Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
3:30 ‐ 5:30 p.m. — Grand Rounds: A String of Pacific Pearls | COPE #TD | Dr. Walter Whitley & Dr. Nate Lighthizer
This two-hour interactive course brings together challenging and practical cases from clinical practice. Co-presented by Drs. Walter Whitley and Nate Lighthizer, the session will highlight therapeutic decision-making across a variety of ocular conditions, including the appropriate use of prescription narcotics. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing potential risks, applying evidence-based management strategies, and integrating real-world pearls to enhance patient care in a full-scope optometric setting.
6:00 ‐ 7:30 p.m. — Optional: Welcome Reception
Join us on the garden lawn overlooking the ocean for an evening of hearty hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and camaraderie. Advance registration required; $50 per person in addition to conference registration.
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
7:00 – 7:50 a.m. — The Secrets to Your Success| COPE #SD | Dr. April Jasper
This course will discuss current challenges in our business environment. We will review ways to develop strategies for success in the business of Optometry. Strategic examples will be given that can be implemented to create success in Optometry.
8:00 – 8:50 a.m. — The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Eye, the Heart and the Brain | COPE #PH | Dr. Jacqueline Theis
This course provides an in-depth understanding of omega-3 benefits for eye and brain health, covering ALA, EPA, DHA differences, dry eye treatment, retinal health, DHA types, brain recovery, dementia prevention, and omega-3 side effects.
9:20 ‐ 11 a.m. — A "Shore Thing": The Latest on Ocular Surface Disease and Blepharitis | COPE #TD | Dr. Walter Whitley & Dr. Mila Ioussifova
This lecture will discuss current and future diagnostic / treatment options for ocular surface disease. Using case examples, this lecture will provide perspective on managing various ocular surface conditions. Implementation pearls as well as best practices will be covered to take your practice to the next level!
11:10 ‐ 12 p.m. — Systemic Drugs and Ocular Side-Effects: Rapid-Fire Case Review | COPE #PH | Dr. Lorne Yudcovitch
Numerous systemic medications may cause potential ocular adverse reactions that patients may or may not be aware of. This case-based course reviews twenty systemic medication groups that have the potential to cause ocular complications.
12:10‐ 1:00 p.m. — Neurotrophic Keratitis in Focus - From Early Recognition to Strategic Intervention | COPE #TD | Dr. Jacqueline Theis
In this course, we will discuss the need to identify patients with NK risk factors, diagnose NK at an early stage, and use management strategies to target their underlying pathophysiology and support optimal outcomes.
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
7:00– 7:50 a.m. — OCT Pitfalls in Glaucoma Diagnosis: Identifying Neurodegenerative Masqueraders | COPE #GL | Dr. Jacqueline Theis
This course reviews common pitfalls in interpreting OCT for glaucoma diagnosis and highlights neurodegenerative conditions that can masquerade as glaucomatous damage. Using case-based examples, Dr. Theis will demonstrate how to recognize red flags, avoid misinterpretation, and integrate OCT findings with clinical examination. Attendees will gain practical strategies to differentiate glaucoma from systemic and neurologic disease, improving diagnostic accuracy and enhancing effective patient care.
8:00– 8:50 a.m. — Fabry Disease Recognizing Ocular Manifestations in Clinical Practice | COPE #TD | Dr. Lorne Yudcovitch
Optometrists may be first health care professional to identify Fabry disease, a potentially life-threatening genetic condition. This course provides a review of systemic findings that may be seen in patients with Fabry disease, as well as ocular signs that the optometrist should be aware of and management protocol.
9:10 ‐ 11 a.m. — A Systematic Approach to Diabetic Photo Reading| COPE #TD | Dr. Jacqueline Theis
Interactive presentation of clinical diabetic fundus photos and OCTs to aid the practitioner in managing diabetic retinopathy by understanding the pathophysiology of the disease using clinically relevant examples. The course describes how the advent of OCT and anti-VEGF treatment options has changed how we stage diabetic retinopathy and how these advances have changed our referral and treatment guidelines.
11:10 ‐ Noon Ocular Pain Management: What Every Optometrist Should Know | COPE #PH | Dr. Lorne Yudcovitch
Pain frequently accompanies many eye diseases. This course discusses various medications used in managing pain, their mechanisms of action, clinical application to specific eye diseases, and potential adverse effects, including addiction from scheduled drugs.
12:10‐ 1 p.m. — Doctor, I’d Like to Ask You About a Patient: Systemic Clues that Change Ocular Care | COPE #SD | Dr. April Jasper
This course explores how systemic conditions provide vital clues that influence ocular diagnosis, management, and referral decisions. Through real-world case discussions, attendees will learn to identify key systemic findings that alter ocular care, improve patient ou comes, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration. Designed for practicing optometrists, the session emphasizes practical strategies for integrating systemic health insights into everyday clinical decision-making.
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026
7:00– 7:50 a.m. | “The Gut-Eye Axis"- The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Eye Health | COPE #TD | Dr. Mila Ioussifova
This 1-hour course, led by an integrative optometrist and certified nutrition specialist, explores the gut-eye axis and the growing evidence linking the gut microbiome to ocular conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, uveitis, and dry eye disease. The course emphasizes the microbiome’s impact on the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems, highlighting its role in immune-mediated ocular diseases. The audience will gain a deeper understanding of gut health and practical strategies to help patients support ocular and systemic health through nutrition and lifestyle interventions.
8 – 8:50 a.m. — Cervicogenic Eye Pain | COPE #NO | Dr. Jacqueline Theis
This course will review the pathophysiology of referred eye pain due to cervicogenic musculoskeletal/neuropathic etiology. It will provide primary care optometrists with the comprehensive knowledge of a cervicogenic evaluation from an orthopedic physical therapist, as well as screening examination techniques that can be implemented in the optometric exam room.
9:20 ‐ 11 a.m. — Doctor, I’d Like to Ask You About a Patient: From Systemic Disease to Drop Decisions | COPE #SD | Dr. April Jasper
This course explores how systemic health conditions influence ocular management and prescribing decisions. Through case-based examples, participants will learn to recognize systemic disease clues that affect eye care, understand when to adjust or avoid certain topical therapies, and improve collaboration with other healthcare providers. Practical strategies will be emphasized to enhance patient safety, optimize outcomes, and support evidence-based drop decisions in complex clinical scenarios.
11:10 ‐ noon — Diagnostic Dilemmas in Glaucoma | COPE #GL |Dr. Nate Lighthizer
Glaucoma is one of the most common vision-threatening disorders that we see in our exam chair on a day-in and day-out basis. Clinical and scientific evidence supports the use of numerous tests to help in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of glaucoma. This interactive glaucoma lecture will review some of the classic tests for glaucoma, including IOP measurement, VF testing, gonioscopy, and ONH imaging, as well as update and introduce newer diagnostic technology for glaucoma, including OCT, OCT-A, color vision testing and ERG.
12:10 ‐ 1 p.m. — Connecting the Dots: A Case-Based Approach to White-Dot Syndromes | COPE #TD | Dr. Lorne Yudcovitch
White dot syndromes are a family of inflammatory chorioretinal diseases, characterized by the presence of numerous distinct white lesions primarily in the posterior retina to anterior choroid. This course reviews the main white dot retinal diseases that may present clinically, with an emphasis on differential diagnosis and management. Potential etiologies, signs, symptoms, applicable tests and treatments of various white dot retinal conditions will be discussed.
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 ‐ NO CLASSES
Friday, Jan. 23, 2026
7 - 7:50 a.m. — Maximizing Blood Laboratory Diagnostics for Ocular and Systemic Diseases | COPE #SD | Dr. Breanne McGhee
This case-based course provides practical guidance on ordering and interpreting blood laboratory tests when evaluating patients with potential systemic conditions contributing to ocular disease. Emphasis will be placed on clinical application, appropriate test selection, and integration of lab findings into comprehensive ocular care.
8 - 9:40 a.m. — Full Scope Optometry for Your Practice| COPE #GO | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
This course explores the breadth of full-scope optometric practice, from managing anterior and posterior segment disease to performing advanced procedures. Through case-based learning, participants will review diagnostic strategies, therapeutic options, and procedural skills that expand optometric care. Emphasis will be placed on practical approaches to integrating medical eye care, enhancing patient outcomes, and building confidence in delivering comprehensive, full-scope optometry within diverse practice settings.
10:00 ‐ 11:40 a.m. — Tropic Like It's Hot: Glaucoma Cases, Discussions and Updates | COPE #GL | Dr. Walter Whitley
This course will review some of the new technologies, medications, and philosophies utilized in the treatment and management of glaucoma. Using case examples, attendees will be able to discuss issues to determine when to treat, when to use medication vs. surgery, and how to improve patient compliance.
12:00 ‐ 1:00 p.m. — Doctor, I’d Like to Ask You About a Patient: Cases Across the Care Team or Therapeutics in the Real World | COPE #TD | Dr. April Jasper
This case-based course highlights collaborative management of patients across the care team, emphasizing real-world therapeutic decision-making. Participants will review systemic and ocular conditions where interprofessional communication impacts outcomes, explore how treatment choices are influenced by comorbidities, and gain strategies for selecting and adjusting therapies in everyday practice. Practical clinical pearls will be shared to strengthen confidence in therapeutic decision-making and enhance coordinated patient care.
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
7 ‐7:50 a.m. — Pediatric Problems: Is it Really Dyslexia? | COPE #FV | Dr. Jacqueline Theis
Developmental oculomotor dysfunction, uncorrected refractive error, and visual processing disorders can be misdiagnosed as "dyslexia." This course will review the examination recommended to rule out visual dysfunction in patients with learning and reading disorders
8:00 - 8:50 a.m. — Wake the Health Up! Impacts of Diet & Nutrition on Ocular & Systemic Diseases | COPE #SD | Dr. Breanne McGhee
This interactive presentation will provide doctors with an overview of the ongoing obesity epidemic in the U.S. and its increased risk of common chronic systemic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, kidney disease and mental illnesses. By the end of the lecture, doctors will understand the role of optometry in recognizing obesity risks, social determinants of health, obesity-linked systemic and ocular diseases, nutrition and diet therapies, and weight management for individual patients, health systems, and communities.
9:00-9:50 a.m. — How to Differentiate Your Practice and WOW Your Patients | COPE #TD | Dr. April Jasper
This case-based series demonstrates how optometrists can integrate systemic health considerations, advanced diagnostics, and therapeutic decision-making into everyday patient care. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing systemic clues that influence ocular management, selecting appropriate therapies, and collaborating across the healthcare team. Through real-world examples, participants will gain practical strategies to improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance patient outcomes, and strengthen the role of optometry in comprehensive medical eye care.
10:00– 10:50 a.m. — Getting Behind Anterior Uveitis | COPE #SD | Dr. Bisant Labib
This lecture goes beyond the surface of anterior uveitis, focusing on the key features of the condition that often point to an underlying systemic etiology. Using a detailed ophthalmic exam, review of systems, targeted medical examination, and the use of laboratory testing/imaging, the primary eye care provider will be able to appropriately discover an associated etiology.
*Course schedules are subject to change