There is an additional fee to attend these workshops. If you'd like to register, contact Miki Buckingham.
Surgical Procedures Certification Course Schedule
Dry Eye Aesthetics Workshop Schedule
Surgical Procedures Certification Course Schedule
Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
9:00-9:50 a.m. | Intro to Optometric Surgery, Consents, Ophthalmic Surgical Instruments, and Asepsis | COPE #100906-SP | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
This course will introduce the fundamental topics for optometric surgical procedures including the consent process and surgical site asepsis. An emphasis will also be placed on ophthalmic surgical instruments, specifically on their selection, use and proper utilization. Other equipment such as magnification, biohazard, biopsy equipment, autoclaves, etc. will also be discussed.
10:00-10:50 a.m. | Review of Surgical Anatomy of the Eyelids and Ocular Adnexa | COPE #100898-SP | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
A discussion of histology and surgical considerations for the eyelid and adnexa. Healing processes as well as vascular and nervous innervation will be reviewed.
11:00-12:50 a.m. | Eyelid Lesions: A Thorough Overview | COPE #100908-SP | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
This interactive presentation will review the anatomy of the eyelids in relation to ophthalmic eyelid surgery. It was also thoroughly cover all eyelid lesions, from the benign to the malignant. It will also review, update, and instruct the audience on the how’s and why’s of performing radiofrequency surgery in the optometric practice.
11:00-1:50 p.m. | Office-based Local Anesthesia | COPE #100898-PH | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
A review of types of local anesthetics, their mechanisms of action, and clinical tips for the effective use of in-office local anesthetics.
2:00-2:50 p.m. | Radiofrequency Surgery & Lesion Removals in Optometric Practice | COPE #100910-SP | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
This interactive presentation will review, update, and instruct the audience on the how’s and why’s of performing radiofrequency surgery in the optometric practice, as well as other instruments used to remove eyelid and ocular adnexa lesions.
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
7:00-8:50 a.m. | Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy in the Optometric Practice | COPE #100902-TD | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is a longstanding treatment in the dermatologic work for many skin conditions. Accidentally it was discovered to have ocular benefits as well. Over the past 2- 3 years, it has become an emerging treatment for numerous ocular conditions including dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, ocular rosacea, chalazion, among other conditions. This interactive one-hour lecture will review and update IPL therapy in the optometric practice.
9:00-10:50 a.m. | Chalazion Management and Botulinum Toxin Applications | COPE #100912-SP | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
Chalazion remain a condition that can be very irritating and bothersome for many patients. Traditional management includes warm compresses, oral Doxycycline, steroid injections and surgical incision and curettage. A new treatment option includes intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. This interactive presentation reviews the advantages, disadvantages, and surgical technique of the various management options for chalazion. It will also cover Botulinum Toxin applications in the optometric practice for benign essential blepharospasm, cosmetic concerns and other conditions. A special emphasis will be placed on how to perform Botulinum Toxin injections in the appropriate muscles of the ocular adnexa area.
11:00-11:50 a.m. | Office-Based Procedures: Video Grand Rounds | COPE #100913-SP | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
Optometric Surgical Procedures, including lump and bump removal, chalazion treatment, punctal occlusion, suture correction for entropion, and various anterior segment laser procedures, among others, are essential procedures for optometrists to be familiar with. Furthermore, optometrists in many states are now performing these procedures on a routine basis. This interactive presentation will review and update these optometric surgical procedures including indications, contraindications, risks, complications, treatment protocols, and pre- and post-op management. This lecture will be entirely a video grand rounds format with videos shown of actual procedures performed by optometrists.
12:00-12:50 a.m. | Introduction to Suturing for Optometric Physicians| COPE #100915-SP | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
Suturing is a fundamental skill for any clinician performing office-based procedures and/or surgical procedures. While not routinely utilized during benign eyelid lesion removals, the possibility always exists that a wound needs to be closed. This lecture will review the types of sutures, types of suture needles, instrumentation needed, and proper suturing fundamentals and techniques.
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
7:00-10:50 a.m. | Suture Techniques Lab | COPE #100915-SP | Dr. Nate Lighthizer
This four-hour course is a workshop-based course consisting of four stations
- IPL and corneal debridement
- Suturing
- RF and lesion removal
- Injections
Each station will require the attendee to successfully perform the skills and techniques required to provide minor surgical procedures in the primary care optometric practice. Videos and PowerPoint slides will be used during the workshop to assist the learning process.
*Courses subject to change
Dry Eye Aesthetics Workshop Schedule
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026
8:00– 8:50 a.m. | Tropical Eye-sights: Conversations on Ocular Surface Disease and Aesthetics | COPE #101412-TD | Dr. Walter Whitley & Dr. Mila Ioussifova
This lecture will discuss current and future diagnostic / treatment options for ocular surface disease (OSD) to optimize our patient outcomes. Through an interactive question and answer format, attendees will discuss commonly asked questions about cases, protocols and technology.
9:00-10:50 a.m. | Surf’s Up: Hands On OSD/Aesthetics Workshop | COPE #101414-TD | Dr. Walter Whitley & Dr. Mila Ioussifova
This workshop will discuss the latest dry eye and aesthetics procedures and where they fit into clinical practice. Presenters will discuss best practices in ocular surface disease and how they are implemented in their schedules. The hands-on component will allow attendees to utilized numerous devices in dry eye / aesthetics.
10:00 ‐ 11:40 a.m. | Aloha, Complications: How to Address Unexpected Outcomes after OSD and Aesthetic Procedures | COPE #101415-TD | Dr. Mila Ioussifova & Dr. Walter Whitley
This course reviews the prevention and management of complications arising from ocular surface disease (OSD) and aesthetic procedures such as IPL, RF, LLLT, and DMSt. Participants will learn to recognize risk factors, identify contraindications, and apply evidence-based strategies to manage unexpected outcomes while maintaining patient trust and satisfaction.
*Courses subject to change