President's Message

Judy Riley, O.D.
HOAECC President

Summer Reflections

The board convened in early May, and I would like to present some insights and plans for our upcoming Congress, scheduled for February 20-22, 2026.

We successfully hosted a "Meet and Greet" event between practices and students within our 5 State Region on Saturday evening, immediately preceding the President's Reception. We extend our gratitude to the 5 State Associations for their invaluable assistance in making this event a success.

To better accommodate the growth of this event, we are relocating it to Friday evening in the Exhibit Hall. This new location provides increased space and facilitates networking opportunities. The event will be held in close proximity to the Poster Session, both temporally and spatially. This change is anticipated to enhance opportunities for attendees to connect with new associates, as students and residents will be nearby and can conveniently participate.

Drs. Polk and Gerson have been diligently developing the Education Courses for the 2026 Congress. They assure us that the program will offer an enriching experience, featuring a diverse range of educational sessions led by esteemed speakers. The program will commence with a diabetes symposium chaired by Paul Chous, OD. Subsequently, Dr. Morgenstern will present on keratoconus, followed by a discussion on ocular pain moderated by Dr. Andrew Gurwood and Dr. Marc Myers.

Our doctors' education program will include lectures from several renowned experts. Dr. Ben Gaddie will deliver insights on the anterior segment and glaucoma, while Dr. Leonard Messner will provide his expertise on neuro-optometry. Continuing its tradition of excellence in continuing education, the Heart of America will also host presentations by Dr. Julie Dekinder, Dr. Jessilin Quint, and Dr. Breanne McGhee.

The para education program will feature distinguished speakers who will impart their knowledge on optometric skills and management. Additionally, the Heart of America will conduct a scientific poster session on Friday evening, offering optometric residents and doctors an opportunity to present their research and engage with attendees.

Drs. Hansen, Norland, and Thibault are actively seeking top exhibitors and sponsors for our meeting. We welcome referrals from attendees for new exhibitors and sponsors.

As summer progresses, we look forward to seeing you at the Heart in February.

Sincerely,
Judith Riley, OD
President, Heart of America Eye Care Congress
president@hoaecc.org