POA 2026 Spring Congress

Join us for the annual POA Spring Congress. Pittsburgh is known for its amazing blend of industrial history and modern vibrancy, offering world-class museums (Warhol, Heinz History Center), beautiful green spaces (Phipps Conservatory, Point State Park), unique neighborhoods, iconic inclines (Duquesne Incline), passionate sports teams (Steelers, Penguins, Pirates), and a surprising culinary scene, all set against a stunning skyline with iconic bridges.

Full information on the event will be available by the end of February.

Thursday, June 4, 2026

4:00-6:00 p.m.                         Registration

5:00-6:15 p.m.                           Industry Dinner (TBA – pre-registration required)

6:30-9:15 p.m.                           101 – Concussion (mTBI) and Neurodegeneration Diagnosis and Management/Macular Dystrophy Diagnosis and Management – Chris Putnam, O.D. (3 credits)

Friday, June 5, 2026

7:15-8:15 a.m.                             Industry Breakfast (TBA – pre-registration required)

8:30-10:10 a.m.                         201 – Optimize your Glaucoma Diagnosis – John O’Donnell, Jr.,O.D. FAAO Diplomate (2 credits Glaucoma/TPA)

10:20 a.m.-Noon                       202 – Optimize Your Glaucoma Treatment/When It’s Not Glaucoma - Masqueraders John O’Donnell, Jr., O.D., FAAO Diplomate (2 credits Glaucoma/TPA)

Noon-1:20 p.m.                          State of the Association lunch (members only, pre-registration required)

1:45-4:15 p.m.                             House of Delegates

2:00-3:40 p.m.                           203 – Update on Macular Degeneration – Carlo Pelino, O.D. (2 credits)

4:30-6:00 p.m.                           Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

6:00 p.m.                                     Evening on your Own

Saturday, June 6, 2026

7:00-8:15 a.m.                             Breakfast in Exhibit Hall

8:30-10:10 a.m.                           301 - Bad Eyes, Scary Things & Dirty Pictures – Frances Bynum, O.D., ABO Diplomate (2 credits)

10:10-10:40 a.m.                         Break in Exhibit Hall

10:45 a.m.-12:25 p.m.                302 -  Diabetic Eye Disease: Implementing a Diabetic Protocol into Everyday Practice – Frances Bynum, O.D., ABO Diplomate (supported by a grant from LKC) (2 credits)

12:30-2:15 p.m.                           Lunch in  Exhibit Hall

2:30-4:10 p.m.                             303 – To Drive or Not to Drive – That is the Question – Paul Freeman, O.D. (2 credits)

4:20-5:20 p.m.                             POA Annual Awards Ceremony

5:30-6:30 p.m.                             New Graduate Reception (licensed 2016-2026)

9:00-11:00 p.m.                           President’s Reception – everyone invited

Sunday, June 7, 2026

7:15-8:30 a.m.                             CooperVision Sponsored Breakfast (pre-registration required)

8:45-10:30 a.m.                           401 – Prescribing for Pain in Optometry – Carlo Pelino O.D. (2 credits TPA)

10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.               402 - Act 31 Mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training – Gail Brown (2 credits - required every license renewal)