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| Partner Luncheon Friday, November 13th, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Windsor Hosted By:  *Capacity is limited; first come, first served |
| Partner Breakfast Saturday, November 14th, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Swannanoa Hosted By:  *Capacity is limited; first come, first served |
| Partner Luncheon Saturday, November 14th, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Swannanoa Hosted By:  *Capacity is limited; first come, first served |
Agenda:
Thursday, November 12
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Registration, Grand Ballroom Foyer
Friday, November 13
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast Provided by NCOS, Salon A
7:00 AM - 4:15 PM: Registration, Grand Ballroom Foyer
7:00 AM - 4:15 PM: Partner Exhibit Hall, Salon A
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Myths and Misperceptions in Posterior Segment Disease, COPE 101695-TD, Jeffry Gerson, OD (2 hours), Salon BC
As we are faced with what to do for our patients with posterior segment disease, it is important to sort through myths vs realities in diagnosis and treatment. Some commonly held beliefs may be misperceptions and not the right way to handle a situation. This talk will go over some common and some less common posterior segment conditions and how to handle them (and how not to).
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM: AMD: Chartering a Better Patient Experience, COPE 101694-TD, Jeffry Gerson, OD (2 hours), Salon BC
As AMD becomes a bigger problem in the general patient population, it becomes more important to detect it earlier and treat it appropriately. This course will discuss what OD’s can do to help with risk education, prevention, early detection and treatment. A focus on patient perspective will be taken in order to help the practitioner facilitate more productive patient-centric conversations.
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM: Breakout Session: CPR Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider (add-on course), Victoria
Need to renew your CPR certification this year? Zack Kemp of Weaverville Wellness is back with a 2-hour optional course on Friday morning! Cost is $125/person and includes certification, digital handbook, supplies for practicals and a CPR mask for each individual.
*Register for this add-on course on the main Fall Congress registration form. This is a breakout session that runs concurrent to the general session lecture in this same time slot.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Alcon Partner Lunch, Windsor (capacity is limited; first come, first served)
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: NCOS PAC Board Meeting, Swannanoa
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Help Your Patients Heal: Addressing the Eye-Brain Connection After a Concussion, COPE Pending, Brett Miller, OD (1 hour), Salon BC
This course is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge needed to manage their patient's symptoms and vision deficits after a concussion or other traumatic brain injury.
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM: Vision Impairment After a Stroke, COPE Pending, Brett Miller, OD (1 hour), Salon BC
This course is designed to educate attendees on how their patients' vision may be impacted after a stroke. After the course, attendees should have a better understanding of appropriate testing, available treatment options, and driving guidelines for these patients.
Saturday, November 14
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast Provided by NCOS, Salon A
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Johnson & Johnson Vision Partner Breakfast, Swannanoa
7:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Partner Exhibit Hall, Salon A
7:00 AM - 4:15 PM: Registration, Grand Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The New Wave of Ophthalmic Therapeutics: Translating Innovation Into Clinical Practice, COPE 104742-PH, Ron Melton, OD, FAAO and Randall Thomas, OD, FAAO (2 hours), Salon BC
This advanced clinical lecture reviews newly approved and emerging ophthalmic therapies, sustained-delivery technologies, and evolving treatment strategies for anterior and posterior segment disease. Emphasis will be placed on practical clinical application, including patient selection, counseling, referral timing, safety considerations, and evidence-based decision-making. Emerging pipeline therapies and future treatment trends shaping contemporary eye care will also be discussed.
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM: Clinical Presentations You Can’t Afford to Miss: Rapid Decision-Making in Eye Care Emergencies and Disease, COPE 104743-GO, Ron Melton, OD, FAAO and Randall Thomas, OD, FAAO (2 hours), Salon BC
This fast-paced, case-based lecture reviews high-impact ocular presentations that demand rapid recognition and decisive management. Through real-world emergency cases, trauma encounters, and challenging on-call scenarios, attendees will learn how to identify subtle but vision- or life-threatening findings, avoid common diagnostic pitfalls, and improve co-management and referral decisions. Emphasis will be placed on practical clinical pearls, triage strategies, and “must-not-miss” red flags encountered in everyday optometric practice.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Apellis Partner Lunch, Swannanoa
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: NCOS Overview and Discussion (New Licensees Only), Alexander
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Ocular Nutrition Controversies, COPE 101693-PH, Jeffry Gerson, OD, FAAO (1 hour), Salon BC
Nutrition plays an important role in ocular health. This course will use patient cases to demonstrate how nutrition can potentially be of great benefit to patients. Both foods and supplements will be discussed to make implementation easy for the attendee. The topics will range from A to Z (Astaxanthin to Zeaxanthin) and will focus on retinal diseases but touch on computer vision syndrome, diabetes and ocular surface as well.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Student Seminar (Students Only), Alexander
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM: Anterior Segment Cases That Fooled Us All, COPE 104084-TD, Jade Coats, OD, FAAO (2 hours), Salon BC
This course presents a comprehensive review of challenging anterior segment cases that can be easily misdiagnosed or overlooked in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on the recognition, triage, and co-management of ocular trauma and urgent anterior segment conditions affecting patients across all age groups, from pediatrics to adults. Through case-based discussion, attendees will refine their clinical decision-making skills, identify when escalation of care is necessary, and better understand the relationship between ocular findings and underlying systemic conditions. Practical strategies for on-call management and coordination of care across optometric, ophthalmologic, and hospital-based settings will be highlighted to optimize patient outcomes.
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM: North Carolina Board of Optometry Election (open to NC-licensed optometrists residing in North Carolina), Salon BC
Join us at the conclusion of Saturday's General Session to elect who will be recommended for appointment to the NC Board of Optometry.
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: NCOS Business Meeting (1 hour general credit, open to NCOS members), Salon BC
Please join us for our annual business meeting where we will be discussing important matters of the Society and electing our new officers and trustees.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Celebration of NC Optometry (open to NCOS members and spouses/significant others), Top of the Plaza
Join us for drinks and a buffet dinner to celebrate NC optometry with beautiful views at the Top of the Plaza! During the evening there will be remarks from the outgoing and incoming President, recognition of your new officers and trustees, our awards presentation, and the ceremonial passing of the gavel. Plus plenty of time to mingle with your fellow ODs. You won't want to miss it!
Sunday, November 15
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast Provided by NCOS, Grand Ballroom Foyer
7:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Registration, Grand Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: How to Handle Non-Ocular In-Office Emergencies, COPE 104082-GO, Jade Coats, OD, FAAO (1 hour), Salon BC
Every second counts when a patient experiences a medical emergency in the office. This course equips optometrists with the knowledge and confidence to recognize, triage, and respond to non-ocular emergencies during patient care. Topics include the importance of CPR training, maintaining emergency medical kits, staff preparedness, and the management of common crises such as anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, seizures, syncope, hypoglycemia, and opioid overdose. Emphasis will be placed on practical implementation and integrating emergency protocols to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM: Safer Solutions for the Ocular Surface: Reducing Risks from Preservatives, Cosmetics, and Procedures, COPE 103057-GO, Jade Coats, OD, FAAO (1 hour), Salon BC
This lecture reviews cosmetics, contact lens solutions, and pharmaceuticals applied in or around the eye, emphasizing preservative-free options, minimizing harmful exposures, and integrating these considerations into comprehensive care for reducing ocular surface disease risks.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Orbiting the Globe: A Grand Rounds Adventure in Comprehensive Optometry, COPE 104107-TD, Jade Coats, OD, FAAO (2 hours), Salon BC
This course presents a case-based exploration of both anterior and posterior segment conditions, highlighting practical strategies for diagnosis, management, and co-management. Participants will review real-world clinical scenarios across a wide spectrum of ocular disease, integrating evidence-based approaches to enhance patient care and optimize outcomes in comprehensive optometric practice.
Speakers:
Jade Coats, OD, FAAO
Fayetteville, AR
Dr. Jade Coats is an internationally recognized optometrist with clinical expertise in ocular surface disease, dry eye management, contact lenses and perioperative care for premium cataract and refractive surgery. She spent the first decade of her career practicing in a collaborative OD/MD setting, where she integrated evidence-based care with a strong emphasis on patient education, pharmaceuticals and clinical innovation in premium surgeries. She now uses those skills as she works in private practice with an emphasis on comprehensive care, ocular surface disease, dry eye management, contact lenses and aesthetics. As an influential voice in the profession, Dr. Coats serves on the boards of the Intrepid Eye Society and as a Director for the Arkansas Optometric Association. She has been recognized as a Contact Lens Institute Visionary in both 2023 and 2024 and continues to contribute to contact lens advancements and education. In 2025, she was named Young Optometrist of the Year for the state of Arkansas, as well as Young OD of the Year by Women in Optometry, honoring her leadership, innovation and dedication to advancing the field.
Jeffry Gerson, OD, FAAO
Olathe, KS
Dr. Jeffry Gerson graduated from Indiana University school of Optometry in 1997, after which he went on to do a VA residency concentrating in low vision and ocular disease. He has been in several different practice settings, including a retina referral practice where he participated in several large clinical trials. Currently, Dr Gerson is in private practice that is a collaboration of both OD’s and MD’s. He sees primary care patients and has an emphasis on retinal care in his practice. He enjoys having 4th year optometry interns with him and the challenges that they present. He still participates in clinical trials and utilizes many different diagnostic modalities. He also consults for multiple ophthalmic companies and appreciates the access this gives him to industry insights. Dr. Gerson is a frequent lecturer in the US and abroad, and writes regularly for optometric publications. When not at work, he enjoys travelling, working out and spending time with his family.
Ron Melton, OD, FAAO
Charlotte, NC
Dr. Ron Melton has lectured nationally and internationally at over 1,000 continuing medical education meetings with a goal of educating optometrists around the world in ocular disease. He was the recipient of the “2024 Golden ICARE Award” for his dedication to innovation in Eye Care presented at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas. He was recognized as one of the top 150 optometrists in the U.S by Newsweek’s “America’s Best Optometrists Award” in 2021, 2022 and 2023. He was honored as a co-recipient of the “Pioneer in Optometry” recognition by the Editorial Board of Primary Care Optometry News in April 2015 for contributions in optometry education. Dr. Melton was named co-recipient of the American Academy of Optometry 2014 Vincent Ellerbrock Clinician Educator Award for outstanding and sustained contributions to the Academy’s Lectures and Workshops program. He sits on the editorial advisory board of Review of Optometry. Dr. Melton has authored or co-authored over 100 papers on optometry and was the co-author of the popular annual “Clinical Guide to Ophthalmic Drugs” for Review of Optometry”, which was published for twenty-seven consecutive years. Dr. Melton has acted as an investigator in more than 60 clinical research trials. Currently he is a member of the adjunct faculty at Drexel University (Pennsylvania College of Optometry) and Indiana University School of Optometry. Recently he received the Meritorious Service Award presented by the Indiana University School of Optometry recognizing exceptional contributions to the optometric profession. He is certified as a Diplomate with the American Board of Optometry. He is in a group practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has staff privileges at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.
Brett Miller, OD
Raleigh, NC
Dr. Brett Miller is the Director of Vision Therapy Services at Triangle Visions Optometry and treats patients with learning-related vision problems, strabismus/amblyopia, and those who have vision defects after a concussion or stroke. In 2017, Dr. Miller became a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. She is currently pursuing her fellowship with the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. Dr. Miller received her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Chemistry from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2008. She then received her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2012 from the Southern College of Optometry.
Randall Thomas, OD, FAAO
Concord, NC
Dr. Thomas is a 1981 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and a 1976 graduate of the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina. He is in part-time clinical practice in Concord, North Carolina. He has been presented the “Glaucoma Educator of the Year” award by the American Academy of Optometry. He and Dr. Ron Melton co-author Review of Optometry’s “Annual Drug Guide to Ophthalmic Drugs”, now in its 27th year. He was on the Professional Staff at Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast for 20 years where he also served on the teaching faculty of the Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Thomas has served as a consultant to the American Optometric Association on its Council on Clinical Optometric Care and Hospital Privileges Committees. He has served as an ophthalmic drug principal investigator for the FDA. Dr. Thomas has lectured worldwide with Dr. Melton on the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. He and his wife Cheryl have two daughters.
For questions contact Christy Santacana Peel, Events and Industry Relations Manager, at (919) 977-6964 or [email protected].
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