Winter Conference
December 6 & 7, 2025
Our Winter Conference 2025 will be held in person at the Fawcett Center (2400 Olentangy River Road 43210). Parking is free.
We will offer 7 hours of education each day, along with tea and coffee in the morning and a boxed lunch in the afternoon. The cost will be $50 per hour.
Registration
ALL registration must be completed online.
In an effort to be eco-friendly and streamline our attendance reporting processes, the College of Optometry is eliminating paper attendance sheets at all in-person Continuing Education events effective May 1, 2024. At in-person Continuing Education events, we will collect attendance via QR codes or individualized web links. Both options will be available when you check in.
OE Tracker Number Needed
These courses are not COPE approved, so we will not use the OE Tracker app to submit your completed courses. However, we will provide a QR code after each lecture to record attendance and receive course evaluations. We will upload attendance to OE Tracker for each lecture early the following week. You must enter your OE Tracker number after every lecture, so make sure you know that number!
Registration is now open!
Use the link below to go to our online enrollment page to register and purchase full conference, one-day, and/or half day attendance options. If you have any questions/issues with this new, university provided, online registration system, please reach out to us at CE@optometry.osu.edu.
Income from the conference will be used to fund several college initiatives. Thank you for your support of our college!
2025 Winter Conference Agenda
Saturday, December 6
Vision Matters: Understanding Dementia’s Impact on Vision
Dr. Vondolee Delgado-Nixon
Abstract: This session will focus on helping optometrists deepen their understanding of the complex relationship between dementia and vision. This presentation will help the clinician understand the various types of dementia, with a focus on Lewy Body dementia, Parkinsonism, and Alzheimer’s disease. Attendees will learn about the regions of the brain responsible for vision and visual processing, the pathophysiology of dementia, the vision changes expected with dementia and link these regions to the common presentations associated with dementia. The talk will also address challenges to eye health, vision, and visuospatial processing, providing practical strategies for mitigating these challenges. Finally, the presentation will provide cutting-edge, evidence-based strategies that are being studied to decrease dementia-causing disease processes.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Delgado-Nixon joined the faculty at The Ohio State University in 2001 and is a Professor of Practice. She enjoys teaching pathophysiology and working with students. Her teaching has been recognized by the university with the Provost's Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2015, induction into The Ohio State University's Academy of Teaching, and by earning an Ohio State University Teaching Endorsement in 2019. Her teaching efforts have also been nationally recognized as a leading educator by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation in 2023 and by being awarded the Betty Harville Educator of the Year by the National Optometric Association in 2024. Dr. Delgado-Nixon is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and enjoys providing continuing education at local and national meetings.
50 minutes
Category: Neuro-optometry
The Eye of the Storm: The Hidden Connections between Stress and Ocular Disease
Dr. Vondolee Delgado-Nixon
Abstract: This interactive session is designed to provide optometrists with the opportunity to explore the intricate connections between stress and ocular health. This evidence-based talk will delve into the mechanisms that link stress to the most common ocular and systemic conditions diagnosed in practice, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. We will discuss how various stressors, such as socioeconomic status, trauma, gender, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), alter gene expression and cause dysfunction of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA). Insight into how HPA dysfunction causes chronic inflammation, ultimately contributing to the development of ocular and systemic disease. Insights on stress and health will be integrated throughout to provide a comprehensive understanding of these complex interactions and offer strategies for holistic care to enhance compassionate care.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Delgado-Nixon joined the faculty at The Ohio State University in 2001 and is a Professor of Practice. She enjoys teaching pathophysiology and working with students. Her teaching has been recognized by the university with the Provost's Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2015, induction into The Ohio State University's Academy of Teaching, and by earning an Ohio State University Teaching Endorsement in 2019. Her teaching efforts have also been nationally recognized as a leading educator by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation in 2023 and by being awarded the Betty Harville Educator of the Year by the National Optometric Association in 2024. Dr. Delgado-Nixon is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and enjoys providing continuing education at local and national meetings.
50 minutes
Category: Systemic Disease
Orthokeratology: Indications, Fitting, and Troubleshooting: Is this the right patient candidate?
Dr. Aaron Zimmerman, Dr. Nicky Lai, and Dr. Amy Zheng
Abstract: This two-hour session explores clinical indications for overnight orthokeratology contact lenses in the correction of myopia and astigmatism. Patient selection, fitting guidelines, examination, and follow-up strategies will be presented. Clinical cases will demonstrate troubleshooting for lens fit and vision issues. The use of Orthokeratology lenses in myopia management will also be discussed.
Speaker Bios:
Aaron Zimmerman is a clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. He teaches the advanced contact lens course, the laser, injections, and minor surgical procedures course, and is the contact lens service chief. He is a diplomate of the Cornea, Contact Lenses, and Refractive Technologies section of the American Academy of Optometry. He as a member of the Contact Lens Assessment in Youth study group and has authored or co-authored several peer-reviewed articles involving contact lens adverse events. He represents the American Optometric Association on the ASC-Z80 committee and is an ANSI representative for ISO 18369-1.
Nicky Lai is currently a Clinical Professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. He received his Doctor of Optometry and Masters in Vision Science from OSU in 2003. He is the instructor for the Contact Lens Laboratory and Advanced Contact Lens lab. He currently serves as Chair of the Admissions Committee and was previously the Chief of the Contact Lens Service at the OSU College of Optometry main clinic.
Dr. Amy Zheng completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, before earning her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Optometry. She is currently pursuing residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses at The Ohio State University. Her clinical interests include specialty contact lenses, with a particular focus on orthokeratology and myopia control
100 minutes
Category: Contact Lenses
Lunch
50 minutes
Primary Care Optometry Referral Patterns
Dr. Megan Shirey
Abstract: Responsibilities of a primary care optometrist include referring to ophthalmology colleagues for specialty and/or surgical intervention. Effective education and reassurance with diagnoses and their appropriate referral timelines will put patients at ease while awaiting their next appointment. Covered topics will enhance triage confidence in communicating with referral sources.
Speaker Bio: Megan Shirey, OD, FAAO is an assistant clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. She currently serves as an attending in the Primary Care, Advanced Ocular Care, and Upper Arlington clinics and teaches in the ocular techniques labs. She earned a Bachelor of Science at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, followed by a Doctor of Optometry at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) in Memphis, Tennessee. Following graduation from SCO in 2016, she completed a residency in primary care and ocular disease at the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She is a member of the American Academy of Optometry, the Ohio Optometric Association, and the American Optometric Association.
50 minutes
Category: General Optometry
From Clinic to Classroom: Helping Students Succeed with Vision Accommodations
Dr. Chad Killen and Dr. Abby Witmer
Abstract: This one-hour lecture will review the types of school accommodation plans—specifically, IEPs and 504 plans—and explore how primary care optometrists can provide effective recommendations to support students' educational needs. We will discuss various low vision and binocular vision conditions commonly seen in school-aged kids. An overview of these case studies will illustrate how to interpret examination findings and synthesize comprehensive reports for a student’s educational team.
Speaker Bios:
Dr. Chad Killen was born and raised in Camden, Delaware. He attended Gettysburg College where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences. He went on to receive his Doctor of Optometry degree from The Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. After completing a one-year residency in Low Vision Rehabilitation/Ocular Disease he served as a faculty member at his alma mater. As of May 2025, he is a Clinical Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry seeing patients in the low vision, advanced ocular disease, and Pickerington clinics.
Abigail Witmer joined the faculty at The Ohio State University College of Optometry as an Assistant Clinical Professor in July 2024. She primarily works as a clinical attending in the Pediatrics, Binocular Vision, and Primary Vision Care Clinics. Additionally, Dr. Witmer provides one day a week direct patient care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She completed a Pediatric Optometry residency at University of Alabama Birmingham and is a 2023 graduate from The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Abigail completed her undergraduate degree at Pennsylvania State University, The Behrend College in Erie, PA, where she competed as a Division III swimmer. Abigail grew up in Herndon, VA, outside of Washington D.C., where her family still resides.
50 minutes
Category: Functional Vision
Pain without Stain: Lessons Learned from TBI and Dry Eye Co-management
Dr. Danielle Orr
Abstract: This one-hour lecture will investigate the connection between dry eye syndrome and traumatic brain injury, and the diagnostic and treatment complexities that occur when optometrists confront “pain without stain”. Clinical cases will be introduced from the perspective of managing dry eye in patients with a history of traumatic brain injury. Discussion of the overlapping symptomology between dry eye and binocular vision disorders, examination strategies to identify pathology, current management paradigms, and an overview of new research on neuropathic pain in dry eye will provide updates on how best to manage these patients.
Speaker Bio: Danielle J. Orr, OD, MS, FAAO, is an Assistant Clinical Professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2017 from the same institution, along with a concurrent MS degree in Vision Science. Dr. Orr completed a residency in Primary Vision Care and Ocular Disease from the Columbus VAACC and Chillicothe VA Medical Centers in 2018. She is the Chief of the Advanced Ocular Care Clinic, overseeing the instructions of third-year interns in this service and striving to offer the best care in ocular disease. Dr. Orr is the instructor of record for the Advanced Ocular Care Techniques laboratory course, where she teaches techniques such as gonioscopy, scleral depression, dilation, and irrigation to second-year optometry students.
50 minutes
Category: Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease
Sunday, December 7
Getting the most out of OCT-angiography (OCTA)
Dr. Nick Fogt
Abstract: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) allows for a highly magnified view of the retinal and choroidal vasculature. This course will cover the interpretation of OCTA, the advantages and disadvantages of OCTA compared to fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography, and the specific disorders for which OCTA improves diagnosis and management.
Speaker Bio: Nick Fogt is a professor at the Ohio State University College of Optometry. He teaches the optometry course in posterior segment disease and a graduate course in eye movements. His research is in the areas of eye movements, binocular vision, and sports vision.
50 minutes
Category: Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease
Driving with age-related eye disease
Dr. Rebecca Deffler
Abstract: This course aims to improve attendees’ understanding of the complex relationships among vision and driving. We will discuss components of the published literature on the impact of age-related eye disease and vision loss on driving, including key findings related to glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. Patient cases will be presented to enhance understanding and encourage critical thinking about the nuanced challenges in assessing driving safety and legality, as well as to discuss strategies for patient interviewing and evaluation
Speaker Bio: Rebecca Deffler received her optometry degree from New England College of Optometry in Boston (2017), completed advanced clinical training in Low Vision Rehabilitation at OSU (2017-2019), and earned her PhD in Vision Science from The Ohio State University (2024). Her research interests include interactions among vision and driving and novel care delivery models for low vision rehabilitation. She supervises fourth-year optometry students in the Low Vision clinic at the College and teaches the first-year Geometric Optics course.
50 minutes
Category: General Optometry
A Practical Approach to Myopia Control in the Primary Care Setting
Dr. Ann Morrison
Abstract: There are a lot of ways to approach myopia control treatment, and there are a lot of differing opinions on what is best for patient care. This talk will review the most up-to-date literature on myopia control, the treatment modalities currently available for your patients, what to expect in the future, and advice on how to incorporate clinical evidence into clinical practice.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Ann Morrison is currently appointed as an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Her primary research focus is in refractive error development and emmetropization in infants. Specifically, she is learning if early refractive correction can enhance the emmetropization process in highly farsighted infants. Dr. Morrison is also involved with important collaborative research projects involving intermittent exotropia, amblyopia, myopia control, visual sequelae after acquired brain injuries, and accommodation. She is a licensed optometrist and focuses most of her clinical care in pediatrics, binocular vision disorders, and vision therapy, and currently attends in the Binocular Vision and Pediatric Vision Services Clinic. Dr. Morrison teaches clinical diagnosis and management of strabismus in our optometric curriculum and is an active member in the American Academy of Optometry, American Optometric Association, National Optometric Association, and the Ohio Optometric Association.
50 minutes
Category: Functional Vision/Pediatrics
Esotropia in Adults: Assessment & Treatment
Drs. Michelle Buckland, Ann Morrison, Andrew Toole, and Doug Widmer
Abstract: A rapid-fire lecture where four cases of adult esotropia that responded to different treatment modalities will be presented. The lecture will discuss patient assessments along with diagnoses and treatment plans.
Speaker Bios: Dr. Michelle J. Buckland is an Associate Professor of Clinical Optometry at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where she also serves as Chief of the Vision Therapy Service and Binocular Vision/Pediatric Residency Coordinator. She earned both her Doctor of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) degrees from Ohio State, completing her training through the university’s Pediatric and Binocular Vision Advanced Practice Fellowship. Her clinical and academic expertise lies in pediatric optometry, binocular vision disorders, and vision therapy. She is actively engaged in clinical research, contributing to studies on amblyopia, myopia management, convergence insufficiency, and concussion-related visual dysfunction.
Dr. Ann Morrison is currently appointed as an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Her primary research focus is in refractive error development and emmetropization in infants. Specifically, she is learning if early refractive correction can enhance the emmetropization process in highly farsighted infants. Dr. Morrison is also involved with important collaborative research projects involving intermittent exotropia, amblyopia, myopia control, visual sequelae after acquired brain injuries, and accommodation. She is a licensed optometrist and focuses most of her clinical care in pediatrics, binocular vision disorders, and vision therapy and currently attends in the Binocular Vision and Pediatric Vision Services Clinic. Dr. Morrison teaches clinical diagnosis and management of strabismus in our optometric curriculum and is an active member in the American Academy of Optometry, American Optometric Association, National Optometric Association, and the Ohio Optometric Association.
50 minutes
Category: Functional Vision/Pediatrics
Lunch
50 minutes
First Looks, Fast Decisions: Triage and Managing Urgencies and Emergencies in Eyecare
Dr. Bhawan Minhas
Abstract: This interactive course reviews the principles of triage and targeted problem-based testing in the evaluation of acute ocular presentations. Emphasis will be placed on efficient decision-making strategies that guide diagnosis and management in urgent and emergent scenarios. Topics will include red eye presentations, acute diplopia, and ocular trauma, with case examples illustrating practical approaches for timely and effective care.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Bhawan Minhas, originally from Calgary, Canada, earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2013, followed by a residency in primary care and ocular disease at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). She went on to serve at PCO for over a decade as faculty, Director of On-campus Residency Programs, and finally Associate Dean of Accelerated Programs. Dr. Minhas currently practices at an OD/MD private practice in Pennsylvania and has extensive clinical experience in primary eye care and ocular disease management, particularly in urgent and emergent care.
50 minutes
Category: Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease
Unmasking the Unusual: OCT Interpretation for Atypical Optic Nerves
Dr. Bhawan Mihas
Abstract: This course explores the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the evaluation and management of optic nerve pathology, with emphasis on recognizing anatomical variations and avoiding common pitfalls in interpretation. Through a case-based approach, participants will learn to critically analyze conventional OCT reports, identify sources of error, and apply findings to clinical decision-making. Practical examples will highlight how careful interpretation can refine diagnostic accuracy and improve patient care.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Bhawan Minhas, originally from Calgary, Canada, earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2013, followed by a residency in primary care and ocular disease at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). She went on to serve at PCO for over a decade as faculty, Director of On-campus Residency Programs, and finally Associate Dean of Accelerated Programs. Dr. Minhas currently practices at an OD/MD private practice in Pennsylvania and has extensive clinical experience in primary eye care and ocular disease management, particularly in urgent and emergent care.
100 minutes
Category: Neuro-optometry
Cancellation
Cancellation requests must be received by email at CE@optometry.osu.edu. For requests received by the Optometry Office of Continuing Education five (5) or more business days prior to the event, 100% of your payment will be refunded. If a refund is requested within four days of the conference, those fees will not be refunded but can be applied to a future conference for a period of up to one year. For no-calls/no-shows on the training/event date or any time after the event begins, no refunds or transfers will be provided.