Join us in Kansas City, MO on April 17-18, 2026 for Empowerment ’26, a complimentary event dedicated to empowering your independence!
Our national event promises to be a unique event for private practitioners, your team, and optometrists, who are looking to open a practice or are looking for an opportunity to expand on their existing success. It is at no cost to you!
Because of our collaboration and relationships with ACQUIOS Alliance Vendors, you are gaining access to COPE approved CE, hands-on training for staff, and information to grow your practice. You will also learn how to invest in yourself to distinguish your practice from the rest.
Click here to register for Empowerment '26!
Already registered? We look forward to seeing you! Below you will find information including the agenda for Empowerment ’26, a Guide to KC, Presentation Downloads, and information related to the ACQUIOS Alliance vendors invested to help you empower your independence.
Questions? Reach us at info@acquios.com or call us at 531-206-1200.
Friday, April 17 – DAY 1 AGENDA
7:00am – 8:00am – Breakfast and Visit with Vendors
8:00am – 8:30am – Visit with Vendors
8:30am – 9:00am – Opening Remarks for Empowerment ‘26
9:00am – 9:50am – “Neurotrophic Keratitis and Neuropathic Ocular Pain: Two Sides of the Same Coin” – Dr. Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO (1 Hour COPE)
9:00am – 9:50am – “The Art of the Delivery” – Catherine Skelton – 1 hour, ABO CE
9:00am – 9:50am – “Insight to Accounts Receivables Management” – Michelle Bogeart
10:00am – 10:50am – “The Hidden Epidemic: Recognizing Binocular Vision Dysfunction and the Role of Microprism in Patient Care” – Dr. Debby Feinberg and Matt Rosner (1 Hour COPE)
10:00am – 10:50am – “Dispensing Excellence” Bill Hurst and Mick Kunish, 1 hour, ABO CE
10:50am – 11:10am – Break and Visit with Vendors
11:10am – Noon – Estate Planning – Dan Pauley of Smith Pauley
Noon – 1pm – Lunch
1:00pm – 1:30pm – Visit with Vendors
1:30pm – 2:20pm – “Advancements in Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease Treatment and Management” – Dr. Cory Lappin OD, MS, FAAO (2 Hours COPE)
1:30pm – 2:20pm – “Eyecare Economics” – Steve Alexander, 1 hour, ABO CE
1:30pm – 2:20pm – “Answer the Damn Phone” – Ellie Rogers
2:30pm – 3:20pm – “Color Vision Deficiency – What it is and Optical Products that help” – Sue Creek, 1 hour, ABO CE
3:30pm – 4:20pm – “Eye Candy: Elevating Beauty and Function with Ocular Aesthetics” – Dr. Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO (1 Hour COPE)
3:30pm – 4:20pm – “The Digital Dispensing and Electronic Measurements – Elevating the Customer Experience – Joel Wolf, 1 hour, ABO CE
4:20pm – 5:00pm –Matt Gianino – Executive Director – Good Vision
5:00pm – 6:00pm – Cocktails and Visit with Vendors
Saturday, April 18 – DAY 2 AGENDA
7:00am – 8:00am – Breakfast
8:00am – 8:30am – Visit with Vendors
8:30am – 9:20am – “Contact Lenses and Dry Eye: The Impact of Soft Lens Wear on Ocular Surface Homeostasis” – Dr. Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO (1 Hour COPE)
8:30am – 9:30am – “The Experience” – Catherine Skelton, 2 hours, ABO CE
8:30am – 9:20am – “Empowering Your Practice: Social Media and Marketing” – Michelle Bogeart and Holly Kudym
9:30am – 10:20am – “Take the Bite out of the Mite: Managing Demodex Blepharitis” – Dr. Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO (1 Hour COPE)
9:30am – 10:30am – “The Experience” Continued
9:40am – 11:00am – “The Value of Building Value” – Haley Stefan and Scott Cline
10:30am – 11:00am – Visit with Vendors
11:00am – 11:50 – “Opioid Prescribing in Eyecare” – Dr. Sam Valley, OD, PharmD (1 Hour COPE)
Noon – 1:00pm – Lunch
1:00pm – 2:50pm – “From Exam Room to Outcomes: Elevating Care with Ocular Nutrition” – Dr. Ryan Powell, OD (2 Hour COPE)
1:00pm – 1:50pm – “Building a Private Pay Practice” – Steve Alexander, 2 hours, ABO CE
2:00pm – 2:50pm – “Building a Private Pay Practice” – continued
3:00pm – 4:00pm – “Eye on Disease: Clinical Implications of Common Treatments” – Dr. Sam Valley, OD, PharmD (1 Hour COPE)
4:00pm – 4:30pm – Closing Remarks and EMPOWERMENT ’27!
