WAEPS 2025 Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Program Schedule & Session Descriptions

Course Description: This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the anatomy and physiology of the human eye. It will cover each structure of the eye from the outer ocular adnexa, through the cornea, anterior chamber, iris, ciliary body, lens, vitreous, retina and optic nerve. The associated physiology of each structure will also be reviewed, including how the visual pathways travel from the eye to the brain to create vision.

2. Making Sense of MIGS

Speaker: Elizabeth Martin, MD

Course Description: This course will discuss the role, complications, and outcomes of various types of Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery techniques, as well as patient selection considerations.

3. Treatment of Severe Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Edema

Speaker: Jess Weinstein, MD

Course Description: This course describes the diagnosis and treatment of severe diabetic retinopathy and macular edema.

This course describes the diagnosis and treatment of severe diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. Through case studies, participants will gain valuable perspectives on the role of fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, pharmacotherapy, laser and surgical interventions in effectively managing these ocular conditions.

4. Corneal Emergencies

Speaker: Kaidi Wang, MD

Course Description: This course will introduce essential competencies, appropriate documentation, and a review checklist to reduce medical errors and adverse events due to an inadequate eye examination.

5. Talent Development for Clinical Teams: Advanced Patient Management & History Taking

Speaker: Matthew Parker, PH.D., DSC, CLSSMBB, PMP, CTC, COMT

Course Description: Learn advanced history-taking techniques that uncover crucial clinical details while building patient rapport. This innovative course equips healthcare professionals with essential skills for superior patient management, combining technical precision with emotional intelligence.

31. Workshop: Pentacam: Clinical Applications for Cataract Surgery

Speaker: Jacob Gruber

Course Description: This course will cover the basic principles of Scheimpflug imaging technology, image acquisition, optical biometry, and clinical applications for cataract surgery and IOL calculation. The class will include both hands-on instruction and lecture.

Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to understand the basic principles of Scheimpflug imaging technology and optical biometry, acquire images with the Pentacam, evaluate image and measurement quality and interpret maps and measurements pertinent to cataract surgery and IOL calculations.

32. Workshop: Cirrus HD-OCT: Best Practices

Speaker: Connie McKeehen, CCOA

Course Description: This course will discuss clinical applications of Cirrus OCT, review proper operation of the instrument and how to read more advanced analysis options. The course will focus on basic and advanced operator techniques and how to overcome difficult obstacles.

It will also review the latest advancements in Cirrus OCT capabilities.

33. Workshop: Anatomy and Dissection of the Eye

Speaker: Tyson Bates, MD; Tracy Pitman, COA; Serenity Hewett, COA

Course Description: This hands-on workshop will begin with a brief discussion of the anatomy and physiology of the eye including the cornea, iris, ciliary body, zonular apparatus, crystalline lens, vitreous body, retina, choroid and sclera. Following the discussion, participants will perform a guided step-by-step dissection of a pig’s eyeball.

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9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

6. Fundamentals of Ophthalmology: History Taking & Triage

Speaker: Jane Shuman, MSM, COT, OSC

Course Description: There is difference between triage and history taking; triage is done to determine the appropriate time span to book a patient, while history taking provides a more detailed summary of the condition or symptoms. This course will discuss both in detail, their differences, and explain the classifications of urgent conditions.

7. Damage Control: Ocular Trauma 101

Speaker: Jennifer Yu, MD, PhD

Course Description: This course will describe the classifications of ocular trauma that commonly present in the ophthalmology clinic. It will discuss proper evaluation and triage methods and provide an overview of the treatment options available to manage the different types of ocular trauma. Using multiple clinical examples, the work-up of the ocular trauma patient will be discussed and as well as the ways to identify true ophthalmic emergencies.

8. Acute and Chronic Vision Loss

Speaker: Brad Ballard, MD

Course Description: Patients presenting with a complaint of sudden or chronic vision loss is a frequent occurrence in an ophthalmic practice. Understanding the most common causes of these conditions will allow the technician to focus on the parts of the history and examination that will lead to the most useful information, and aid in making an early diagnosis.

9. Lessons Learned From Glaucoma Claims

Speaker: Jeannette Domask, MPH, CPHRM

Course Description: Using OMIC glaucoma-specific cases, this course will highlight and discuss mitigating liability risk through effective communication and documentation.

10. Talent Development for Clinical Teams: the LEAN Approach for Enhancing Clinical Education

Speaker: Matthew Parker, PH.D., DSC, CLSSMBB, PMP, CTC, COMT

Course Description: This focused course introduces healthcare professionals to essential Lean principles specifically adapted for ophthalmology settings. Participants will master practical techniques for identifying and eliminating wasteful processes that impact patient care and practice efficiency.

34. Workshop: IOL Master 700: Best Practices

Speaker: Connie McKeehen, CCOA

Course Description: This course will review basic swept source biometry technology. It will include review of operator technique, how to ensure reliable measurements and how to troubleshoot common obstacles. An IOLMaster 700 instrument will be available for hands-on practice. IOL power calculation and formula capabilities will also be discussed.

35. Workshop: Retinoscopy

Speaker: Shane Workman, COMT

Course Description: This hands-on session will demonstrate and teach retinoscopy using the streak retinoscope and loose lenses. Instruction on recording results will be included. Attendees will have the opportunity to perform retinoscopy on each other and learn techniques to obtain the participant’s refractive error.

36. Workshop: B-Scan Examination Techniques

Speaker: Tracy Pitman, COA, Serenity Hewett, COA

Course Description: This course will include a discussion of the terminology and basic principles of diagnostic B-scan examination of the eye and will provide hands-on exposure in the fundamental skills needed to perform a basic B-scan. Attendees will have the opportunity to perform B-scans on each other and learn techniques to obtain an echographic picture of the globe.

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10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

11. Fundamentals of Ophthalmology: Tonometry & Pupillary Exam

Speaker: Natalie Husa, MD

Course Description: This course will cover the fundamental principles of tonometry as well as explain pupil evaluation and provide an overview of the most common pupil abnormalities, their pathophysiology and clinical significance. The course will describe how to measure IOP using various methods, demonstrate an understanding of best practices for applanation tonometry and standard operating procedures, explain the anatomy and physiology of the afferent and efferent neural pathways as they apply to pupillary function, and outline a systematic method of examination to determine if and which pupillary abnormality is present.

12. The Neurological Workup: Putting It All Together

Speaker: Matthew Parker, PH.D., DSC, CLSSMBB, PMP, CTC, COMT

Course Description: This comprehensive course combines the foundational principles of basic science with advanced clinical knowledge to enhance expertise in neuro-ophthalmic examinations. Participants will explore the “why” behind each skill, sharpening critical thinking and conduct thorough neuro-ophthalmic assessments encompassing confrontation visual fields visual field examination, extraocular muscles evaluation, and pupil assessment.

13. Narrow Angle Glaucoma: Interesting Cases

Speaker: Aaron Kuzin, MD

Course Description: This course will help the attendee identify the risk factors, signs and symptoms of narrow angle glaucoma. Diagnostic tests as well as treatment options will be discussed. The course will include an interactive discussion of several interesting narrow angle glaucoma cases.

14. Artificial Intelligence and Diabetic Retinopathy

Speaker: Cecilia Lee, MD

Course Description: This lecture explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology, with a focus on ongoing research of diabetic retinopathy. We will begin with an overview of AI and how AI may be used for early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy. The session will also introduce the AI-READI project, an innovative initiative aimed at developing equitable, AI-ready datasets to enhance research in diabetic retinopathy and systemic health. Finally, we will discuss future directions, including emerging AI technologies, their potential to revolutionize diabetic eye care, and the pivotal role of ophthalmic technicians in integrating these advancements into clinical practice.

15. Talent Development for Clinical Teams: Basic Ophthalmic Clinical Skills

Speaker: Jane Shuman, MSM, COT, OSC

Course Description: Step into the essential world of ophthalmic technology with this foundational course designed for new ophthalmic technicians and support staff. This comprehensive program provides a solid understanding of ocular anatomy, clinical procedures, and patient care fundamentals that form the backbone of efficient eye care delivery.

37. Workshop: Manual Lensometry

Speaker: Shane Workman, COMT

Course Description: This hands-on session will provide practical instruction and experience in the use of the manual lensometer. Tips will be given to help the technician as well as step-by-step tools in the skill process.

38. Workshop: Clinical Applications of the Spectralis OCT

Speaker: Brad Ballard, MD

Course Description: This course will discuss clinical applications of the Spectralis OCT, review proper operation of the instrument and how to read more advanced analysis options. The class will include both handson instruction and explain and demonstrate the scan modes, analysis tools and techniques needed to produce high quality scans.

39. Workshop: Anatomy and Dissection of the Eye

Speaker: William Coburn, MD; Tracy Pitman, COA; Serenity Hewett, COA

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1:10 PM - 2:10 PM

16. Fundamentals of Ophthalmology: Common Eye Diseases

Speaker: Erin Fink, MD

Course Description: This course presents an overview of common eye diseases and their assessment and management. Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of common eye problems and vision-related changes such as cataracts, glaucoma, cornea diseases, and macular degeneration will be discussed.

17. Mastering Manifest Refractions

Speaker: Matthew Parker, PH.D., DSC, CLSSMBB, PMP, CTC, COMT

Course Description: This is an advanced course in retinoscopy and manifest refinement techniques. Nationally, refinement is the number one skill required by most employers. This course allows the technician to take an advanced posture diagnostic refractometry and fundamental performance of generating a glasses prescription. The presenter recommends that participants have a basic understanding of clinical optics. Case studies and an introduction to root cause analysis will help explain why and when glasses prescriptions require additional evaluation.

18. Neuro-ophthalmic Emergencies

Speaker: Eugene May, MD

Course Description: Emergencies and pseudo-emergencies are extremely common in neuro-ophthalmic practice. It is critical to distinguish these two groups of patients and to be familiar with the critical first steps that must be taken to ensure preservation of vision or prevent other sequelae. With cases and discussion, we will familiarize the audience with common neuro-ophthalmic emergencies and the necessary approach to these patients.

19. Evolving Evidence and Techniques for Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Speaker: Andrew Chen, MD

Course Description: This session will cover the evolving evidence supporting the use of SLT for treating glaucoma at various stages. Techniques for performing SLT, patient consent, laser settings, preoperative drop therapy, postoperative care, and technology advancements will all be covered in detail.

20. Talent Development for Clinical Teams: Intermediate Ophthalmic Clinical Skills

Speaker: Savory Turman, MS, COMT

Course Description: Elevate your ophthalmic technical expertise with this intermediate-level course designed for experienced technicians ready to expand their clinical capabilities. This comprehensive program builds upon fundamental skills, advancing your knowledge of specialized testing, visual function, and clinical documentation to enhance practice efficiency and patient care.

40. Workshop: IOL Master 700: Best Practices

Speaker: Connie McKeehen, CCOA

41. Workshop: Clinical Applications of the Spectralis OCT

Speaker: Brad Ballard, MD

42. Workshop: Anatomy and Dissection of the Eye

Speaker: Tyson Bates, MD, Tracy Pitman, COA, Serenity Hewett, COA

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2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

21. Fundamentals of Ophthalmology: Macular Degeneration

Speaker: Molly Cunard, DO

Course Description: Macular degeneration is a leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 60. This course will provide an overview of the disease, highlighting the pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical manifestations and treatment options. In addition, we will cover imaging modalities and patient education.

22. Parkinson’s Disease and the Eye

Speaker: Steven Hamilton, MD

Course Description: This course will discuss the physiology of how Parkinson’s Disease often affects vision, such as the exacerbation of dry eyes, blepharospasm, apraxia of eyelid opening, difficulty reading with diplopia at near, etc. We will also discuss practical ways to help these patients improve their daily vision through proper glasses prescriptions and other means.

23. Global Ophthalmology: Outreach Local and Abroad

Speaker: Mike Brush, MD

Course Description: This course will review Dr. Brush’s ongoing work with the Himalayan Cataract Project, both in high-volume cataract outreach camps using Manual Small Incision Extracapsular techniques and in surgical training of phacoemulsification. The course will also discuss how the attendee can be involved both globally and on a local level. By outlining the challenges faced while delivering ophthalmic care in challenging conditions, the attendee will gain a greater understanding of how to apply ophthalmic skills outside of the normal clinical environment or for patients with advanced eye disease. Prepare to be moved and inspired by the photos and personal stories from patients that he will share.

24. Corneal Infectious Disease

Speaker: Stephanie Cramer, MD

Course Description: This course will review the common agents of corneal infectious disease, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Common infections caused by these agents will be described. The clinical appearance, diagnostic techniques and treatment will be reviewed for each disease entity.

25. Talent Development for Clinical Teams: Advanced Ophthalmic Clinical Skills

Speaker: Rhonda Mullen, COMT, (F)ATPO, FCLSA, OSC, OCS, OCSR

Course Description: Elevate your ophthalmic technical expertise with this advanced-level course designed for experienced technicians ready to expand their clinical capabilities. This comprehensive program builds upon fundamental skills, advancing your knowledge of specialized testing, visual function, and clinical documentation to enhance practice efficiency and patient care.

43. Workshop: Manual Keratometry

Speaker: Shane Workman, COMT

Course Description: This hands-on session will provide practical instruction and experience in the use of the manual keratometer. Tips will be given to help the technician as well as step-by-step tools in the skill process.

44. Workshop: Cirrus HD-OCT: Best Practices

Speaker: Connie McKeehen, CCOA

45. Workshop: Anatomy and Dissection of the Eye

Speaker: William Coburn, MD; Tracy Pitman, COA; Serenity Hewett, COA

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3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

26. Fundamentals of Ophthalmology: Glaucoma

Speaker: Ernesto Golez, MD

Course Description: This course will describe each type of glaucoma, their causes and associated risk factors. We will discuss the appropriate management and treatment options currently available.

27. Oculoplastics Update 2025

Speaker: Peter Kally, MD

Course Description: This course aims to provide updates on advanced techniques being used in oculoplastics, including emerging new technologies for managing various diseases of the orbit, lacrimal drainage system and eyelid. The pros and cons of new techniques will be discussed in comparison with conventional methods. At the conclusion of this course, the attendee will be better able to describe cutting-edge technologies in oculoplastics.

28. Premium IOL Update 2025

Speaker: Natalia Bajenova, MD

Course Description: This course will update learners on the advances in premium intraocular lens (IOL) technology for 2025, including pros and cons, patient selection and lens counseling. This course will also review new lens technology currently being investigated both in the US and abroad and the new IOL options that patients may have in the near future.

29. Pediatric Ophthalmic Emergencies & Urgencies

Speaker: Laura Huang, MD

Course Description: Urgent and emergent pediatric conditions may present with any number of elusive ophthalmic signs and symptoms. The most challenging step when working with children is to recognize those findings and initiate the appropriate diagnostic evaluation promptly. The purpose of this course is to highlight ophthalmic manifestations of urgent and emergent pediatric conditions and to provide guidelines for their workup and management.

30. Talent Development for Clinical Teams: In-Office Procedures and Infection Control

Speaker: Matthew Parker, Ph.D., DSc, CLSSMBB, PMP, CTC, COMT

Course Description: This course addresses critical aspects of maintaining a safe, sterile environment while performing inoffice procedures in eye care settings. Participants will learn evidence-based infection prevention protocols, proper hand hygiene techniques, sterile field maintenance, and best practices for instrument handling and sterilization. The course emphasizes practical applications of CDC guidelines and ophthalmology-specific infection control measures, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance while maximizing operational efficiency in your practice.

46. Workshop: Pentacam: Clinical Applications for Cornea and Refractive Surgery

Speaker: Jacob Gruber

Course Description: This course will cover the basic principles of Scheimpflug imaging technology, best practices for operation of the Pentacam system, and applications for corneal evaluation and refractive surgery. The class will include both a lecture and hands-on instruction.

47. Workshop: Retinoscopy

Speaker: Shane Workman, COMT

48. Workshop: B-scan Examination Techniques

Speaker: Tracy Pitman, COA; Serenity Hewett, COA

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