Event Helps Doctors Earn Continuing Education Credits While Connecting With a Diverse Network of Peers

National Vision, Inc., one of the nation’s largest optical retailers, hosted more than 1,000 optometrists across two weekends for its Annual Continuing Education (CE) Symposium in Phoenix June 1-4 and in Orlando June 8-11. The conference was designed to empower doctors through education and camaraderie, giving them the tools they need to foster successful optometry careers.

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National Vision's Chief Medical Officer Priti Patel, O.D. (Left) Educated and Empowered Members of the National Vision Doctor of Optometry Network Alongside Head of Doctor Network, Alexander Smith, O.D. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are committed to empowering our network of optometrists to lead and innovate in their field. By offering educational opportunities, we ensure they stay at the forefront of advancements in optometry,” said National Vision Chief Medical Officer Priti Patel, O.D. “When our dedicated professionals come together to discuss clinical insights and explore cutting-edge technologies, it sparks remarkable growth and enhances patient care."

At both regional events, optometrists in attendance were able to earn up to 22 hours of continuing education credits. Employed optometrists also had the benefit of having their patient schedules managed for them during the festivities, with no need to use paid time off to attend.

Beyond providing COPE-approved lectures, National Vision also leveraged the event to celebrate the achievements of doctors practicing in the network. In total, more than 150 optometrists were recognized across both regional events.

The following optometrists received special honors for two decades or more of years of service to patients at practices in the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network:

• Albert Pasquarelli, O.D. (35 years)
• Andrew Engel, O.D. (30 years)
• Mark Mills, O.D. (30 years)
• Ronald Pizzo, O.D. (30 years)
• Brian Kern, O.D. (25 years)
• Mark Meyers, O.D. (20 years)
• Marda Voss, O.D. (20 years)

The Optometrist Recognition of Excellence Award was awarded to nine doctors for their superior patient care and outstanding contributions to their individual practices. Awardees included:

• Michelle Bertenthal, O.D.
• Kimberley Butler, O.D.
• Anne Chung, O.D.
• Carmen Cotto, O.D.
• Vivian Morris, O.D.
• Diana Nguyen, O.D.
• Seth Salima, O.D.
• Nicola Shatleh, O.D.
• Kevin Wogalter, O.D.

“While education is at the forefront of the event, it’s equally as important to leverage the experience for community-building,” said National Vision’s Head of Doctor Network, Alexander Smith, O.D. “We make sure doctors have the chance to connect with peers from across state lines, or fellow alumni they haven’t seen since graduating optometry school. Those connections are at our core and are what keep doctors coming back year after year.”

About National Vision’s Annual Continuing Education (CE) Symposium

National Vision’s Annual CE Symposium provides eligible optometrists who practice at offices in the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network the opportunity to earn all required CE at once at no cost to them, while networking with peers and company leadership, and reconnecting with friends and classmates.

About National Vision Holdings, Inc.

National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with over 1,200 stores in 38 states and Puerto Rico. With a mission of helping people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible, the company operates four retail brands: America’s Best, Eyeglass World, and Vista Opticals inside select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases, and e-commerce websites, offering a variety of products and services for customers’ eye care needs. For more information, please visit www.nationalvision.com.

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