2026 WAEPS Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Program

The Meydenbauer Center
11000 NE 6th St
Bellevue, WA 98804
March 6, 2026

Back to Annual Meeting Page

Online Registration has Closed.
You may register in person at Meydenbauer Convention Center on Friday, March 6.

Welcome!

To the 2026 WAEPS Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Program!

WAEPS is excited to present another amazing opportunity to expand your knowledge, grow your clinical skill set, and advance your career at one of the most prestigious continuing education programs in the country!

*NEW* for 2026!

We are pleased to introduce three specialized learning pathways tailored to the different stages of clinical expertise and proficiency within the field of ophthalmology:

Fundamentals Track

This pathway is designed for attendees with 1 year or less experience in the eye care field. Each course is taught at a beginner level and will review the fundamentals of history taking & triage, common eye diseases and the basic eye exam.

C.O.R.E. Track

The Clinical Operations, Responsibilities & Essentials track has courses tailored specifically for attendees with 1-5 years' experience in the eye care field. Each course is taught at an intermediate level and focuses on strengthening skill sets and reviewing the key components to achieving efficient and smooth day-to-day clinic operations.

Masterclass Track

The Masterclass pathway has courses for attendees with more than 5 years of experience in the eye care field. Each course has been customized to be at an advanced level and aims to transform experienced ophthalmic technicians into master practitioners.

Connect with Your Community

Join your fellow colleagues from across the Pacific Northwest at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue to learn about the latest trends and advances in ophthalmology for 2026!

Engage with Presenters

Participate in 18 unique lectures and Q&A provided by our highly skilled and dedicated faculty from the best eye care centers in the region!

Interact with Industry Specialists

Learn from top industry specialists and instructors during 18 hands-on workshops, then check out all the new and exciting technology on the Exhibitor Floor!

Continuing Education Made FUN!

Earn up to 6 IJCAHPO CE credits AND:

• Have a chance to “win big” during our annual lunchtime Prize Giveaway
• Enjoy a delicious breakfast and buffet lunch provided for you in the Exhibitor Hall
• Toast your friends at the President's Reception with complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres!

Don't Miss Out!

Be sure to register early to take advantage of the early bird discount that is available until February 6th! We look forward to seeing you there!

Anndrea Grant, COMT, OSC
WAEPS Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Program Chair
Northwest Eye Surgeons

2026 Schedule

Session Descriptions

Registration:

Online registration requires each participant to provide contact information and to choose his or her classes and workshops. Please use your own mailing address and email address.

This year, payment is due at time of registration by card.

Accreditation

IJCAHPO Credits have been applied for.

Target audience

Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (All levels of certified and non-certified assistants, opticians, contact lens personnel), nurses, and health care students.

Workshop prerequisites

The prerequisite for each workshop is to already possess a basic knowledge of that particular skill. The workshops are designed to help ophthalmic medical personnel further hone the skill and, through hands-on instruction, demonstrate the best clinical applications of that skill.

What's included

Your registration includes a full day of course instruction, e-syllabus, educational credits, continental breakfast, coffee breaks, delicious hot buffet lunch, access to exhibits, and a hosted reception.

Cancellations

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. There is a $50.00 fee for cancellation before February 20, 2026. There are no refunds for cancellations after February 20, 2026. No Exceptions.

Food

A continental breakfast will be held in the exhibit hall in Center Hall A on the entrance level of the building and lunch will be held in the ballroom next to it in Center Hall B.

President's Reception

Immediately following the conclusion of the physician program at 5:15pm, please join us for the President’s Reception in Center Hall A.

Accessibility

WAEPS encourages participation by all individuals. If you require accommodation, please contact the WAEPS office at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the conference. Advance notification is essential in order for us to serve you better. Note that our conference venue is fully accessible and ADA compliant.

Reciprocal society members

WAEPS has reciprocal arrangements with ophthalmology societies in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and British Columbia. Employees of physicians who are members of their respective state and provincial societies may register at the discounted member rate. Please contact our office for details if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity: [email protected]

Other Attendee Needs

• Moms needing access to our “pump room” during breaks should contact the staff at the tech program information desk when they arrive on site.
• Special dietary needs? Please indicate these on your registration form or contact us via phone or email and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Hotel accommodations

A discounted room block is available at the nearby Seattle Marriott Bellevue, 200 110th Avenue N., Bellevue, WA. The rate is $220 per night. Space is limited. Rooms can be booked until February 4, 2026, or until all rooms in the block are filled.

Book Your Room

Venue

Meydenbauer Center
11100 NE 6th St.
Bellevue, WA 98004

Continental breakfast will be held in the exhibit hall in Center Hall A on the entrance level of the building and the tech lunch will be held in the ballroom next to it, Center Hall B. The tech program lectures and most of the workshops will be held in classrooms on the 4th floor of the facility. A few of the workshops will be in a meeting room in the administrative suite on the 3rd floor.

Parking

Underground parking is available at Meydenbauer Center. For other parking options in the area, click here: Area Public Parking Map

Transportation

Our conference venue is less than a block away from the Bellevue Transit Center where many bus routes stop. It is across the street from the For more information, visit the Metro Transit and Sound Transit websites to plan your trip by public transportation.

Questions regarding registration?

Please contact the WAEPS office at 206-956-3646 or email [email protected].

2026 Schedule

Session Descriptions

Online Registration has Closed.
You may register in person at Meydenbauer Convention Center on Friday, March 6.

For more information or questions

Please contact the WAEPS office at 206-956-3648 or email [email protected]

For Information about each of the other components of our annual meeting click below:

Physician Scientific CME Program

Ophthalmic Coding, Documentation, and Reimbursement Seminar