Thank you to all those that attended our 2023 Spring Congress! Stayed tuned for details on 2024.

Get excited to join us again in Myrtle Beach this summer! Bring the whole family to enjoy fun in the sun, camaraderie with your fellow ODs, and the opportunity to earn your CE credits through a variety of lectures over the course of three days.

Dates: Friday, June 9 - Sunday, June 11, 2023

Location: Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, SC

Continuing Education: Earn 16 hours of COPE-Accredited CE. NCOS members have the opportunity to earn an additional 1 hour of general credit by attending the NCOS Business Meeting.

Cost :

*Students must sign up for volunteer shifts of CE scanning/monitoring in order to receive free registration! More info and a sign-up sheet will be sent closer to the event.

Highlights:

• An excellent lineup of OD and MD speakers
• Exhibit hall with 50+ exhibitors
• Friday evening Family Fun Night in the exhibit hall for attendees and their families
• NCOS Business Meeting, which will include the installation of new NCOS officers and trustees, on Saturday afternoon
• Celebration of NC Optometry on Saturday evening
• Partner meal functions
• New for 2023 - brand new pool deck, waterpark and brewery right on site, as well as newly-renovated suites! Check out the new renovations here!
• Located right on the beach!

Exhibitors: click here for exhibitor information

Agenda:

Friday, June 9

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast provided by NCOS

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Oculoplastics and Aesthetics, COPE Pending, Sumeet Jindal, MD (2 hours)
Description coming soon!

10:15 AM - 12:15 PM: Advanced Cataract Surgery Techniques and Options for Patients, COPE Pending, Sumeet Jindal, MD (2 hours)
Description coming soon!

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM:  Cryosurgery for Optometric Physicians, COPE 80815-SP, Richard Castillo, OD, DO (2 hours)
An introduction to Cryosurgery of the eyelids and periocular skin. Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive, non-aerosolizing method of dealing with a variety of periocular skin lesions. Discussion will address indications, technique, necessary equipment, potential complications, and post-procedure management. Billing and coding will also be discussed.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Exhibit Hall Opening Reception & Family Fun Night (open to all attendees along with spouses/significant others and children)
We invite you to join us in the Exhibit Hall for an evening of food, drinks and fun for all ages! Enjoy face painting, caricature artists, a balloon twisting stilt walker and more while enjoying social time with your fellow ODs, families and our fabulous exhibitors. Heavy appetizers and drinks (adult and kid-friendly!) will be provided.

Saturday, June 10

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast provided by NCOS 

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Non-melanocytic Eyelid Cancers: A Clinicopathologic Approach to Diagnosis, COPE Pending, Richard Castillo, OD, DO (2 hours)
This course will review the histology of normal skin, introduce the natural history of skin cancer, review common findings and the vocabulary of the pathology report, and give insights into biopsy interpretation and the histopathology of common benign and malignant lid lesions encountered in optometric practice.  

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Ice Cream Break Provided by NCOS

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: An Organized Approach to Differentiating Papilledema from Pseudo Papilledema, COPE 80269-NO, Jim Fanelli, OD, FAAO (2 hours)
This course takes a close look at the clinical findings associated with papilledema and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). A discussion of the pathophysiology and anatomic correlates of disc edema secondary to elevated ICP is had, along with clinical staging of papilledema. A significant portion of the lecture is spent discussing the OCT findings associated with papilledema and differentiating papilledema from pseudopapilledema.  Clinical cases are presented, specific neuro imaging protocols are discussed. And finally patient management is discussed.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1-understand the pathophysiology of the optic nerve when intracranial pressure is elevated
2-understand the clinical findings in vivo of papilledema
3-understand the staging of papilledema
4-understand the OCT findings seen in papilledema
5-understand the neuro imaging protocols associated with patients presenting with papilledema
6-understand the patient management in light of new information on IIH treatments

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch provided by NCOS 

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Utilization of Injections in Clinical Care, Cope 84811-IS, Jim Fanelli, OD, FAAO (2 hours)
This course takes a clinically oriented approach to utilizing injectable medications in eye care, discussing a variety of types of injections, as well as medications used either as primary therapy or adjunctive therapy. Indications for use, complications and expected outcomes are discussed at length.
Participants will be able to:
1-understand how injectable medications are absorbed
2-understand the pharmacology of certain injectable medications and how they affect absorption and efficacy
3-understand intradermal and subcutaneous injections
4-understand chalazion injections and how they differ from standard subcutaneous injections, as well as the proper way to administer them
5-understand intravenous injections and their clinical utility
6-understand intramuscular injections and the use of periocular botulinum toxin
7-understand the alternative procedures and therapeutic options to periocular injections
8-understand therapeutic dosing of periocular medications, complications and expected outcomes with appropriate follow up schedules
9-understand side effects of injectable medications and recognition of them

4:00 PM - 4:15 PM: North Carolina State Board of Examiners in Optometry Board Election (open to NC-licensed optometrists residing in North Carolina)
Join us at the conclusion of Saturday's General Session to elect who will be recommended for appointment to the NC State Board of Examiners in Optometry.

4:15 PM - 5:15 PM: NCOS Business Meeting (1 hour general credit, open to NCOS members)
Please join us for our annual business meeting where we will be discussing and voting on important matters of the Society. Hear reports from the outgoing President and Executive Director, vote on the proposed bylaws changes and annual budget, and elect and install your new officers and trustees.

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Celebration of NC Optometry (open to NCOS members and spouses/guests)
Join us for drinks and hors d'oeuvres to celebrate NC optometry at the new Black Drum Brewing! During the evening there will be remarks from the outgoing and incoming President, recognition of your new officers and trustees, our awards presentation, and the ceremonial passing of the gavel. Plus plenty of time to mingle with your fellow ODs. You won't want to miss it!

Sunday, June 11

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Addressing Contact Lens Dropout, Taking an Active Role in Keeping your Patients Happy in Contact Lenses, COPE 83497-CL, Mark Schaeffer, OD (2 hours)
Patients are still discontinuing contact lens wear at an alarming rate considering the advances in technology in the last 20 years. We will take an in-depth look at why it is happening, what we can do about it, and using cases how to make our patients happy. There’s more to this than simply changing lens materials or lens solutions!

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM: Ocular Emergencies, COPE 80780-GO, Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO (1 hour)
This lecture will discuss common ocular emergencies that a primary eye care practitioner may encounter. Case examples will emphasize clinically relevant information for the diagnosis and treatment of various sight-threatening and life-threatening conditions.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Uveitis, COPE 83499-SD, Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO (1 hour)
Uveitis is one of the most common diagnoses in a primary care optometry practice. This course discusses the systemic origins, patients' risk factors and current treatment options. The course, also, highlights several rare cases of uveitis.

Speakers:


Richard Castillo, OD, DO
Tahlequah, OK

Dr. Castillo is a graduate of the NSU College of Optometry (OD) as well as the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery (DO), where he completed a Residency in Ophthalmology. He has been NSUs principle surgeon, and a clinical professor since 1999. He also serves as Assistant Dean overseeing the surgical training program, as well as optometrists and students in the University s Ophthalmic Surgery Service. He is a founding faculty (1999) of NSU-OCO's renowned Advanced Procedures course lecturing extensively, both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Castillo has authored several textbook chapters, is co-chair of the AOA's Contemporary Practice Task Force, current President of the American Society of Optometric Surgeons, past-chair of the National Commission for Vision and Health, and chaired past committees for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. He is a member of the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Service Corps. Dr. Castillo is a recipient of the 2021 AOA's Special Service Award, the OAOP's 2017 Distinguished Service Award, and a Special Citation (2014) from the Oklahoma House of Representatives for outstanding contributions to the advancement of surgical care in Oklahoma.


James Fanelli, OD, FAAO
Wilmington, NC

Dr. Fanelli is originally from suburban Philadelphia and attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He has been in private practice since that time in coastal North Carolina, specializing in ocular disease management. He is the founder and clinical and medical director of the Cape Fear Eye Institute in Wilmington, NC. He has lectured extensively around the globe on a wide variety of topics dealing primarily with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. He has developed a course for certifying OD’s in the use of injections in primary eye care that has been used by several states, and was the first optometrist to teach injections procedures at national meetings in the USA. 

Dr. Fanelli is a Contributing Editor for Review of Optometry and is the author of the bi-monthly Glaucoma Grand Rounds column. He is a past President of the North Carolina State Board of Examiners in Optometry. He is also a past Trustee of the North Carolina Optometric Society, where he served as Continuing Education Chair. He serves as chair of the EyeSki Optometric Conference and the CE in Italy/Europe Conference. He is an adjunct faculty member of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences and UAB School of Optometry.

Sumeet Jindal, MD
Raleigh, NC

An Oxford native, Sumeet graduated from JF Webb and was accepted into medical school right out of high school at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. After completing a combined BS/MD/MBA, he went on to do a post-doctoral fellowship at Duke in the medical retina department. His ophthalmic surgery training was completed at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he completed a record number of cataract surgeries. He then underwent further specialized fellowship training in Oculoplastic and Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Orlando, Fl, where he completed a high volume of eyelid and facial cosmetic surgeries, as well as nonsurgical cosmetic procedures and hair restoration.

Dr. Sumeet Jindal is passionate about providing the best care to his patients, back in his hometown of Oxford and Raleigh, NC. Dr. Jindal is also the head surgeon at JIYA Facial Cosmetic Surgery.

Mark Schaeffer, OD
Birmingham, AL

Dr. Mark Schaeffer serves as Clinical Field Manager at MyEyeDr in Birmingham, Alabama where he practices full scope optometry. In addition to his clinical work, he is affiliated with several pharmaceutical companies in consulting for ocular disease and contact lenses. Dr. Schaeffer is the author of multiple articles that have appeared in various journals. He has served as a moderator for EyeTubeOD and has given several COPE-approved presentations. He is a Founding Member of the Intrepid Eye Society, and is a member of the Alabama and American Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry and the Contact Lens and Cornea Section. Dr. Schaeffer earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from University of Georgia, his Doctor of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry, and completed a residency in Ocular Disease at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida.

Room Block:

Get ready for some exciting new developments at our favorite property in Myrtle Beach! A huge renovation to the pool area, including cabanas and hammocks, as well as a fabulous new pool deck with all-new chaise lounges and daybeds will be the perfect spot to relax during the day. The new oceanview firepits will be a welcome hangout spot for breezy evening cocktails. The new restaurant and tap house, Black Drum Brewing, will even deliver your food and drinks poolside. The kids will be wowed by the newly-designed Splash! Waterpark (featuring two separate parks for older and younger kids!), which is sure to keep them entertained. Additionally, all guest rooms at the Embassy Suites have been renovated and refreshed. Take a sneak peek here.

A room block is available at the Embassy Suites hotel and at the Kingston Plantation Condos & Villas. Oceanview rooms at the Embassy Suites start at $271/night. Kingston Plantation villas start at $201/night (one, two, and three bedroom villas available). Kingston Plantation oceanview condos (two and three bedroom condos available) start at $330/night. Room reservations are available until the room block closes on May 7 or when the room block sells out, whichever occurs first. Hotel information and the group reservation link will be provided in your confirmation email. 

To make your room reservations in our block, CLICK HERE. This is our specialized group reservations page; no code is needed.

Alternately, you may call the hotel at (800) 876-0010 and identify yourself as attendees of North Carolina Optometric Society. Press option 1 for Kingston Plantation Condos and Villas (mention group code "RIC"). Press option 2 for the Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach Resort (mention group code "NCO").

Cancellation Policy:

Cancelations received before April 30, 2023 will be entitled to a full refund. Cancellations received between May 1 and May 31, 2023 will be entitled to a 50% refund. Cancellations received after May 31, 2023 will not be entitled to a refund.

Meeting and Event Policies: click here 

For questions, contact Christy Santacana, Meetings Coordinator, at (919) 977-6964 or [email protected].