minor in biology in 2011. She then began her optometric career at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, graduating in 2015. After completion of optometry school, Dr. Haynes spent a year at the Memphis VA Hospital in a primary care optometry residency. Post residency, she began her optometric fellowship at Charles Retina Institute.
Zanna Kruoch, OD, FAAO
Dr. Zanna Kruoch graduated from the University of Houston, College of Optometry with a Doctorate of Optometry in 2009. She went on to complete a one-year residency specializing in anterior segment disease and specialty contact lenses. Currently, Dr. Kruoch is an associate professor at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, College of Optometry. Dr. Kruoch’s experience includes clinical and academic experience, and she has a passion for teaching, especially in the topics of ocular disease and specialty contact lenses. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and gained Diplomate status of the anterior segment section of the American Academy of Optometry in 2020. Dr. Kruoch was named Texas Optometric Association’s Educator of the Year in 2018, and the American Optometric Association’s Educator of the Year in 2019.
Anthony Litwak, OD, FAAO
Dr. Anthony Litwak is the Program Director for Ocular Therapeutics Continuing Education (OTCE). He is the Past Residency and Student Program Director at the Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center. Dr. Litwak is an adjunct Clinical Professor at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, State University of New York, New England College of Optometry, University of Alabama College of Optometry and Southern College of Optometry. He is a founding member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society and National Glaucoma Society and on the Editorial Board of the Optometric Glaucoma Society E-Journal. Dr. Litwak is past Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Eye and Vision Care and is course director for "Ocular Therapeutics in Cancun" and "Glaucoma in the Gorge". He is a national and international lecturer on ocular disease and author of the glaucoma textbook, "The Glaucoma Handbook".
Ashley Maglione, OD, FAAO
Dr. Ashley Kay Maglione received her bachelor of science degree from The College of New Jersey and her Doctor of Optometry degree from Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). She completed an advanced two-year residency in neuro-ophthalmic disease at The Eye Institute. Dr. Maglione sees patients at The Eye Institute in the neuro-ophthalmic disease service, where she specializes in neurologic conditions that affect the eye. Dr. Maglione is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She often works closely with neurologists, neuro-surgeons, and other specialists in a collaborative strive to provide the highest level of patient care. She publishes and lectures frequently on topics in the specialty of neuro-ophthalmic disease. She is an Assistant Professor of Optometry.
Anne Mika Moy, OD, FAAO
Dr. Mika Moy graduated from UC Berkeley School of Optometry and completed a residency in Pediatrics and Specialty Contact Lenses there. She is a Clinical Professor at the school and teaches Diagnosis and Treatment of Anterior Segment Ocular Disease. Her primary responsibility is teaching third years, fourth years, and residents at the Tang Eye Center in the University Health Services. Dr. Moy lectures on a variety of topics nationally and internationally, and has a special interest in anterior segment disease and neuro-optometry. She is the Chair and Founding Member of the Anterior Segment Section of the American Academy of Optometry. She was awarded the Michael G. Harris Teaching Award for outstanding classroom teaching and the California Optometric Association Excellence in Education Award. She is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry.
Tracy Offerdahl-McGowan, BSc, FAAO, PharmD
Dr. Offerdahl is a graduate of Temple University School of Pharmacy and is an assistant professor at Salus University, where she teaches pharmacology in the Physician Assistant, Optometry, and Audiology programs. Her areas of interest include infectious disease, herbals, homeopathy, veterinary medicine, and inter-professional education. Dr. Offerdahl has a clinical practice outside of Philadelphia and is currently doing additional training in medication therapy management, integrative medicine, and veterinary medicine. She has been teaching pharmacology for 23 years and has held faculty positions at multiple universities in the Philadelphia area.
October 26-27, 2024
8:00 am CST to 5:00 pm CST Daily
Austin, Texas
Earn 16 COPE Accredited CE Hours at this Synchronous In-Person conference
Topics Selected by Conference Director Dr. Janet Garza include:
- Oral Pharmaceuticals
- Systemic Diseases
- Imaging Interpretation
- Lasik, PRK, & Crosslinking
- Cataract Surgery
- Pupils & Optic Nerves
- Glaucoma
- Presbyopia Management
- Geriatrics Care
Mix and Match! Participants can choose from 19 available hours to customize their CE experience.
The Sunday PM block offers a variety of lectures to choose from! Concurrent lectures will take place in two ballrooms: Texas Requirements Track and Therapeutics Track. Participants can choose which lecture to attend each hour.
- Need Texas Requirements? Attend all lectures in the Texas Requirements Track ballroom.
- Licensed outside of Texas or already have all of your Texas hours? Attend all lectures in the Therapeutics Track ballroom.
- Need a little of this and a little of that? Switch ballrooms as needed at the end of each lecture.
The following required courses for Texas Optometrists are available:
- Opioid Prescribing Course
- 2024 Professional Responsibility Course for Texas Optometrists
- Human Trafficking Course
Click Below to access the following materials:
Event Location
Hotel Information
DoubleTree by Hilton
6505 North Interstate 35
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 454-3737
(800) 866-3126
Click Here to Reserve your Room!
Room Block Name: UHCO CE in Austin
Room Block Rate: Standard - $179 + tax per night
Room Block Deadline: Friday, September 27, 2024
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Entire Course | $ 495 | $ 550 |
| Saturday Only | $ 395 | $ 425 |
| Sunday Only | $ 395 | $ 425 |
|
Early Bird Deadline ended Wednesday, October 2nd, at 5pm CST Registration closed Tuesday, October 22nd, at Noon CST Walk-In Registration is available and incurs an additional fee. |
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Janet Garza, OD, FAAO (Conference Director)
Dr. Garza graduated from The University of Texas at Austin prior to obtaining her optometric training at the University of Houston College of Optometry. Dr. Garza then went on to complete a residency in Community Based Family Practice with an emphasis on ocular disease. After working in private practice several years, Dr. Garza joined the UHCO faculty in 2017 as Clinical Assistant Professor where she currently serves as Clinical Director of the UH Eye Center- Heights clinic. The clinic serves as a clinical externship site for optometry students in their last year of training, primarily catering to underserved patient populations and community outreach. In addition to working with students and patients in clinic, she also lectures in courses and is the Course Master for the Medical Procedures Lab. Dr. Garza is a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is certified in Texas as an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. She remains an active member of several organizations, including Harris County Optometric Association, Texas Optometric Association, Prevent Blindness Texas, American Public Health Association, and American Academy of Optometry.
David Dinh, OD, FAAO
Dr. Dinh hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry where he received multiple honors and awards from his colleagues and professors in recognition for his excellence in pediatrics, as well as his leadership. Following optometry school, Dr. Dinh underwent an intensive residency in Ocular Disease at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, where he gained advanced training in the areas of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and maintains active memberships in the Texas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the local Dallas County Optometric Society and the International Gold Key Honor Society.
Kassaundra Johnston, OD, FAAO
Dr. Kassaundra (Kassie) Johnston was born and raised in Harlingen, TX. She graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry and then pursued a residency in Brain Injury Vision Rehabilitation. She now lives in Colorado Springs, CO where she and her husband own their private practice called Pine Creek Vision Clinic. Prior to moving to Colorado, in December 2021, Dr. Johnston was a full time Clinical Assistant Professor at UHCO where she taught two didactic course and was director of the Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Service, the Neuro-optometric Rehabilitation Service and was credentialed at two in-patient rehabilitation hospitals. She continues her specialties in private practice seeing brain injury, stroke and special needs patients of all ages. She enjoys lecturing which is why she continues as an Adjunct Faculty for UHCO and a part-time Clinical Associate Professor for Rocky Mountain University College of Optometry.
Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO
Dr. Kemp graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2014. Dr. Kemp completed an Ocular Disease residency at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, a UHCO-affiliated community clinic. Currently, Dr. Kemp is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic and the Community Eye Clinic working with fourth year optometry externs and residents. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. Additionally, Dr. Kemp is an Associate Optometrist at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Center and the Optometry Medical Records Quality Assurance Director for Lone Star Circle of Care in Austin, Texas. His research interests include the application of OCT-Angiography in the detection of retinal changes in diabetics, as well as the management of glaucoma. Dr. Kemp’s memberships include the Texas Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and the Texas Public Health Association. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves as a consultant for the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. He was named the 2022 American Optometric Association Optometric Educator of the Year.
Jung-Sun Kim, OD, PhD
Dr. Jung-Sun Kim is a clinical optometrist with interests in primary care, ocular disease, and translational research. Dr. Kim received a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine and completed post-doctoral fellowship training in Epigenetics at Houston Methodist Research Institute. After her biomedical research experience, Dr. Kim decided to pursue her dream of becoming an optometrist. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree, Magna cum laude, from the University of Houston College of Optometry. In addition, Dr. Kim continued her clinical training by completing Family Practice residency at the University of Houston College of Optometry.
Blair Lonsberry, OD
Dr. Lonsberry obtained his Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo in 1996 after completing a Bachelors Degree (Zoology) and a Masters Degree (Physiology) in Science from the University of Manitoba. After finishing a residency in Primary Care Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1997, he joined the faculty at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN where he remained until the fall of 2005. Here, Dr. Lonsberry divided his time between the Primary Care and Advanced Care Ocular Disease clinics. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, he instructed classes in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Anterior Segment Disease. Currently, Dr. Lonsberry is a Professor of Optometry and the Clinic Director of the Portland Vision Center associated with Pacific University in Portland, Oregon. He supervises students during their Primary Care and Ocular Disease clinics and is the instructor of record for the Clinical Grand Rounds course. Dr. Lonsberry is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, the ORS (Optometric Retinal Society), and the OGS (Optometric Glaucoma Society), and is on the executive board of the OSSO (Ocular Surface Society of Optometry).
Natalie Pirrone, MBA
Natalie Pirrone serves as the Education and Outreach Director for Poiema Foundation, a non-profit that fights human trafficking. Natalie holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Dallas Baptist University. While in school, she interned for RescueHer helping spread awareness about sex-trafficking. After earning her degrees, she went on to work as a Voice and Choice Advocate for Traffick911 where she worked directly with minors recovered from sex-trafficking in North Texas walking alongside them on their healing journey. In her current role, she passionately uses her background with education and first-hand experience to bring the public together to fight human trafficking.
Pat Segu, OD, FAAO
Dr. Pat Segu, a 1992 graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry, is a clinical professor and clinical director of the See to Succeed program at UHCO. With over 20 years of experience in primary care, ocular disease, and community outreach, Dr. Segu has significantly impacted childhood vision care, notably through the See to Succeed program, which has served over 76,000 children and delivered more than 70,000 pairs of eyeglasses since 2011. Her leadership in various organizations, including the American Public Health Association and Prevent Blindness Texas, highlights her commitment to advancing optometry and community service. Dr. Segu has received numerous accolades, including the 2020 Mollie Armstrong Award and the Texas Optometric Association Educator of the Year Award.
Justin Simbulan, OD
Dr. Justin Simbulan graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) with Magna Cum Laude in 2017. After graduation, he completed a residency in Primary Care at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where his training focused on ocular disease, specialty contact lenses, and low vision rehabilitation. After residency, Dr. Simbulan served as a full time staff optometrist at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center where he was involved with direct patient care and acted as an attending for optometry residents and intern students. In 2020, Dr. Simbulan joined UHCO as clinical faculty. Dr. Simbulan enjoys a practice style that involves diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as participating in the overall management of patients with systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension to evaluate for ocular complications. He maintains strong interest in the fitting of specialty contact lenses such as scleral lenses and gas permeable contacts, and involvement in the management of low vision rehabilitation.
Anuradha Veerappan, OD, MS
Dr. Veerappan completed her B.S. in Neurobiology/Physiology at the University of Maryland, College Park. She then completed her Doctor of Optometry & Master's in Vision Science at State University of New York (SUNY) in 2012. She continued her education with a residency in Ocular Disease/Primary Care at the Veterans Affairs Hospital (VAMC) in Hudson Valley, NY. She had the opportunity to move overseas to Singapore where she completed a 1-Year Postdoctoral fellowship in Dry Eye Research at the Singapore Eye Research Institute. She moved to Connecticut and worked in a few different modalities including a refractive surgery practice and MyEyeDr. She was also one of the first Optometrists to work in a telemedicine space. In 2022, she officially became a Houstonian. Dr. Veerappan is currently working at the University of Houston College of Optometry as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences. She works in the Ambulatory Surgery Center, Contact Lens, and Family Practice Clinics. Her clinical interests include treatment and management of ocular disease, specialty contact lenses, and pediatrics. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry. Dr. Veerappan won the Outstanding Clinical Faculty Award in 2024, nominated by the BSK Honors Society students.
November
November 13, 2024
7-8 PM CST
Zoom Webinar
1 Hour of COPE Accredited Synchronous Virtual CE
Join us each month, and earn continuing education hours from the comfort of your own home!
Hear from UHCO Faculty on focused topics that are timely and informative, including myopia control, amblyopia, and primary angle-closure disease.
Accreditation Information:
- These live webinars are accepted by the Texas Optometry Board as live, in-person credit.
- COPE accreditation for this conference is categorized as "Synchronous Virtual."
- If you are licensed outside of Texas, UHCO advises you to check with your State Board of Optometry regarding the eligibility of synchronous virtual hours.
Click Below to access the following materials:
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $ 30 | $ 30 |
|
Registration Closed Monday, November 11th at 5pm CST If you have registered for a previous session, please contact us at optce@central.uh.edu to register. |
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Wendy Harrison, OD, PhD, FAAO
Dr. Harrison completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Notre Dame and went on to be the first student to complete a joint OD and MS in Vision Science at Indiana University in four years. Following a residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses, also at Indiana, she completed PhD in Vision Science at the University of California Berkeley. She is currently an associate professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry. Her research focuses on diabetic eye diseases and prediabetes, and she runs the electrodiagnostic testing in the clinic. She is a member of ARVO, and a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry. Within the Academy she is the current President of the American Academy of Optometry Foundation and part of the leadership of Fellows Doing Research.
November 16-17, 2024
8:00 am CST to 5:00 pm CST Daily
Fort Worth, TX
Earn 16 hours of COPE Accredited CE at this synchronous in-person conference
Topics Selected by Conference Director Dr. Marcus Gonzalez include:
- Differentiating Papilledema from Pseudopapilledema
- Dry Eyes and Symptoms
- Cosmetometry
- Refractive Amblyopia Treatment
- Surgical Strabismus Disasters
- Glaucoma
- Ocular Rosacea
- Presbyopia Management
The following required courses for Texas Optometrists will be available:
- Opioid Prescribing Course
- 2024 Professional Responsibility Course for Texas Optometrists
- Human Trafficking Course
Mix and Match! Choose from 19 available hours to customize your CE experience.
The Sunday PM block offers a variety of lectures to choose from! Concurrent lectures will take place in two ballrooms: Texas Requirements Track and Therapeutics Track. Participants can choose which lecture to attend each hour.
- Need Texas Requirements? Attend all lectures in the Texas Requirements Track ballroom.
- Licensed outside of Texas or already have all of your Texas hours? Attend all lectures in the Therapeutics Track ballroom.
- Need a little of this and a little of that? Switch ballrooms as needed at the end of each lecture.
Click Below to access the following materials:
Event Location
Hotel Information
Please note we are back in our original location for CE in Fort Worth this year!
Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Hotel & Golf Club
3300 Championship Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177
817-961-0800 Ext. 3025
1-866-348-3984
Click Here to Reserve Your Stay!
Room Block Name: University of Houston College of Optometry
Room Block Rate: Standard - $135.00+tax and fees per night
- For reservations arriving before November 15th or departing after November 17th please call hotel directly.
Room Block Deadline: Friday, October 25th, 2024
Please Note: Discounted Room Rate may sell out before the Room Block Deadline.
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Entire Course | $ 495 | $ 550 |
| Saturday Only | $ 395 | $ 425 |
| Sunday Only | $ 395 | $ 425 |
|
Early Bird Deadline ended Wednesday, October 23rd at 5pm CST. Registration closed Tuesday, November 12th at Noon CST. On-site registration is available, and incurs an additional fee. |
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Marcus Gonzales, OD, FAAO, ABO Diplomate (Conference Director)
Dr. Gonzales received his undergraduate degree at Baylor University and completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2006. He then went on to complete an Ocular Disease residency at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic, an inner-city charity clinic caring for a diseased, indigent population, in Dallas Texas. Currently, Dr. Gonzales is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic for UHCO. He was named the 2009 Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association, and he received a President’s Award in 2011. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. His interests are in ocular disease, specifically glaucoma and retinal disease.
Kaleb Abbott, OD
Dr. Abbott is an optometrist and assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s of science in nutrition, he attended The University of Houston College of Optometry for both his doctorate of optometry and master’s of science in physiological optics and vision science where he investigated the intricate relationship between intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, sleep, melatonin, and refractive error. At the University of Colorado, he is faculty in both the Dry Eye Clinic and the Center for Ocular Inflammation where he specializes in complex ocular surface disease. He actively participates in clinical trials and conducts research pertaining to dry eye disease. He enjoys treating dry eye disease and ocular pain as he feels that he is truly able to make a difference in his patients’ lives by improving their eye comfort and thus quality of life. He has a special affinity for corneal nerve disorders, especially neuropathic pain, as these patients are oftentimes written off and their pain disregarded. Improving eye pain through both medicine and lifestyle modifications is his passion. In 2022 he was elected Vice Chair of the Nutrition, Disease Prevention, and Wellness SIG at the American Academy of Optometry, invited to be an advisor to the Academic Medical Center Optometry SIG, and his start-up company (SunSnap Kids) took first place in the inaugural Bright Ideas Pitch Competition. Currently, SunSnap Kids is a finalist for the Optometry Innovation Awards with the winners to be announced at Eyes on 2024. He was also selected for the Flom Leadership Academy through the American Academy of Optometry in 2023-2024.
Alex Conley, OD
Dr. Conley is a Texas Board of Optometry certified therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, Texas Optometric Association, College of Optometrists and Vision Development, and the InfantSee Public Health Program. Dr. Conley has been working with patients of all ages suffering from visual deficits and ocular disease since his residency in 2016. He is experienced with and enjoys the complexity of the brain's visual system. His expertise allows him to look beyond the “surface level” of vision. He has treated many cases with a large range of severity from vision related learning disabilities to visual dysfunction associated with neurological disorders, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.
Derek Cunningham, OD, FAAO
Dr. Cunningham’s research covers a wide spectrum of eye care and neuroscience including; dry eye treatments, glaucoma medications and surgeries, retinal diseases, cataract surgery and LASIK surgery, cosmetic treatments and products, vision enhancement, and sports vision. His innovative research has been presented at major national meetings, including the American Retinal Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Optometry, and the American College of Sports Medicine. His research has been featured in many medical journals and showcased in publications such as Sports Illustrated and Forbes Magazine. Dr. Cunningham has a special interest in Sports Vision and Performance, and is the Chairman Emeritus of the American Optometric Association’s Sports Vision Section. He currently consults and provides vision training services to numerous professional and NCAA sports teams. He also oversees the Dell Eye Institute for Dry Eye Research at Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, Texas, offering advanced dry eye treatments.
David Dinh, OD, FAAO
Dr. Dinh hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry where he received multiple honors and awards from his colleagues and professors in recognition for his excellence in pediatrics, as well as his leadership. Following optometry school, Dr. Dinh underwent an intensive residency in Ocular Disease at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, where he gained advanced training in the areas of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and maintains active memberships in the Texas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the local Dallas County Optometric Society and the International Gold Key Honor Society.
James Fanelli, OD, FAAO
Dr. Fanelli is originally from suburban Philadelphia, and attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He has been in private practice since that time in Wilmington North Carolina, specializing in glaucoma, acute care, and neuro ophthalmic diseases. He is the clinical and medical director of Cape Fear Eye Institute, in Wilmington, NC. He has lectured nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics dealing primarily with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. He has developed several courses for certifying optometrists in the use of injections in primary eye care and minor surgical procedures of the adnexa. Dr. Fanelli is a Contributing Editor for Review of Optometry, and the author of the bi-monthly Glaucoma Grand Rounds column. He is a past President of the North Carolina State Board of Examiners in Optometry and is also a past trustee of the North Carolina State Optometric Society, where he served as Continuing Education Chairman. He serves as educational chairman of the EyeSki Optometric Conference and is the program coordinator of the CE in Italy and Europe program. He is also the education coordinator of the All Things OCT Conference, a conference specifically devoted to OCT technology specifically for optometric practitioners. He is an adjunct faculty member of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, the Western University of Health Sciences, UAB College of Optometry and serves on the Advisory Board of several industry related partners. He received the first Preceptor of the Year award from PCO, the John D. Robinson Clinical Excellence Award from the NC state Optometric Society.
Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO
Dr. Kemp graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2014. Dr. Kemp completed an Ocular Disease residency at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, a UHCO-affiliated community clinic. Currently, Dr. Kemp is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic and the Community Eye Clinic working with fourth year optometry externs and residents. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. Additionally, Dr. Kemp is an Associate Optometrist at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Center and the Optometry Medical Records Quality Assurance Director for Lone Star Circle of Care in Austin, Texas. His research interests include the application of OCT-Angiography in the detection of retinal changes in diabetics, as well as the management of glaucoma. Dr. Kemp’s memberships include the Texas Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and the Texas Public Health Association. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves as a consultant for the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. He was named the 2022 American Optometric Association Optometric Educator of the Year.
Natalie Pirrone, MBA
Natalie Pirrone serves as the Education and Outreach Director for Poiema Foundation, a non-profit that fights human trafficking. Natalie holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Dallas Baptist University. While in school, she interned for RescueHer helping spread awareness about sex-trafficking. After earning her degrees, she went on to work as a Voice and Choice Advocate for Traffick911 where she worked directly with minors recovered from sex-trafficking in North Texas walking alongside them on their healing journey. In her current role, she passionately uses her background with education and first-hand experience to bring the public together to fight human trafficking.
November 23-24, 2024
8:00 am CST to 5:00 pm CST Daily
Zoom Webinar
Earn 16 COPE Accredited CE Hours at this Synchronous Virtual conference
Topics Include:
- Visual Fields
- OCT in Glaucoma
- Short Term and Long Term Glaucoma Management
- Primary Angle Closure Disease
- Interventional Glaucoma
- Dry Eye Disease
- Ocular Rosacea
- Medical Billing and Coding
The following required courses for Texas Optometrists will be available:
- Opioid Prescribing Course
- 2024 Professional Responsibility Course for Texas Optometrists
- Human Trafficking Course
Click Below to access the following materials:
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| 16 Hours - 4 Sessions | $ 360 | $ 410 |
| 12 Hours - 3 Sessions | $ 300 | $ 325 |
| 8 Hours - 2 Sessions | $ 180 | $ 205 |
| 4 Hours - 1 Session | $ 100 | $ 125 |
|
Early Bird Deadline ends on Wednesday, November 6th, at 5pm CST. Registration closes Thursday, November 21st, at Noon CST.
Choose one session per 4 hours while registering. Please note: The Required Courses for Texas Optometrists will be presented during the Sunday PM Session. |
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Danica Marrelli, OD, FAAO, AAO Diplomate (Glaucoma), Conference Director
Dr. Marrelli received her doctor of optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO), and completed a residency in hospital-based optometry at the Baltimore VA Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. She is currently a clinical professor at UHCO, where she serves as Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and staffs the glaucoma, retina, and general eye disease clinics. In the classroom, Dr. Marrelli teaches ocular pharmacology, glaucoma and case-based learning courses. She became a diplomate in the ocular disease section of the American Academy of Optometry in November 2009 and is the vice president of the Optometric Glaucoma Society.
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Kaleb Abbott, OD
Dr. Abbott is an optometrist and assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s of science in nutrition, he attended The University of Houston College of Optometry for both his doctorate of optometry and master’s of science in physiological optics and vision science where he investigated the intricate relationship between intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, sleep, melatonin, and refractive error. At the University of Colorado, he is faculty in both the Dry Eye Clinic and the Center for Ocular Inflammation where he specializes in complex ocular surface disease. He actively participates in clinical trials and conducts research pertaining to dry eye disease. He enjoys treating dry eye disease and ocular pain as he feels that he is truly able to make a difference in his patients’ lives by improving their eye comfort and thus quality of life. He has a special affinity for corneal nerve disorders, especially neuropathic pain, as these patients are oftentimes written off and their pain disregarded. Improving eye pain through both medicine and lifestyle modifications is his passion. In 2022 he was elected Vice Chair of the Nutrition, Disease Prevention, and Wellness SIG at the American Academy of Optometry, invited to be an advisor to the Academic Medical Center Optometry SIG, and his start-up company (SunSnap Kids) took first place in the inaugural Bright Ideas Pitch Competition. Currently, SunSnap Kids is a finalist for the Optometry Innovation Awards with the winners to be announced at Eyes on 2024. He was also selected for the FLOM Leadership Academy through the American Academy of Optometry in 2023-2024.
Mike Cymbor, OD
Dr. Cymbor joined Nittany Eye Associates in 1997. He received his optometric doctorate from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He completed a residency in hospital-based optometry with an emphasis in ocular disease at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. Dr. Cymbor was named Pennsylvania’s “Young Optometrist of the year” in 2000. He was awarded the “Young Optometrist of the Year” by the American Optometric Association in 2001. He was also named as one of the top 175 optometrists in the nation by Newsweek. He is a Primary Care Optometry News top 250 optometrist. He was a co-winner of the Best of State College in 2021, and named “Best Optometrist of State College” in 2022. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He is a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society, the National Optometric Society, the American Optometric Association, the Pennsylvania Optometric Association, and Mid-Counties Optometric Society. Dr. Cymbor is an adjunct clinical professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). He is also the co-founder of both the Glaucoma Institute of State College and the Dry Eye Institute of State College. He’s also been the Opening Eyes clinic director of the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer State Games for over twenty years.
David Dinh, OD, FAAO
Dr. Dinh hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry where he received multiple honors and awards from his colleagues and professors in recognition for his excellence in pediatrics, as well as his leadership. Following optometry school, Dr. Dinh underwent an intensive residency in Ocular Disease at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, where he gained advanced training in the areas of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and maintains active memberships in the Texas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the local Dallas County Optometric Society and the International Gold Key Honor Society.
Marcus Gonzales, OD, FAAO, ABO Diplomate (Conference Director)
Dr. Gonzales received his undergraduate degree at Baylor University and completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2006. He then went on to complete an Ocular Disease residency at Cedar Springs Eye Clinic, an inner-city charity clinic caring for a diseased, indigent population, in Dallas Texas. Currently, Dr. Gonzales is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic for UHCO. He was named the 2009 Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association, and he received a President’s Award in 2011. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. His interests are in ocular disease, specifically glaucoma and retinal disease.
Andrew Kemp, OD, FAAO
Dr. Kemp graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) in 2014. Dr. Kemp completed an Ocular Disease residency at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, Texas, a UHCO-affiliated community clinic. Currently, Dr. Kemp is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Cedar Springs Eye Clinic and the Community Eye Clinic working with fourth year optometry externs and residents. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. Additionally, Dr. Kemp is an Associate Optometrist at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Center and the Optometry Medical Records Quality Assurance Director for Lone Star Circle of Care in Austin, Texas. His research interests include the application of OCT-Angiography in the detection of retinal changes in diabetics, as well as the management of glaucoma. Dr. Kemp’s memberships include the Texas Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and the Texas Public Health Association. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves as a consultant for the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. He was named the 2022 American Optometric Association Optometric Educator of the Year.
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Selina McGee, OD
Dr. McGee is the visionary founder of Precision Vision of Edmond, a boutique-style eyecare practice that specializes in dry eye disease, specialty contact lenses, and aesthetics. She is also the co-founder of Precision Vision of Midwest City, an MD-OD practice specializing in premium IOL and cataract surgery. She earned her OD degree from Northeastern State University College of Optometry, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is a member of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians and the American Optometric Association. Currently she serves as the Immediate Past-President the OAOP. She is also an adjunct faculty member of Northeastern State University College of Optometry. She was named Young Optometrist of the Year in 2012 by the OAOP. In 2014, Dr. McGee acquired Olsen Eye Care and launched Precision Vision Edmond, which later became BeSpoke Vision, allowing her to expand services to help patients with dry eye and specialty contact lens needs. In 2018, she introduced eye rejuvenation services to help patients bothered by drooping eyelids or wrinkles around their eyes. While most people associate these services with plastic surgeons or aesthetic clinics, Dr. McGee believes her unique understanding of the eye and all the muscles surrounding the eye allow her to provide her patients with an unparalleled quality of care.
Natalie Pirrone, MBA
Natalie Pirrone serves as the Education and Outreach Director for Poiema Foundation, a non-profit that fights human trafficking. Natalie holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Dallas Baptist University. While in school, she interned for RescueHer helping spread awareness about sex-trafficking. After earning her degrees, she went on to work as a Voice and Choice Advocate for Traffick911 where she worked directly with minors recovered from sex-trafficking in North Texas walking alongside them on their healing journey. In her current role, she passionately uses her background with education and first-hand experience to bring the public together to fight human trafficking.
Joe Wheat, OD, PhD
December
December 7-8, 2024
8 am - 5 pm CST Daily
Houston, Texas
Earn 16 COPE Accredited CE hours at this Synchronous In-Person conference
Specialized sessions include:
- Ocular Surface Disease
- Contact Lenses
- Scleral Lenses
- Myopia Management
Please Note: The Texas Requirements will not be presented at this conference.
Click Below to access the following materials:
Event Location
Hotel Information
Conference Location
University of Houston College of Optometry
Health 1 Building
4349 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Houston, TX 77204-2020
Hotel
The closest hotel to UHCO is
Hilton University of Houston
4450 University Drive
Houston, Texas 77204
832-531-6300
Early Bird Deadline
| Early Bird Fee |
Registration Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Entire Conference (NO TX Reqs) - 16 hrs | $ 495 | $ 550 |
| Saturday Only (NO TX Reqs) - 8 hrs | $ 395 | $ 425 |
| Sunday Only (NO TX Reqs) - 8 hrs | $ 395 | $ 425 |
|
Early Bird Deadline ends Wednesday, November 20th, at 5pm. Registration closes Wednesday, December 4th, at Noon CST. On-Site Registration is available and incurs an additional fee. |
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Anita Ticak, OD, MS, FAAO (Conference Director)
Dr. Ticak received her combined O.D./M.S. degrees from Ohio State College of Optometry (OSU) in 2008 and completed a Residency in Cornea and Contact Lens at the University of Houston College of Optometry the following year. She is a Clinical Associate Professor devoting her time between didactic teaching, clinical teaching, and translational clinical research. Didactically, she is the course master of two courses that directly target transition of student classroom education into clinical application. Clinically, she is the co-founder and an attending faculty in the Dry Eye Service and is the interim Director of the Cornea Contact Lens Service. Dr. Ticak has a passion for evidence-based practice and prioritizes research that can help answer questions and optimize care to her patients. Her previous research was set in the VOI Lab creating custom wavefront-guided scleral lens solutions for the keratoconic population and for the last 7 years she has been the primary clinical examiner for the BLINK studies which focus on myopia management for children. Dr. Ticak is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, she serves as a Topical Associate Editor for Optometry and Vision Science (OVS), and is a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease (JDEOSD).
Karen DeLoss, OD, FAAO
Dr. DeLoss is currently an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, Kellogg Eye Center Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, where she specializes in medical contact lens fits, including scleral lenses and dry eye management. She is currently chair of the American Academy of Optometry Maintenance of Fellowship Committee, an advisory board member for the GP Lens Institute, and a member of Kellogg Eye Center’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion committee. Dr. DeLoss has also previously served on the Fellowship Admittance Committee for the Scleral Lens Education Society. Her research has been published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, Cornea, and Optometry and Vision Science. Dr. DeLoss is also a regular contributor to Contact Lens Spectrum and Contact Lenses Today.
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Lucy Kehinde Darnell, OD, PhD, FAAO
Dr. Lucy Kehinde attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she earned her B.S. in Integrative Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 2005. She then went on to earn her Ph.D. in Vision Sciences in 2009 and O.D. Degree in 2013 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in Birmingham, AL. Following the professional program, she completed a Primary Care residency with an emphasis in cornea and contact lens in 2014 at Indiana University School of Optometry in Bloomington, IN. Dr. Kehinde is now a Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist in Houston, TX. After working in private and corporate practice settings, she joined the faculty at University of Houston College of Optometry as Assistant Clinical Professor in 2015. Dr. Kehinde is involved in research studies focusing on ocular surface and dry eye disease, teaches in lecture and laboratory courses, and serves as a clinical attending in Family Practice Service, Dry Eye Center, and the Cornea and Contact Lens Service.
Biviana Lie, OD
Clarke Newman, OD, FAAO, FSLS
Dr. Newman is a 1986 graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry, and he has been in private practice in Dallas, TX since then. His practice specializes in the visual rehabilitation of patients who have had corneal diseases, failed refractive surgeries, or corneal trauma. Dr. Newman is a Past President of the Texas Optometric Association, served as Chair of the AOA Federal Relations Committee for four years, currently serves on the Evidence Based Optometry Committee, and is a long-time member of the AOA’s Cornea and Contact Lens Section (CCLS). He has won numerous awards, including the TOA Young OD of the Year, TOA OD of the Year, the TOA Distinguished Service Award, AOA CCLS Luminary Award for Distinguished Practice, AOA CCLS Legends Award, AOA Advocate of the Year, and the CLMA GPLI Practitioner of the Year. He writes and lectures frequently on a wide range of anterior segment and contact lens related topics.
Eric Ritchey, OD, PhD, FAAO
Eric Ritchey, OD, PhD, FAAO is a 2001 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry. After graduation, Eric completed a 2-year Advanced Practice Fellowship in Cornea and Contact Lenses at Ohio State, where his research focused on overnight orthokeratology and extended wear contact lenses. Following fellowship, Eric served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis College of Optometry before beginning his PhD training at Ohio State. During his PhD training, Eric's research in the laboratory of Dr. Andy Fischer focused on the mechanisms behind refractive error development. After completing the PhD, Eric joined Johnson and Johnson Vision Care as a Principal Research Optometrist in the Emerging Technologies Group, where he worked on contact lens technologies to control myopia progression. After 4 years in industry, Eric decided to return to academia and will teach Ophthalmic Optics to 2nd year optometry students. Eric's clinical interests are in specialty contact lens fitting, anterior segment disease and ocular prosthetics. His research activities will focus on myopia development and contact lenses.
Christine Sindt, OD, FAAO
Dr. Christine W. Sindt is a 1994 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry. She completed a disease-based residency at the Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center. Dr. Sindt joined the faculty of the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in 1995, where she is currently the director of the contact lens service and professor of clinical ophthalmology. She also serves as a consultant optometrist for the Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Sindt holds 7 US patents and has over 150 publications. She regularly travels to conferences, both nationally and internationally. She has had numerous funded research grants; her current research projects include elevation specific scleral lens design, higher order aberration control on contact lenses, ocular health associated with scleral lenses, and smart contact lenses.
Jean Thomson, OD
Anna Tichenor, OD
Dr. Anna Ablamowicz Tichenor received her OD from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN and her PhD in Vision Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She joined the Indiana University School of Optometry as an Assistant Scientist in 2019 and transitioned to a tenure-track Assistant Professor in 2023. She serves as director and clinical attending in the Dry Eye Clinic at Atwater Eye Care Center and is a clinician scientist in the Borish Center for Ophthalmic Research. Dr. Tichenor also conducts industry-sponsored research and has experience conducting clinical trials in the fields of dry eye disease and contact lenses. She has been an investigator on several FDA trials evaluating new treatments for dry eye disease. She has published articles in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Cornea, and Molecular Vision. She has presented papers and posters at annual conferences such as the American Academy of Optometry and the annual Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meetings. Dr. Tichenor is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a member of the Indiana Optometric Association, the Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society.
Erin Tomiyama, OD, PhD, FAAO
Dr. Erin Tomiyama is an Assistant Professor of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University. She is a Southern California native and completed her undergraduate degree at UCLA. She then received her OD degree from the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University. Dr. Tomiyama went on to complete a Cornea and Contact Lens Residency at the University of Houston College of Optometry. During residency, she was introduced to clinical research and decided to pursue a MS, then PhD in Physiological Optics. She has developed a passion for myopia management and is involved in the Contact Lens clinic at the university. Her research areas of interest are myopia, optics, and astigmatic corrections. Dr. Tomiyama is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a two-time Ezell Fellowship recipient.
Maria Walker, OD, PhD, FAAO
Dr. Walker is a clinician scientist with a clinical and research focus on keratoconus and scleral lenses. She graduated with an OD and MS degree from The New England College of Optometry in 2013 and went on to complete a one-year Cornea & Contact Lens Residency at Pacific University in Portland, OR. She joined the faculty of UHCO in 2014 and in 2021 completed her PhD with a dissertation entitled: “The Impact of a Scleral Lens on the Eye”. Throughout her education and early career, Maria has won several awards including the Sheldon Wechsler contact lens residency award, the Founders’ Grant from the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists, and she is a two-time recipient of the Ezell Fellowship offered through the American Optometric Foundation (AOF). She is also the 2021 recipient of the Clinical Research Award given by the AOF. Maria is an active Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry, a Fellow and the 2021 President of the Scleral Lens Education Society, as well as an advisory board member of the Gas Permeable Lens Institute. Dr. Walker is currently a tenure-tracked assistant professor at UHCO, where her lab focuses on tear film and inflammatory research on keratoconus.
Jeffrey Walline, OD, PhD
Jeffrey J. Walline, OD PhD is the Associate Dean for Research at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry, and he received his Master’s and PhD degrees from The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Dr. Walline has led several pediatric contact lens studies, and he is the Principal Investigator of the Bifocal Lenses In Nearsighted Kids (BLINK) Study, a National Eye Institute-sponsored randomized clinical trial to investigate the myopia control effects of soft multifocal contact lenses.