5/8/2026

To all the mothers in our community – thank you. Your impact is felt in countless ways, from the steady support everyone sees to the quiet sacrifices that often go unnoticed. It’s in those everyday moments, both big and small, that you shape families, strengthen communities, and make a lasting difference on the lives of others.


On behalf of the Board of Directors, have a great Mother's Day weekend! We’re grateful for all that you do, today and every day.

TO ENSURE ADEQUATE SPACING, FOOD AND MATERIALS,

PLEASE REGISTER NO LATER THAN MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026.

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.

Virtual Affiliate Connections w/ Students & AOSA 

May 19, 2026, 9 p.m.

RIOA is looking for 1–3 doctors to help represent Rhode Island during a special pre–Optometry’s Meeting / AOA+ student engagement event on May 19.


The program gives affiliates an opportunity to connect directly with optometry students through small-group breakout sessions organized by state. Participating doctors will have the chance to share perspectives on practicing in the Ocean State and the unique opportunities available within our state and association.


It’s a simple but meaningful way to connect with the next generation of ODs while helping build relationships that can lead to future recruitment, leadership involvement, and possible in-person follow ups in Phoenix.

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)


SILVER SPONSORS

The I Care Co-op Annual Meeting will be held on June 10, 2026. Additional details regarding time, location, and registration will be announced next week.


All optometrists interested in attending are welcome to register, and there will be no cost associated with the event. In addition, the Co-op expects to provide an attendance bonus or incentive for those participating – an added benefit beyond the ICC’s Revenue Sharing Program (RSP) distribution slated for the end of the month.


While we have you....

ATTENTION MEMBERS! NEW OFFER

GET STARTED QUICKLY AND IN TIME FOR SUMMER!

CONTACT ANDREW RACINE TODAY!

GET STARTED QUICKLY AND IN TIME FOR SUMMER!

CONTACT ANDREW RACINE TODAY!


401-965-1443

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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