Eyes on 2026 (EO26), Eyes On Eyecare’s largest virtual eyecare event of the year, launched last week with record-setting attendance records among eyecare professionals (ECPs) across the globe.
Did you miss the two-day affair? Not to worry—we’ve got the highlights here.
Give me a little rundown first.
Kicking off Nov. 14 and 15, over 3,200 ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other ECPs tuned in to live (and semi-live) online sessions presented by the industry’s leading clinical professionals.
- The theme for this year: The Next Year of Eyecare Excellence.
Who were these presenters?
A total of 15 ECPs presented during the event’s Clinical Track:
- Carolyn Majcher, OD, FAAO, FORS
- Cory J. Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO
- Dave Kading, OD, FAAO, FCLSA
- Jade Coats, OD, FAAO
- Janelle L. Davison, OD
- Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA
- Daddi Fadel, DOptom, FSLS, FBCLA, FAAO
- Dagny Zhu, MD
- Chris Kruthoff, OD, FAAO
- Daniel Epshtein, OD, FAAO
- Joseph Allen, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO
- Celia Futch, OD, CNS, FOWNS
- Breanne McGhee, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO
- Sherrol A. Reynolds, OD
And what topics were covered?
Here’s a look:
- AI and OTC applications advancing diabetic retinopathy detection
- Future-forward MIGS updates redefining glaucoma treatment
- Novel therapeutic approaches shaping contemporary retina care
- Advanced scleral lens fitting pearls for complex corneal pathology
Did I hear about CE opportunities?
You heard right. Attendees could claim up to 7.5 hours of COPE-accredited continuing education (CE) from sessions such as:
- Advanced scleral fitting and management
- Pharmacologic agents for refractive correction (PARC)
- Artificial intelligence in the modern clinical practice
- Identifying neurotrophic keratitis
- Navigating Ocular Side Effects in Cancer Treatments
Any sessions that stood out from the others?
One in particular: Navigating Ocular Side Effects in Cancer Treatments, delivered by Breanne McGhee, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO.
The crux: This session offered a look at how systemic cancers and modern oncology treatments manifest in the eye via real-world cases that highlighted the optometrist’s frontline role in:
- Detecting undiagnosed cancers
- Managing treatment-related toxicities
- Collaborating with oncology teams to protect vision and improve outcomes
And what were the key takeaways from this?
Dr. McGhee emphasized that:
- The eye often reveals cancer first—proptosis, diplopia, and retinal changes may signal systemic disease.
- Optometrists are instrumental in detecting malignancy and managing treatment-related ocular effects.
- Early monitoring and optometry–oncology collaboration are essential to protect vision and support successful cancer care.
Any other topic highlights from the event in general?
Tons more … from the idea of innovation transforming eyecare to emerging therapies and technologies, to advanced clinical skills being essential and the increasing importance of interdisciplinary care—EO26 presenters covered it all.
But one key message that stood out was the need for stronger patient communication and education—on contact lenses, new treatments, safety concerns, and evolving technologies—to improve satisfaction, compliance, and long-term vision health.
Duly noted. And there were exhibitors as well, right?
You bet. Available in the virtual Exhibit Hall, attendees could get the latest on product innovations and personalized advice from technical experts at:
- Dompé
- Johnson & Johnson
- Astellas
- Sun Pharmaceuticals
- Bausch + Lomb
- Orasis
- Viatris
- CSI Dry Eye Software
- Weave
- Myze
Ugh, I can’t believe I missed it.
It happens. But Eyes On 2027 will be here before you know it, so mark your calendars for Nov. 6-7, 2026.
In the meantime, check out what’s next on the EOE virtual event agenda.