AUTUMN '26 CE & ANNUAL MEETING
Celebrating 125 years of the NHOA and its membership
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 NHOA 125th Paraoptometric PROGRAM
About the Location | 125 Years of Optometry | Group Pricing | Room Block Information| For Our Out of State Guests | NH Fall Foliage
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.
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. Help build important momentum!Strengthening the optometric and paraoptometric community benefits us all.
The four hour program is expected to begin at 12:00 p.m. [pending final confirmation]
The NHOA Events Committee is planning an exceptional paraoptometric program designed for everyone.
- First-class, timely CE
- Celebration of Optometry - paras invited to join the celebration!
- What to Expect - Schedule of Events (posting soon)
- Saturday - 4 Hours CE program, networking breaks, lunch, Celebration of Optometry
Lecturer: Beverly Roberts, CPOT, ABOC
The Ultimate team member (Includes an exercise to that back and use with all of the staff that did not attend) - This class will allow everyone who attends to design their idea of an ultimate team member. This will be done by using the attributes of each person in their group. They will name their UTM and tell how she performs at work based on their design of her. The outcome is everyone realizes their personal value in the TRUE development of the UTM. (PM-XXXX-26 pending, 1 hour)
Customer Service 101 - Primary objectives for customer service are to be a customer’s advocate and champion. How does this fit into patient care? We will learn skills needed to provide great customer service in today’s world. We will see how the trends in our offices have changed and ways we can better meet the needs of our patients. Good customer service brings in patients, but GREAT customer service keeps them! (PM-0025-26, 1 hour)
Leadership Development - Leadership is the most valuable tool in the growth of the paraoptometric profession. Choosing a leader starts as early as the hiring process in an office. Those staff who have natural leadership skills will excel in office and grow to be the leaders that move Para-optometry forward nationally. (PM-XXXX-26 pending, 1 hour)
Brain Aerobics - This course will allow us to learn which side of the brain is dominant for us, apply Exercises to learn to use both sides of the brain to work to our maximum potential and help us to understand the way our co-workers think to create a more positive work environment. (PM-0038-24, 1 hour)
Registration Fee: $100 ($75 for each additional registrant)
IMPORTANT NOTE As we work to grow and expand the paraoptometric organization in our state, it is necessary for AOA staff in each practice to enroll in AOA Paraoptometric Membership (free to join for AOA member offices). Doing so is the only way to register for NHOA-sponsored events and to activate the “group/volume discount” registration savings.
The NHOA highly encourages member offices to register paraoptometric staff at one time and AFTER reviewing the step by step registration instructions (linked below). Simply stated, appoint one lead para in the office to complete the registration. Doing so will ensure the member offices can achieve the group discounts being offered.
STEP BY STEP REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for joining us; We look forward to seeing you in Portsmouth!
Save more when you register multiple paraoptometric staff members from the same office. Group discounts are automatically applied during registration.
| Number of Registrants | Total Cost | Savings |
| 1 | $100 | — |
| 2 | $175 | Save $25 |
| 3 | $250 | Save $50 |
| 4 | $325 | Save $75 |
| 5 | $400 | Save $100 |
| 6 | $475 | Save $125 |
| 7 | $550 | Save $150 |
| 8 | $625 | Save $175 |
| 9 | $700 | Save $200 |
| 10 | $775 | Save $225 |
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.
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.
Be part of the celebration!
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
Thank you for supporting NHOA programming!
Contact: Timothy Bonin
