12.19.2025

Winter Schminter CE – Early-Bird Savings Now Open!

A few NHOA doctors have already grabbed their seats for the first-ever Winter Schminter CE program, and early registrants are locking in significantly discounted rates.

This year’s lineup will include a glaucoma lecture from NHOA's own Dr. Kelsey Jordan and Dr. Lawrence Baitch (MCPHS) – with additional program details coming soon.

Don’t wait. Register today and save!

February 4, 2026

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Eastern

Fratello’s in Manchester’s Historic Millyard

155 Dow Street

 Manchester, NH 03101

NHOA President Sowmya Srinivas shares a timely message on the importance of investing in the organizations that advocate for optometry and support our profession’s continued growth.

Her letter follows a recent review by the NHOA Board of Directors of compelling and favorable member feedback, affirming that the Association is doing a very good job serving both its members and the profession. In the coming weeks, NHOA will begin sharing highlights from this member survey.

Members are encouraged to read Dr. Srinivas’s full letter and consider how their support helps sustain this important work.

At its meeting last night, the NHOA Board of Directors voted to approve a 2.8 percent dues increase for members. This adjustment is permitted under the NHOA By-Laws and is intended to help the Association keep pace with the rising costs associated with delivering the important completed on behalf of New Hampshire optometrists.

The Board gave this matter thoughtful consideration, with a focus on maintaining strong advocacy, member services, and organizational stability while remaining mindful of overall affordability. Even with this modest increase, NHOA dues remain among the lowest affiliate dues in New England.

We appreciate our members’ understanding and continued support as we work to protect, promote, and advance the profession of optometry in the Granite State.

And that's a wrap!

We are pleased to announce the successful wrap-up of the 2025 Industry Partner Program (IPP). The IPP was created – and continues to be nurtured – because our industry partners are essential to the strength of the Association and the work done on behalf of our shared profession.

Their support of organized optometry directly contributes to the health and fiscal well-being of NHOA and enhances our ability to defend and protect the profession. We are truly grateful for their continued commitment and partnership.

Looking ahead, the 2026 IPP has officially launched, and we are excited to share that we have already secured both a Gold and a Silver sponsor. When industry representatives visit your office, please take a moment to thank them for their support and engagement. And if you know of a strong potential partner not currently involved, we welcome your help in making a connection.

One final thank you to our 2025 IPP Sponsors!

Save the Date – Autumn 2026

Plans are underway for a memorable coastal weekend as NHOA prepares to host its Autumn ’26 CE & Annual Meeting, a multi-day flagship event celebrating 125 years of optometry in the Granite State. Join colleagues for a special 125th Anniversary CE Celebration of Optometry, blending high-quality education with meaningful moments of connection and reflection.

October 16–18, 2026

Multi-day flagship event – details in development!

Mark your calendar now and stay tuned for more information as plans continue to take shape for this milestone celebration.

Friday Focus Archive Now Live on NHeyedoctors.org

We are pleased to share that the Friday Focus Archive is now officially live — a centralized, members-only page where past editions will be listed alongside quick synopses and direct URLs.

We’ve only just begun populating the archive and will continue adding past issues as we identify the quickest, most efficient, and most timely process for updating it. For now, please know that the page exists, the structure is in place, and we’ll keep pecking away at it.

This archive was created in response to member feedback and in appreciation for the strong engagement Friday Focus receives each week. By gathering each edition in one protected location, we hope it becomes an increasingly valuable resource for NHOA members in the years ahead.

Thank you for your continued support and for the consistently strong open rates that show Friday Focus delivers real value to our community.

Why ODs Working for Multiple Employers Need a Portable Malpractice Policy



The following information is being sent to AOAExcel members on behalf of Lockton Affinity, LLC, a licensed insurance producer. Any recommendation or advice provided is based upon the opinion of Lockton Affinity, LLC and not AOAExcel.

Whether you moonlight on the weekends or work full-time across multiple practices, working formore than one employer as a doctor of optometry can add flexibility and additional income to yourcareer. However, if you rely solely on employer-provided malpractice insurance, you might be placing yourself at risk of a costly claim.

It can be difficult to ensure that you are provided appropriate coverage for all of the procedures you perform for each individual employer you work for. This is especially true if you practice across county and state lines, where legal requirements can vary. The best way to protect yourself is to carry your own portable malpractice insurance policy, one that is independent of any employer and guaranteed to cover every procedure you perform.

If you are unsure of what your existing malpractice policy covers or whether your coverage extends across multiple practices, Lockton Affinity can help. AOA members can receive a complimentary review of their policy from the experts at Lockton, who will comb through your policy line-by-line and confirm exactly what procedures you are covered for, and identify any exclusions that might leave you vulnerable.

The AOA Insurance Alliance is administered by Lockton Affinity, LLC d/b/a Lockton Affinity Insurance Brokers LLC in California #0795478. Coverage is subject to actual policy terms and conditions. Policy benefits are the sole responsibility of the issuing insurance company. Coverage may be provided by an excess/surplus lines insurer which is not licensed by or subject to the supervision of the insurance department of your state of residence. Policy coverage forms and rates may not be subject to regulation by the insurance department of your state of residence. Excess/Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and therefore insureds are not protected by such funds in the event of the insurer’s insolvency. The American Optometric Association will receive a royalty fee for the licensing of its name and trademarks as part of the insurance program offered to the extent permitted by applicable law.

ABOUT THE NHOA: The Mission of the New Hampshire Optometric Association is to advance and protect the practice of Optometry to ensure the health and vision of the public.

The New Hampshire Optometric Association (NHOA) is the professional association representing the vast majority of New Hampshire’s practicing Doctors of Optometry. We have served our members and the citizens of NH since founded over 110 years ago. We are affiliated with the American Optometric Association.

Friday Focus is a weekly email newsletter dedicated to communicating important Association- and member-related news, industry updates and matters relating to practicing optometry in New Hampshire. It is a members-only weekly communication.

Member submissions for publication in Friday Focus are welcomed and appreciated. Kindly email us.