AUTUMN '26 CE & ANNUAL MEETING

MULTI-DAY FLAGSHIP EVENT- REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

About the Location | 125 Years of Optometry |First-class CE | Registration Details| Paraoptometric Program (Saturday)

Room Block Information| For Our Out of State Guests | NH Fall Foliage | Saturday Celebration Only

125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OPTOMETRY

In October 2026, the New Hampshire Optometric Association will celebrate its 125th Anniversary with a special gathering at Portsmouth’s iconic Wentworth by the Sea.

Surrounded by peak fall foliage and the classic New England coastline, the setting offers a perfect backdrop for our celebration. The weekend will bring colleagues together to reconnect, strengthen relationships, and enjoy the camaraderie that has defined NHOA for more than a century. 

The NHOA Events Committee is planning an exceptional weekend for everyone. 

• First-class, timely, relevant COPE-approved CE 
• Saturday Paraoptometric Program (4 hours of timely relevant education) 
• Celebration of Optometry
• What to Expect - Schedule of Events 
  • Friday - Lunch, Afternoon CE, networking, Toast to Optometry
  • Saturday - 6 Hours of CE, networking breaks, lunch, Celebration of Optometry
  • Sunday - 4 hours of CE, NHOA Annual Meeting Brunch

REGISTER TODAY!

To stay up to date on all things related to NHOA’s 125th Anniversary celebration, we invite you to join our anniversary mailing list. Subscribers will receive timely updates on when registration opens, CE lectures are announced, social events are finalized, and other special weekend offerings as they take shape. It’s the easiest way to stay in the loop as plans unfold for this milestone celebration.

STAY UP TO DATE - JOIN OUR EVENT MAILING LIST

ABOUT THE LOCATION - Wentworth by the Sea, Portsmouth, NH 

Set along the New Hampshire coastline, the property blends historic charm with a sense of timelessness – much like the profession of optometry itself. For generations, optometrists have balanced tradition with innovation, and this venue reflects that same spirit. With sweeping ocean views, crisp fall air, and the unmistakable character of coastal New England, it offers a setting that feels both reflective and forward-looking – the ideal backdrop to honor where the profession has been and where it’s headed.

NHOA looks forward to welcoming colleagues from across the region and beyond for what promises to be a memorable weekend. October in Portsmouth brings peak foliage, vibrant energy, and a natural sense of gathering – a perfect environment to reconnect, share ideas, and celebrate together. Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us from out of state, this anniversary event is an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, enjoy meaningful conversation, and be part of something that truly honors the strength and community of optometry.

ROOM BLOCK INFORMATION

BOOK YOUR ROOM (Direct Link)

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF OPTOMETRY - A Generational Celebration of 125 years of Optometry in New Hampshire

More than a CE weekend, this weekend will be a celebration of optometry, connection, and 125 years of NHOA history. Along with a strong education program, attendees can look forward to time together in one of New Hampshire’s most memorable settings. Additional weekend details, including social and anniversary celebration plans, will be shared here as they are finalized.

Be part of the celebration!

** Interested in only attending the Celebration of Optometry on Saturday night?  Click here to join us!

FOR DOCTORS:  FIRST-CLASS, TIMELY, RELEVANT, COPE-ACCREDITED CE

FRIDAY - Frances Bynum, OD

Chasing the “Benjamins”: Billing & Coding Bootcamp 2026 - This course provides optometrists with an up-to-date review of medical billing and coding changes relevant to eye care in 2026. It emphasizes compliance, proper documentation, and optimization strategies for CPT, ICD-10, and E/M coding. Attendees will gain tools to reduce billing errors, enhance reimbursements, and navigate audits effectively. (Bynum, 101504-PM, 2 hours)

ERG: Integrating Electroretinography into Everyday Optometric Practice - Understanding electroretinography (ERG) Practical cases where ERGs help aid in diagnosis and/or management. Discussion of Diabetic Retinal Score to monitor diabetes. Billing and Coding. Develop a system to implement ERG technology in optometry practice protocols. (Bynum, 105463-GO, 1 hour) 

SATURDAY - Frances Bynum, OD & Roya Attar, OD

Horrible, Terrible, No Good Bad Day with Your Eye: Challenges (Opportunities) in Primary Eye Care When the Patient has a Problem aka Bad Eye Day - This course is designed to present information pertaining challenges (and opportunities) we have as primary care eye doctors even when the patient has a “terrible, horrible, no good bad day” with their eyes! The case presentation will be common cases seen in most optometry practices including diagnosing, treating, and billing and coding. These cases will include eye diseases such as corneal abrasion, recurrent corneal erosion, retinal detachment, glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataract, and various retinal and corneal problems….a candid discussion of prescribing challenges, such as cost, Prior Authorizations; discussion of alternative treatments such as Low-Level Light therapy, IPL, amniotic membranes, punctal plugs; this lecture is intended to interactive with the audience. (Bynum, 105876-SD, 1 hour) * 

“What the Inflammation?” Understanding Ocular Inflammatory Disease - Ocular inflammation is a common and potentially vision-threatening finding encountered in everyday optometric practice. Early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention are essential to preserving vision and identifying underlying systemic disease. This one-hour, case-based course provides a practical approach to evaluating patients presenting with ocular inflammation, emphasizing differentiation of common inflammatory conditions affecting the anterior and posterior segments. It will review the clinical signs, diagnostic work-up, and evidence-based management of conditions including episcleritis, scleritis, anterior uveitis, keratitis, and selected posterior segment inflammatory diseases. (105464-SD, 1 hour)

Inherited Retinal Disease: Recognizing Genetic Clues, Avoiding Diagnostic Pitfalls, and Using Genetic Testing in Clinical Practice - This presentation reviews the challenges of diagnosing inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), addressing genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic variability. Attendees will learn how to implement genetic testing and other strategies to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Current breakthroughs in treatments and therapies, including gene-specific treatments and clinical trial advancements will also be discussed.  (Attar, 107232-TD, 1 hour)

When Injured Eyes Knock - This course provides a comprehensive review of chemical and mechanical ocular injuries, emphasizing rapid assessment, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based management. Case-based scenarios highlight clinical decision-making, complications, and long-term sequelae affecting visual outcomes. (Attar, 104239-TD, 2 hours)

Next-Generation Retinal Care: Emerging Therapies and Best Practices for Modern Co-Management - This lecture explores advancements in retinal care, including gene therapies and innovative treatments. Attendees will learn about emerging therapies and strategies for effective collaboration and co-management to enhance patient outcomes. (Attar, 104235-TD, 2 hours)

SUNDAY - Joseph Thimons, O.D.

The ABC's of Treating Corneal Disease - This course will review the latest advances in Anterior Segment disease diagnosis and therapy. Special emphasis will be placed on the integration of the technology into primary care practice. (Thimons, 101625-TD,   1 hour) 

Neuro-Optometric exam - This course is designed to review the basic elements of a neuro-ophthalmic exam and its role in the Primary Eye Care practice. (Thimons, 101624-NO, 1 hour)

Glaucoma Update - Glaucoma is a constantly evolving space that requires clinicians to stay abreast of multiple modalities of therapy. This course will review the latest developments in diagnostics, therapeutics and surgical therapies that are available. Special emphasis will be placed on the integration of these advancements into the primary care Optometry practice. (Thimons, 106879-GL, 2 hours) 

Registration Is Open!

REGISTER TODAY!

* "Early bird catches the warm" fleece available to NHOA/AOA Members registering by 9/15/2026.  Nonmembers are warmly welcomed and encouraged to attend this special weekend. Join the NHOA community and experience firsthand the strength, energy and camaraderie of Granite State optometry.

The non-member registration rate is two times the applicable AOA member rate.

Paraoptometric Education Program - Saturday (4 hours)

A great new addition is coming to this year’s NHOA weekend. Based on member feedback received through our survey process, NHOA is pleased to offer a dedicated 4-hour paraoptometric education program held concurrently with Saturday’s OD education schedule.  

This program is designed to strengthen the daily work of today’s optometric office and support the professionals who play such a critical role in helping doctors deliver first-class eye care in communities across New Hampshire.

Paraoptometric attendees will also be eligible to attend the Saturday reception, making this a meaningful opportunity for education, connection and team-building.

The NHOA committee is excited to bring this program forward, and NHOA members are encouraged to rally behind the effort. Strengthening the optometric and paraoptometric community benefits our practices, our teams, our patients and the profession as a whole.

The four hour program is expected to begin at 1:00 p.m.  [pending final confirmation]

LEARN MORE - PARAOPTOMETRIC REGISTRATION

Coming in from out of Town?

Traveling to Portsmouth  is easier than many out-of-state visitors may expect. The Wentworth by the Sea area is roughly one hour from both Boston Logan International Airport and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with Boston offering the widest range of national flight options and Manchester providing a smaller, easy-to-navigate airport experience.

Once on the road, visitors can expect a scenic New England drive into New Hampshire’s Seacoast region, with Portsmouth offering historic charm, coastal views, excellent restaurants, and the likelihood of beautiful fall foliage along the way. Whether you are flying in for just the weekend or extending your stay, Portsmouth is a very doable and rewarding destination for a memorable, productive and celebratory weekend!

Peak Foliage Map - VisitNH.gov

** Program remains to subject to change 

About the Location | 125 Years of Optometry |First-class CE | Registration Details| Paraoptometric Program (Saturday)

Room Block Information| For Our Out of State Guests | NH Fall Foliage | Saturday Celebration Only

Thank you for supporting NHOA programming!