Click here to register for the WPA 2026 Fall Convention
 

2026 WPA Fall Convention Schedule

Friday, September 25th, 2026 

7:30-8:30 AM: Registration and Walman Labs Sponsored Breakfast 

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8:30-9:30 AM: Better Together: Creating Synergy Between Technicians and Optical - C.Odens 

8:30-9:30 AM: Fitting Pediatrics - C. Wilson    

8:00-9:00 AM: Engineering Memorable Experiences at Every Touchpoint - S. Toth / Part 1 

(Due to a scheduling conflict, this class starts at 8:00am)​

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9:40-10:40 AM: Troubleshooting: Searching for Solutions - C Odens    

9:40-10:40 AM: Scleral Lenses - Dr M. Kwon    

9:10-10:10 AM: Engineering Memorable Experiences at Every Touchpoint -S. Toth  / Part 2    ​

 

10:50-11:50 AM: Driving Success through Vision - C.Odens 

10:50-11:50 AM: Vertex & Magnification - C. Wilson 

10:20-11:20 AM: Mastering SWOT for Practice Growth - S.Toth 

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12:00-1:15 PM: WPA LUNCHEON BREAK BUFFET

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1:15-2:00 PM: EXHIBIT HALL FOR PARAS

 

2:10-3:10 PM: Controlling Remakes: Lowering COGS Through Optical Best Practices and                                   Training - C. Odens

2:10-3:10 PM: How Much Cornea? - C.Wilson /1st hour

2:10-3:10 PM: ABO Prep Class - K. Bero (3 hours)

    

3:20-4:20 PM: The Power of the Dispense - C. Odens

3:20-4:20 PM: How Much Cornea? - C. Wilson/2nd hour

3:20-4:20 PM: ABO Prep Class - K. Bero (3 hours)    

 

4:30-5:30 PM: Solution-Based Service - C. Odens

4:30-5:30 PM: Into the Prism - C.Wilson

4:30-5:30 PM: ABO Prep Class - K. Bero (3 hours)

                

5:50-7:00 PM: EXHIBIT HALL W/DOCTORS        

7:00-9:00 PM: SADDLE UP FOR SIGHT/WESTERN THEMED PARTY W/VENDORS

        

Saturday, September 26, 2026            

7:00-8:00 AM: REGISTRATION AND BREAKFAST BUFFET

 

8:00-10:00 AM: Why Vectograms? (Part 1) - J. Petteruto

8:00-9:00 AM: Optical Illusions Inside your Brain - T.Sokol    

8:00-9:00 AM: VSP 101 Resources - M. Titzkowski    

8:00-9:00 AM: AMD,ALZ,&Dementia, Oh My! - R. Reed    

            

9:10-10:10 AM: Beyond One Pair: Solution-Based Strategies for Second Pair Success - C. Odens    

9:10-10:10 AM: Ansi Standards - C. Wilson    

9:10-10:10 AM: MOAH/Mother of all Headaches - R. Reed    

10:00 -11:30 AM: Implementing Vectograms (Part 2) - J. Petteruto

 

10:20-11:20 AM: Connecting the Dots: The Power of Independent Partnerships - C. Odens    

10:20-11:20 AM: Exit Strategies - C. Wilson    

10:20-11:20 AM: So you think you Know Vision - R. Reed    

                

11:30-1:45 PM: PRESIDENT'S LUNCHEON

    

2:00-3:30 PM: Integration Of Vectograms (Part 3) - J. Petteruto

2:00-3:00 PM: Finding Success through Vision - C. Odens    

2:00-3:00 PM: Essential Medical Eye Care- M. Titzowski    

2:00-3:00 PM: Optical Bingo - R. Reed

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2026 WPA Fall Convention Course Descrptions

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Carrie Wilson

Working With Pediatrics

ABO Credit – 1 Hour - ST23N262-3

Pediatric patients can be an important part of any practice if cultivated appropriately. Not only can they create a lifelong patient base for your practice if you meet their unique needs, but they can also expand your adult clientele by bringing in their families. This class helps you to identify those needs and create custom eyewear that enhances their developing features and growing lifestyle.

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Objects May Appear Closer Than They Are: Why Distance and Magnification Matter

ABO Credit- 1 hour - ST23N225-3

This course explains how vertex distance, tilt, and lens design affect effective power and magnification. Learners will review compensation methods, Martin’s formula, and key factors that influence image size to support better dispensing decisions, especially for higher-powered prescriptions.

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How Much Cornea Can I Get? Understanding the Anatomy and Physiology of the Fibrous Tunic

NCLE Credit – 2 Hour - CT23N139-2 or ABO Credit – 2 Hour - ST23N226-3

We all know the layers of the cornea, forwards and backward, but how often do we really think about what goes into the anatomy and physiology of the cornea and the other structures of the fibrous tunic? In this course, we will discuss the structure of the cornea and the surrounding fibrous tunic, as well as common abnormalities that can impair its function and affect contact lens wear.

 

Into the Prism

ABO Credit – 1 hours - ST23N266-3

This course provides a review of prismatic effect, vertical imbalance at near, and methods for evaluating and correcting prism-related visual concerns in ophthalmic lenses. Emphasis is placed on calculation methods, base direction, nearpoint analysis, and practical corrective options, including slab-off, segment modification, splitting prism, and resultant prism.

Exit Strategies for Slow Moving Frames

ABO Course – 1 hour - ST23N264-1

This course outlines practical ways to reduce slow-selling frame inventory and improve profitability. It covers how to refresh displays, repurpose products into ready-made offerings, strengthen in-store and online merchandising, build value through bundles and promotions, and consider donation strategies that may offer tax advantages depending on business structure and current tax rules.

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Understanding and Utilizing the ANSI Standards 

ABO Course – 1 Hour - ST23N261-2

What are the ANSI standards? It is a term that we hear quite often in the industry but what does it actually mean? Is it a law? Is it a manufacturing guideline? Is it a dispensing guideline? This course will help answer these questions for the in-office dispenser. 

 

Dr. Robert Reed 

AMD, ALZ, & Dementia, Oh My!  - 1hr-ED0062-24- Intermediate CPC Course only    

In Wizard Of Oz, Dorothy was afraid of lions, tigers, & bears, but today people face macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s, & dementia on their life journey. 20% of the US population is over 65 & with life expectancy being 80 years old these problems are increasing.  What is dementia & it’s classifications?  How is it tested for & diagnosed? What are treatment & prevention methods? What is Optometry’s involvement? Test yourself, & find answers here. 

 

MOAH: Migraines (Mother-of-All-Headaches) - 1 hr -VT0002-26-Intermediate CPC Course only

There are headaches…and then there are migraines.  Did you know there are different types?  What makes a migraine a migraine?  There are various ocular symptoms and implications to be aware of.  Numerous triggers and treatments abound.  Shockingly many patients come to us knowing little about their migraine situation. We’re more than just glasses sellers, so come and learn more, to become the primary care professional you are.  Remember, It’s all in your head.

So You Think You Know Vision? - 1 hr - AP0025-24-Intermediate CPC Course only

Maybe you HAVE been in the profession since Helmholtz created the first ophthalmoscope (1851), so you think you know EVERYTHING about vision.  I BET NOT!  Come and get your mind blown by some fun-damental concepts of vision that will make you look at your job in an entirely different light.  Great starting place for new staff as well.  

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Optical B-I-N-G-O - 1 Hour-OP0041-23- Basic CPC Course only

Everyone is a player and anyone can be a winner in this fast -paced interactive game of optical BINGO.  Each class participant has a BINGO card.  A series of optical questions is asked of the audience and discussed in the categories of Business, Insurance, New technology, Glasses, and Ocular anatomy. The first player to complete a row wins a FABULOUS prize and everyone goes home a winner with a better understanding of this incredible profession we spend our days in.

 

Samthana Toth 

Work Happy: The Culture Behind Memorable Experiences (1 hour)

Exceeding patient expectations starts with a thriving team. This course explores how cultivating a strong company culture leads to improved patient outcomes, increased employee satisfaction, and enhanced overall practice performance. You’ll learn how to align values, motivate your team, and lead with purpose. Happy teams = loyal patients, and at the end of the day, every memorable patient experience starts with people who love where they work.

• ABO | ST25N171-1

• NCLE | CT25N093-1

• CPC | PM-0034-26

 

Engineering Memorable Experiences at Every Touchpoint (1 hour)

Today’s patients expect more than good service. They expect to feel seen, valued, and cared for at every step. This course will help you design intentional, loyalty-building experiences by identifying patient types, closing the expectation gap, and elevating each interaction. Learn how to turn ordinary moments into powerful brand impressions that drive satisfaction, referrals, and long-term retention.

• ABO | ST25N182-1

• NCLE | CT25N100-1

• CPC | OP-0022-26

 

Prescription to Purchase: Increasing Capture Rate (1 hour)

Increase your optical capture rate with proven strategies that connect clinical care to confident eyewear recommendations. This course explores the impact of doctor-to-optician handoffs, value-based communication, and objection-handling techniques on patient trust and purchasing decisions. Ideal for optometrists, opticians, and optical teams, you’ll learn how to turn prescriptions into purchases while delivering a seamless, patient-centered experience that supports practice growth.

• ABO | ST25N184-1

• NCLE | CT25N102-1

• CPC | OP-0023-26

 

Michelle Titzkowski   

VSP 101 Resources (No CE available)

VSP 101 Resources is a course developed from nine years of direct engagement with optometry practices. It is designed to guide you through readily available tools and resources that simplify navigating VSP. The course also fosters open, practical discussions around everyday challenges, providing actionable insights to support your team.

Essential Medical Eye Care (No CE available)

EMEC/COB: Essential Medical Eye Care and COB billing with VSP can be complex. This course highlights their importance to both patients and practices, while covering best practices and common billing challenges to help improve accuracy and efficiency.

 

Dr. Tessa Sokol

Optical Illusions Inside your Brain

50 minutes of instruction = 1 CE credit/CPC

Why do two people sometimes see the same image differently? Why can our brains perceive motion that doesn't exist, miss objects in plain sight, or interpret identical colors as completely different? This lecture explores the fascinating neuroscience behind vision and perception through the use of optical illusions, interactive demonstrations, and real-world examples.

Participants will discover how the visual system processes information, why perception differs from reality, and how understanding these concepts can enhance patient education and appreciation for modern eye care. While this course discusses the science behind vision, it does not teach diagnosis or disease management, making it appropriate for paraoptometric professionals, opticians, and optical office personnel.

 

Jules Petteruto

Why Vectograms?

Implementing Vectograms

Integration Of Vectograms

Vectograms are a tool in vision therapy that create an opportunity for developing and integrating binocular vision skills; but using them effectively requires more than just changing disparity. This interactive course breaks down the why, how, and when of vectogram use in three focused sections: understanding their clinical purpose and creating patient readiness, implementing them with precision and troubleshooting roadblocks that may come up, and integrating them into functional therapy.

 

Participants will engage in both didactic learning and hands-on practice while exploring

key concepts such as binocular vision development, SILO, parallax, degrees of freedom and BIM/BOP. 

 

Please bring your own polarized glasses and a variable vectogram to fully participate in

real-time application.

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Carly Odens

Driving Success Through Vision CPOA/ABO
Strong vision does more than improve patient care—it drives practice success. This course explores how a shared vision influences leadership, culture, patient experience, and business performance. Participants will learn practical strategies to align daily actions with organizational goals, create stronger team engagement, and deliver a consistently exceptional patient experience.

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Controlling Remakes: Lowering COGS Through Optical Best Practices and TrainingABO
Optical remakes increase costs, reduce efficiency, and impact patient satisfaction. This course examines the most common causes of remakes and provides practical strategies to prevent them through improved communication, frame selection, accurate measurements, and dispensing best practices. Participants will learn how consistent training and standardized processes can improve first-time accuracy while lowering cost of goods.

 

Solution-Based Service ABO

Patients rarely seek eyewear—they seek solutions to their vision needs. This course focuses on shifting from product-based selling to solution-based dispensing by identifying lifestyle needs, educating patients on available options, and making personalized recommendations. Participants will develop communication techniques that build trust, improve patient satisfaction, and increase confidence in premium lens recommendations.

 

Troubleshooting: Searching for Solutions ABO
Every optical professional encounters patients who struggle with new eyewear. This course presents a structured approach to identifying and resolving common dispensing challenges, including prescription concerns, measurement errors, lens design issues, frame adjustments, and patient adaptation. Participants will learn systematic troubleshooting techniques that improve problem-solving skills, reduce unnecessary remakes, and increase patient confidence.

 

The Power of the Dispense ABO/CPO

The dispense is more than handing over a pair of glasses—it is the final opportunity to create confidence, reinforce value, and leave a lasting impression. This course explores how an exceptional dispensing experience improves patient satisfaction, increases eyewear success, and strengthens long-term loyalty. Participants will learn techniques for educating patients, confirming proper fit and vision, and creating memorable experiences that encourage referrals and repeat business.

 

Connecting the Dots: The Power of Independent Partnerships ABO/CPO

Strong partnerships are the foundation of successful independent eye care practices. This course examines how collaboration with independent laboratories and industry partners supports quality patient care, staff education, and operational success. Participants will explore how these partnerships, combined with appropriate frame selection and solution-based patient communication, contribute to improved visual outcomes, reduced remakes, and increased patient satisfaction. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen patient relationships while improving efficiency and practice profitability.

 

Secret Agent Techs ABO/CPO

Technicians are often the first and longest point of contact in the patient journey, making them one of the most influential members of the eye care team. This course explores how technicians can positively impact patient satisfaction, practice efficiency, and optical success through intentional communication, consistent clinical flow, and seamless teamwork. Participants will learn techniques for building rapport, managing patient expectations, redirecting concerns, and recognizing opportunities to prepare patients for recommendations without selling. By embracing their role as the practice's "secret agents," technicians will discover how their daily interactions improve the patient experience while contributing to stronger practice outcomes.

 

Beyond One Pair: Solution-Based Strategies for Second Pair Success ABO/CPO

Patients often encounter visual demands that cannot be fully addressed with a single pair of eyewear. This course explores how identifying lifestyle needs and educating patients on task-specific eyewear can improve visual comfort, protection, and overall satisfaction. Participants will learn how to recognize opportunities for second-pair recommendations through solution-based conversations rather than sales techniques. The course also examines common second-pair options, including prescription sunglasses, occupational lenses, computer eyewear, and specialty products, while emphasizing ethical recommendations that enhance patient outcomes and strengthen practice performance.

 

Better Together: Creating Synergy Between Technicians and Optical ABO/CPO

Exceptional patient care depends on seamless collaboration between clinical and optical teams. This course explores strategies for improving communication, strengthening handoffs, and creating a unified patient experience from examination through eyewear selection. Participants will examine common barriers that exist between technicians, doctors, and opticians, while learning practical tools to improve information sharing, build trust across departments, and maintain continuity of care. Whether through intentional doctor handoffs or alternative communication methods, attendees will gain techniques that enhance teamwork, improve efficiency, and create a more connected, patient-centered practice.