2026 Leadership Program
The NCOS Leadership Program is designed to open doors for young ODs, giving you meaningful opportunities to engage with your professional community and see firsthand the vital role NCOS plays in optometry. Through a combination of virtual and in-person group sessions, individual activities, and a collaborative group project, you will gain valuable skills and experiences that prepare you for future leadership.
Eligibility
To be considered for the Leadership Program you must:
- Be an NC licensed OD whose been in practice 10 or less years
- Have had limited involvement in the Society
- Complete the leadership program application by Thursday, January 15, 2026
Requirements
To participate in, and graduate the leadership program, you must:
- Attend ALL scheduled sessions
- Complete several activities
- Complete a group project
Additional details are provided below.
Selection
After the January 15th application deadline, the Membership committee will review applications and select participants by February 15th.
Graduation Reward
Free registration to the 2026 Fall Congress and 2 nights stay at the hotel (if you meet all necessary requirements)
Schedule
* Virtual sessions will be scheduled at a date/time that works for all participants.
Session 1 – Society Overview
Location: Raleigh, NC
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Description: Meet with the NCOS's President, Membership Trustee, Executive Director, and Associate Executive Director for a behind the scenes overview of what the Society does for optometry in our state. Lunch will be provided.
Session 2 – Advocacy and Grassroots
Location: Virtual
Date: April 2026 (exact date TBD)
Time: Evening (exact time TBD)
Description: Meet with the NCOS's State Affairs Trustee, NCOS PAC Chair, and Executive Director to learn about our legislative history, current efforts, NCOS PAC, how legislation is passed at the capitol, and how you can best advocate for your profession.
Session 3 – Legislative Day
Location: Raleigh, NC
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Description: Join fellow optometrists at Legislative Day to help bring attention and awareness to NC optometry. During the day you will meet with your legislators and attend a BBQ lunch held for legislators and staff.
Session 4 – How to be a Great Volunteer
Location: Virtual
Date: July or August 2026 (exact date TBD)
Time: Evening (exact time TBD)
Description: Hear from an NCOS Past President about what it takes to be a great volunteer and how to develop/improve your leadership and communication skills.
Session 5 – Executive Council Meeting
Location: Raleigh, NC
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Description: Sit in on an Executive Council Meeting and present your group project.
Session 6 - Fall Congress / Graduation
Location: TBD
Date: Saturday, November 2026 (exact date TBD)
Time: Throughout the Day
Description: Attend Fall Congress and meet with an AOA Trustee who will discuss all aspects of the AOA. Visit partner booths and attend any partner meal functions. Attend the NCOS business meeting, NC Board of Optometry election, and evening reception. Participants will be recognized for completing the program at the evening reception.
Activities
Write an article
Pick a topic related to your knowledge and experience as a young OD and write an article (max 400 words) for the NCOS e-news or NCOS News magazine.
Become a Legislative Keyperson
After the second session, you will have the necessary tools to be a legislative keyperson. As a keyperson, you will serve as an advocate of optometry to your legislators. This will involve meeting and developing a relationship with your legislator, supporting their campaigns, and keeping an open line of communication with them via email/phone/text.
Group Project
As a group you will come up with a project idea that aligns with the NCOS's strategic plan and is focused on addressing an issue that faces today’s North Carolina optometrists.
Previous group projects:
- Established OD to OD specialty referral network
- Developed PAC fundraising program
- Created a mentorship program
This project is meant to be fun for the group and inspire you to look at optometry in North Carolina as a whole and focus on the direction you would like the profession to go and how you can help make it happen. You’ll present your project at the September Executive Council meeting. If approved, you will be expected to carry out the project beyond the completion of the program to help ensure it is successful.
If you have any questions about the program please contact Paul Kranze, NCOS Associate Executive Director, at [email protected].
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