11/7/2025

IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING AND HAVE NOT REGISTERED YET, PLEASE DO SO TODAY. Doing so helps us run the most efficient meeting possible!

The GAME PLAN is set! Register Today!

The play is called "GAME DAY CE" and we're running it in Week 10 of the Regular Season.. Football fans still need not fret. 4 hours, first-class, timely (and in some cases REQUIRED) education will be concluded before kick-off.

November 9, 2025

8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Eastern

Remote Meeting - Zoom Platform

KICKOFF - 8:00 a.m. - Time Certain

Lecturer: Dr. Haley Perry

Artificial Intelligence Workshop: Advanced Practical Applications ** - In this advanced AI workshop, attendees will explore practical applications of AI tools to improve practice efficiency, from automating SOAP note generation to mining patient data for better decision-making. Participants will also learn how to implement AI for inventory management, marketing, and patient communication, while ensuring HIPAA compliance. Hands-on exercises will allow participants to create customized GPTs and develop AI-driven solutions for real-world practice challenges, providing actionable strategies to implement AI immediately. (101047-PM, 2 hours)

** Expect a hands on, interactive lecture.

 HALF-TIME



Lecturer: James Thimons, OD, FAAO

Glaucoma Update 2025 - Rapid fire overview of new developments and research into diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma in patients seen in Optometry offices. (95449-GL, 1 hour)

Neuro-Optometric Comprehensive Exam - A review of the tests required to review all of the cranial nerves as they apply to the eye and visual system. (97869-NO, 1 hour)

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.

Save the date and plan to join us on December 3rd!

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. (99541-FV, 1 hour)

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

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Central Serous Chorioretinopathy - More to follow. (COPE Submission & Approval Pending, 1 hour)

Coming Soon — The 2025 RIOA Member Survey

The Rhode Island Optometric Association Board of Directors has commissioned a 2025 Member Survey — and we'll launch it early next week. 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!

Webinar Recording Now Available

The recording is now available for the Scleral Lens Billing and Coding webinar relayed to you a few weeks ago.

You can view it here.

SAVE THE DATES!

Vision Matters remains a constant work in progress—always evolving to better serve Rhode Island optometrists and friends of the RIOA. Judging by member feedback and our consistently strong open rates, it’s clear that we’ve found a rhythm that truly connects.

Our recent member survey reaffirmed that readers value Vision Matters as a timely, relevant, and engaging source of association news, while also expressing interest in being able to easily revisit past editions.

Starting in November, each week’s Vision Matters will build on the previous issue, creating a more seamless experience. At the end of each month—for example, with the November 28th edition—we’ll post a link to the complete monthly archive, allowing members to easily access all stories and updates in one place.

This update reflects our continued commitment to making Vision Matters a consistent, relevant, and ever-improving link between RIOA and its members.

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.

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.