For the past three years, Review of Optometry has been making the trek across the Atlantic Ocean to the beautiful island of Bermuda for a long weekend of outstanding education and, equally important, an amazing vacation. The annual tradition has been such a hit that it made sense to add another annual summer conference on another shore. This year, for the first time, Review took its outstanding group of educators across the Pacific to the beautiful beaches of Maui, where attendees enjoyed the many amenities and activities offered at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa.


Nearly 200 doctors and 125 guests traveled from neighboring Hawaiian islands as well as 34 mainland states for a long weekend filled with fun, family, friends and, of course, education. The COPE-approved courses, led by some of optometrys biggest names, ended by noon every morning, leaving the rest of the day for leisure and family fun.


Some attendees rested at the adult pool, while others enjoyed watching their kids race down the waterslide. And, of course, no trip to Maui would be complete without at least a few afternoons at the beachKaanapali beach is a must-see!


A few steps away from the sprawling resort, guests enjoyed some of Mauis best shopping and fantastic laid-back, resort-style dining. Review also hosted two evening cocktail receptions under the setting sun.


But, the attendees did not forget what they came for: a CE program so remarkable that only Review of Optometry could provide it.


The education program consisted of seven tracks. By attending all the courses, attendees could earn 14 CE credits at the meeting.


The program kicked off on Thursday, June 14, with the Refractive Surgery Track. Optometrists Sondra Black and James Owen presented Want Great Outcomes for LASIK? Refer the Perfect Patient. The evening ended with a welcome reception under the stars.


But, it was off to an early start Friday morning, with optometrist Jeff Gerson, who presented a course entitled AMD from A to Z . Then, optometrists Paul Karpecki and Tammy Than led the remainder of the days education during the popular Ocular Surface Disease Track.


Saturday was off to a good start with The Red Eye Triangle: Infection, Dry Eye and Allergy, which was taught by co-chairs Paul Karpecki and Jack Schaeffer. Dr. Than stepped in later that morning to co-present Our Favorite Cases.


Sunday, of course, arrvived all too quickly. But, optometrist Ian Ben Gaddie kept everyone in good spirits with an outstanding presentation entitled Glaucoma from the Trenches. Drs. Gerson and Karpecki later joined him for the meetings grand finale: High Tech Tools & Toys.


The combination of great people, a great location and unparalleled education made the meeting a huge success and, truly, an event to remember.


Stay tuned for a roundup of the Bermuda meeting in the September issue, and keep an eye on the magazines Meetings + Conferences page for details on 2008 meeting locations. Or, contact Lois DiDomenico at ldidomenico@jobson.com, or call (610) 492-1018.




Vol. No: 144:08Issue: 8/15/2007