A CLOSER LOOK THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Beyond the Looking Glass lies a weekend of learning, connection, and discovery. Explore the courses designed to sharpen skills, expand perspective, and support your growth as an optician.
2026 Course Information
Some courses require an additional registration fee. Fees are listed within individual course descriptions.
▶ Saturday Education Sessions
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Description text goes hereExceeding patient expectations starts with a thriving team. This course explores how cultivating a strong company culture leads to improved patient outcomes, increased employee satisfaction, and enhanced overall practice performance. Attendees will learn how to align values, motivate teams, and lead with purpose—because every memorable patient experience starts with people who love where they work.
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This course explores the difference between vision impairment and low vision, including causes of vision loss and the lived experiences of those affected. Attendees will review services, tools, and strategies beyond traditional magnification that support independence and everyday living skills for individuals with low vision.
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This four-part education track explores the professional, clinical, and relational foundations of opticianry. Topics include professionalism, patient communication, ocular anatomy, and the art of guiding patients through lens and frame selection. Designed as a cohesive series, each session builds on the last to strengthen core opticianry knowledge and professional identity.
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This intermediate-level course focuses on effective frame inventory management in today’s competitive market. Topics include determining appropriate inventory levels, frame markup, product mix, ordering and re-ordering systems, discounting strategies, and managing frame returns. Designed for professionals involved in frame purchasing and dispensary operations.
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Today’s patients expect more than good service—they expect to feel seen, valued, and cared for at every step. This course helps opticians design intentional, loyalty-building experiences by identifying patient types, closing the expectation gap, and elevating each interaction. Attendees will learn how to turn everyday moments into meaningful brand impressions that drive satisfaction, referrals, and long-term retention.
Credit pending approval by ABO, NCLE, CPC, COPE, NYSSO, NY Opticians, and FL Opticianry.
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Item description coming soon
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Rx problem solving is both art and science. This course explores how subjective patient needs intersect with the laws of physics to influence successful outcomes. Attendees will learn how blending technical knowledge with practical insight helps eye care professionals stand out while delivering confident, accurate solutions.
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This course examines different types of lighting and the direction of light as they relate to visual performance and comfort. Attendees will also review ocular pathologies that may be impacted by insufficient or excessive light, with practical considerations for patient environments.
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This intermediate-level course strengthens eyewear adjustment and basic repair skills, covering frame alignment, adjustment techniques for plastic and metal frames, and solutions for common fitting challenges. Participants will also learn simple grooved rimless repair techniques for efficient, professional service.
This hands-on course requires an additional $25 registration fee.
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Prescribing is more than recommending a product—it is a pivotal moment in the patient experience. This course explores how choices, communication, and patient engagement shape understanding and trust, helping transform complex decisions into confident, patient-centered solutions.
▶ Exam Prep & Professional Development
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This preparatory course is designed to help attendees confidently prepare for the ABOC examination. The session reviews key opticianry concepts, terminology, and foundational knowledge commonly tested on the exam, reinforcing core principles and strengthening test-taking readiness for ABOC candidates.
The ABO Review Course requires an additional $50 registration fee and is not included with general convention registration.
▶ Sunday Education Sessions
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Kick off Sunday with an engaging panel discussion focused on timely topics impacting opticians today. This session brings together industry voices to share perspectives, answer questions, and spark conversation in a relaxed, open forum designed to encourage learning and connection.
Breakfast is included for registered attendees.
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See the world beyond the lens through immersive, hands-on experiences that reveal what blindness and low vision truly look like. This interactive session invites opticians to step into their patients’ shoes, building empathy, confidence, and practical skills to better support individuals with vision loss.
Additional registration required. Course fee of $50 supports Leader Dogs for the Blind.
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This Level 1 course explores the importance of eyelid and lash hygiene in ocular comfort and visual performance. Attendees will review lid anatomy, identify common hygiene concerns, learn cleansing methods, and gain practical strategies for patient education while maintaining appropriate scope of practice.
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This course reviews the differences between over-the-counter eye drops and medications versus prescription products. Attendees will gain insight into FDA protocols that determine whether products are approved for OTC sale or require a prescription, supporting informed patient guidance.

