11/21/2025

During this Thanksgiving season, we pause to reflect on our many blessings. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and for the opportunity each of us has to make a difference in the lives of others.

We appreciate the ability, through hard work and dedication, to achieve great things within and beyond our shared profession. And we are especially thankful for our able and committed volunteers, and for the friendship and trust you place in us.

For all of this, we are deeply grateful.

Our very best wishes for a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

RIOA calls gently, with laughter and light,

To share Holiday Cheer on a bright winter’s night.

Two scholars will join us from lands we know well –

From NECO and MCPHS their wisdom will tell.

They travel with purpose, with good cheer in tow,

To brighten our season with knowledge aglow.

We’ll talk of our progress, association affairs,

We’ll celebrate each other – our work and your care.

And though the turkey will hardly cooled on the tray,

We’ll kick off the season in our own joyful way.

So come one, come all – register soon and appear.

A fine RIOA evening awaits – full of fellowship and cheer.

A HEADCOUNT IS NEEDED ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26.

Holiday Cheer CE was dubbed long ago as the unofficial start of the holiday season— a familiar and enjoyable night that combines continuing education with good company. This year’s program will once again take place at The Trap Brew Pub & Grill, offering a relaxed and festive setting to close out the year together.

Perenniel Holiday CHEER CE attendees may have noticed that we’ve given the event image a small refresh to keep it warm and inviting while holding on to the tradition that helps make this gathering special.

It’s a comfortable, easy night of CE and connection (and cheer!) — a great way to wrap up the year with colleagues and friends.

Lecturer - Dr. Mengli Han (Associate Professor, MCPHS)

Amblyopia: the old and the new - This course is going to discuss what amblyopia is and the different types. It will discuss the traditional treatment approach based on randomized clinical trials, and also the new binocular treatment options.

Lecturer - Dr. Thomas Andrea (Attending Optometrist of Primary Care, NECO)

Papilledema Hot Potato - An in depth look at a case of idiopathic intracranial hypertension focusing on diagnosis, management, interprofessional collaboration and patient-centered card. (AOA CE-accreditation pending, 1 hour)

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING (GMM) PRIOR TO HOLIDAY CHEER CE

Mission Statement Update

A mission statement defines who we are and what we stand for - it should clearly reflect the purpose and values that unite our members and guide our work. The proposed revision modernizes the language to better capture RIOA’s role in advancing and supporting optometry in delivering comprehensive eye care for Rhode Islanders.

RIOA members will vote on an updated mission statement approved by the Board of Directors. Your participation ensures the association’s vision and direction remain aligned with the needs of today’s profession and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Dues Policy Update

The AOA Board of Trustees has approved its 2026 budget, reflecting continued growth in advocacy, public awareness, affiliate support, and student engagement through the AOA+ initiative at Optometry’s Meeting® in Phoenix.

For only the second time since 2019, the budget includes a dues adjustment—an increase of $27 (3%), bringing total annual dues to $1,023, inclusive of the $85 public awareness assessment.

Consistent with RIOA past practice to align state dues changes with AOA adjustments (when appropriate), the RIOA Board of Directors voted to increase annual dues by $27, or 2.71% at it's November 6, 2025 Q4 meeting.

This results in a combined dues increase of $54 for full active members in 2026.

The RIOA dues measure, among other items, will appear on the 12/3/2025 GMM agenda.

The RIOA leadership remains hyper-focused on maintaining a lean, forward-thinking operation that is efficient, intuitive, and delivers exceptional value to members. Raising state affiliate dues is never taken lightly.

Even with this modest adjustment, RIOA dues remain firmly in the middle of member obligations when compared to other New England affiliates—providing effective advocacy efforts, high-quality CE, and responsive member services that consistently outperform our size.

Please join us on December 3, 2025!

WANTED: USED EQUIPMENT



The Rhode Island Free Clinic is tasked with providing medical care to the uninsured population of our state. Current volunteers include Drs David Klibanoff and Richard Belhumeur.

The clinic is in need of examination and optical equipment that you and your practices may no longer be using. Specifically, we could use an application tonometer, auto lensometer, optical tools, any type of imaging system, and any other equipment you may no longer be using in your practice.

Being organized as a 501(c)(3), your contribution may be tax deductible.

If you have anything that you feel may be of use to us, please reach out to Dr. Belhumeur at 401 486-9254

The Rhode Island Optometric Association Board of Directors laucnhed earlier this week our 2025 Member Survey. This short, limited-question survey is designed to help us listen, learn, and respond to the needs of Rhode Island’s primary eye care providers.

We want to hear from you.

Your feedback helps guide programs, CE offerings, and advocacy priorities for the year and years ahead. When the survey arrives early next week, please take a moment to share your thoughts — it only takes a minute or two. Thank you!

Help Wanted: Passionate Optometrist to Join a Thriving Practice! Full-time or Part-time!

Join our private practice!

Are you an enthusiastic and patient-focused optometrist ready to make a real difference in people’s lives? Join our friendly, community-rooted eye care practice in Johnston, RI where compassion and precision go hand-in-hand.

Rhode Island offers a vibrant lifestyle that perfectly blends rich history, academic prestige, and urban excitement. Home to the esteemed Brown University, the city boasts a lively cultural scene with world-class museums, theaters, and a diverse culinary landscape. This makes it an ideal place to build both a thriving career and a fulling personal life. 

What We Offer:

• A modern, well-equipped office with advanced diagnostic tools
• A supportive and knowledgeable staff
• Flexible schedule with full-time and part-time options
• Competitive salary
• Opportunities for continued education and professional development

What You’ll Do:

• Perform comprehensive eye exams for patients of all ages
• Diagnose and manage ocular diseases with care and accuracy
• Prescribe corrective lenses
• Educate patients about eye health and preventative care
• Collaborate with a team committed to excellent service

Requirements:

• Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and valid RI state license
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Commitment to staying updated with latest clinical practices
• A warm, empathetic approach to patient care

Whether you’re newly licensed or bring years of experience, we’re excited to welcome someone who’s passionate about helping people see a brighter world.

Our website: https://www.ophthalmiceye.com

Contact our manger: Toni Lynch @ tlynch@osltdri.com

Free Classified Advertising is a Member Benefit. Members of the RIOA can post an ad at no cost.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT JOB / CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN RHODE ISLAND? Contact the RIOA at 401-949-0433.

Often times by talking out your needs and wants we can hone in on a great fit for you.

Essilor Stellest lenses are the first FDA market authorized spectacle lenses in the USA, clinically proven to slow myopia progression in children. Clinical data shows that these lenses can reduce myopia progression by 71% on average over two years. They are designed for children aged 6 to 12 years and are 

effective for correcting myopia with or without astigmatism. The lenses are available for use in the USA,

making them a significant advancement in pediatric eyecare. 

Email or call Fran Lynch from Essilor for details, fitting protocol, price etc.

AVAILABLE NOW!

603-724-1568

flynch@essilorusa.com

ABOUT THE RIOA: We help optometrists practice optometry. 

The Rhode Island Optometric Association is the state affiliate of the American Optometric Association (AOA). A professional association representing Rhode Island optometrists, the RIOA works to ensure state-of-the-art vision and medical eye health care to the public through professional and personal development, continuing education programs and public policy monitoring and advocacy.

Vision Matters is a weekly email newsletter dedicated to communicating important Association-related news, industry updates and matters relating to practicing optometry in the Rhode Island healthcare landscape. Some will be longer than others; all will be informative. It is a members-only weekly communication.

Member submissions for publication in Vision Matters are welcomed and appreciated. Kindly email us.