5/1/2026

Shop for a Cause – AOA Merch Shop! 


Support the profession of optometry and show off your AOA pride! The AOA Merch Shop is live at aoamerchshop.harristechnologies.com (you will need to set up an account; it is not tied to your account on aoa.org). 


Every purchase directly benefits The AOA Foundation, supporting vital programs and scholarships that empower the profession. Once your order arrives, join us in celebrating Foundation Fridays by wearing your new AOA merch every Friday! Don’t forget to share your look and tag #AOAFoundationFridays. You can also shop the Foundation booth in the exhibit hall at OM! 

ARE YOU ATTENDING OM THIS YEAR?


If so, let us know! Email us at RIoptometric@gmail.com. Hope to see you in Phoenix!


6:00 p.m. – Arrivals Begin - Registration and Networking


6:30 p.m. – Dinner Begins; RIOA GMM 


Lecturer: Dr. Larry Baitch

 

7:00 p.m. – Key Issues in Cataract Surgery Co-Management - This course takes a practical look at the optometrist’s role in cataract surgery co-management. It walks through how to identify appropriate surgical candidates, perform a thorough preoperative workup, and manage patients through the postoperative period. The course also covers real-world decision-making around surgical options, risk identification, and complication management. In addition, it reviews the legal, ethical, and documentation requirements that support appropriate co-management and strong communication with surgical partners. (104400-PO, 1 hour)


Dessert



8:00 p.m. - Importance of Clinical Electrodiagnostics in the Optometric Practice - This course provides a practical overview of electrodiagnostic testing and how it can be used in everyday optometric care to better understand visual pathway dysfunction. It reviews key tests including ERG, EOG, and VEP, and walks through how these tools help differentiate retinal, optic nerve, and cortical disease. Emphasis is placed on clinical application—when to order testing, how to interpret results, and how findings impact diagnosis, management, and referral decisions in real-world practice. (104401-GO, 1 hour)


Larry Baitch, OD, PhD, FAAO

Professor and Associate Dean for Research MCPHS University School of Optometry


Dr. Baitch is an ophthalmic research scientist, clinician, educator, and consultant with executive experience in clinical, surgical and academic environments, as well as in medical device manufacturing.

Join us for a first-class night of CE at The Capital Grille in Providence. This elegant and upscale steakhouse is a staple for special occasions and business dining. Reserve your spot now as space is limited!


Arrivals to begin at 6:00 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE! NEW LOCATION!

Great CE… at a signature setting.


September 9, 2026


Kirkbrae Country Club

197 Old River Road

Lincoln, RI 02865


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS


8:15. a.m. - Arrivals (Continental Breakfast and Coffee served)

8:45 a.m. - CE Begins - Morning Session


WORKING / NETWORKING LUNCH


1:30 p.m. - CE Continues - Afternoon Session

4:30 p.m. - End of Day / Departures / Possible Golf-themed Social Event (pending further exploration)


As always, RIOA members are invited to post classified ads free of charge. If you have an ad you would like included, please feel free to forward it to us at any time.

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.


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

ABOUT THE RIOA: The Mission of the Rhode Island Optometric Association is to advance and support optometry in delivering comprehensive eye care for our Rhode Island community.



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.

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