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🌟 OEPF Community in Action: Regional Conferences Spotlight

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🌟 OEPF Community in Action: Regional Conferences Spotlight

Across the country, regional conferences under the auspices of OEPF are quietly transforming clinical practice and strengthening the fabric of the behavioral optometry community. From Pomona to Chicago, clinicians were gathering to think deeply, share generously, and return home with tools they can use. OEPF is proud to spotlight two recent outstanding regional conferences held under the auspices of OEPF that are strengthening clinical excellence and deepening connection within our behavioral optometry community. And a Good Time was had by All!

Studt Practicum – February 22, 2026 at Western University, College of Optometry, Pomona, CA
On February 22, 2026, the Studt Practicum once again turned Western University College of Optometry in Pomona, CA into a living laboratory of visual cognition. This year’s program focused on supporting learners, brain injury survivors, and high performers by enhancing attention, memory, pattern recognition, and visual imagery. A big Shout Out to Dr. Albert Chun and your organizing committee for putting this meeting together.

Participants did not just listen; they moved, tested, and practiced, working through activities they could immediately take back into their therapy rooms. In the words of speaker Dr. Carl Hillier, FOVDR, “It was an honor to present at the Studt Practicum this year. The easy camaraderie amongst seasoned and new clinicians made the didactic and practical part of the day very fulfilling.”

The Practicum continues to embody what makes OEPF education distinctive: deep clinical thinking paired with collegial exchange and real-world application.

🧠 Great Lakes Optometric Congress – March 1–2, 2026: Pushing Neural Performance
Just days later, the 89th Great Lakes Optometric Congress (GLOC) convened for its 89th annual meeting, March 1–2, 2026, at the Sheraton Chicago Northbrook Hotel. Under the theme “Optomizing Neural Performance: Pushing the Boundaries of Performance Lenses and Movement,” clinicians explored how brain-based vision care, performance lenses, and movement-based prescribing intersect in everyday practice.

Faculty including Dr. Amy Thomas, COEP, FOVDR, Dr. Paul Rousseau, FOVDR, and Dr. Samantha Slotnick, FAAO, FOVDR, led attendees through content that connected neurocognitive optometry with posture, balance, and gait. GLOC carried forward its long tradition of bringing clinicians together to push boundaries, refine the integration of vision and performance, and renew their commitment to behavioral principles.

A great big Shout out to the Great Lakes Board for all their hard work and dedication: Drs. Jeff Getzell, Alicia Wong, myself, John Loesch, Michael Zost, and Marsha Sorenson.

On behalf of the OEPF Board, we take a moment to sincerely thank Dr. Jeff Getzell, who has stepped down this year from the Board of the Great Lakes Optometric Congress after many years of devoted leadership.

Dr. Getzel has long reflected the very spirit of behavioral optometry — gracious, committed, and steadfast in his dedication to clinical excellence and meaningful professional community. His steady guidance and generous mentorship have shaped both the Congress and the clinicians, fortunate enough to work alongside him.

As a distinguished 2024 Honoree of the Skeffington Alexander Award, he exemplifies the highest ideals of our profession. His influence reaches far beyond titles or roles; it lives on in the practitioners he encouraged, the ideas he championed, and the standards he helped elevate.

Though his board chapter closes, his impact certainly does not. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and wish him every joy and success in the road ahead. He will always remain a treasured part of the OEPF family.

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