2026 Para Optometric Schedule
Welcome back and thank you for visiting the 2026 UOA Para registration page! We are thrilled to offer a wonderful, dynamic convention this year at the beautiful, brand new, Grand Hyatt Deer Valley Hotel in Park City, Utah. We have many wonderful events planned such as our annual Golf Tournament, education for paras and staff, multi-track options for doctors, and hands-on workshops!
Attention:
If you would prefer a queen room, please reserve doubles and write your preference in the "Special Requests" on the Summary page. Please note that queen rooms are limited and not guaranteed. The hotel will contact you directly to switch your room to a double queen room, if available.
There are rooms blocked at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley at special pricing for the Utah Optometric Association attendees. You may contact the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley at 1-435-731-4564 to secure your reservations, and ask for the UOA convention block. The link to book online is above. The registration prices are listed below.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to call or text the association at 801-364-9103 or email Chanae at uoa@utaheyedoc.org.
Thank you and we look forward to having you join us this year!
Sincerely,
The Utah Optometric Association Board of Directors
2026 Para Education Course Descriptions:
Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO
Dr. Brujic is a partner of Premier Vision Group, a successful three location optometric practice in Northwest Ohio. He graduated from the New England College of Optometry in 2002. He practices full scope optometry with an emphasis on ocular disease management of the anterior segment, contact lenses and glaucoma. He is active at all levels of organized optometry. Dr. Brujic is on the editorial board for a number of optometric publications. He has published over 200 articles and has given over 1000 lectures, both nationally and internationally on contemporary topics in eye care. Additionally, Dr. Brujic and Dr. Kading own Optometric Insights which provides career coaching for optometry students and emerging practitioners.
As a practicing clinician, Dr. Brujic has his pulse on the realities of being in the trenches caring for patients and the real challenges and opportunities that exist in eye care. He brings a practical approach to all of the topics that he lectures on. By providing attendees with meaningful, clinically relevant information that can be applied to improve patient care, improve office culture and ultimately improve the practice, Dr. Brujic inspires success to those that he interacts with.
Multifocal Contacts: How They Work and How to Make Them Work (ABO/CPC)
Multifocal contact lenses have highly advanced designs and are a remarkable for presbyopes interested in minimizing their dependency on glasses. This course will describe multifocal contact lenses along with strategies to maximize their success in your office.
June 5, 2026 @ 8 – 9 am
Eliminating the Stigma From Astigmatism (ABO/CPC)
Astigmatic refractive errors can be some of the most difficult but most rewarding contact lens fittings. This course offers an overview of all astigmatic contact lens options including soft toric and rigid gas permeable designs. It is designed to empower the paraoptometric with a good working knowledge of this class of specialty contact lenses.
June 5, 2026 @ 9 – 10 am
Eye Know What Those Drops Are For (ABO/CPC)
There are many diagnostic and therapeutic eye drops that are used in optometric practices. This course will review most of the major drops that are used in today’s practice by teaching the paraoptometric the different classes and types of drops. Descriptions of their basic mechanisms of action will be used to help understand how the drops work to carry out their desired effects.
June 5, 2026 @ 10 – 11 pm
The Retina that You See with the OCT! (ABO/CPC)
The OCT has revolutionized the way we view the retina. This course will discuss the “what and why of OCT scans” along with a greater understanding of what is being measured. The course will empower the allied eye care professional with the deeper knowledge of the usefulness of this revolutionary new technology.
June 5, 2026 @ 11 – 12 pm
Twelve Innovations in Eye Care That You Need to Know About (CPC)
Eye care is experiencing rapid innovation which will improve patient care. As such, it will become increasingly important to understand how these technologies will be incorporated into clinical practice. This course will review new diagnostic and therapeutics and how they will play a critical role in clinical care.
June 6, 2026 @ 8:30 – 10:30 am
Rule These Out Before You Diagnose It As Dry Eye (CPC)
Although dry eye can be a debilitating condition for some, it can be virtually asymptomatic for others. Additionally, there are several conditions that can mimic dry eye. This course will discuss those conditions that need to be ruled out before starting a dry eye treatment regimen for patients complaining of dry eye symptoms.
June 6, 2026 @ 10:30 – 11:30 am
Tamara Petrosyan, OD
Dr. Tamara Petrosyan is an associate clinical professor at SUNY Optometry and New York Health and Hospitals in the Primary Care, Ocular Disease, Pediatrics, and Vision Therapy departments. Dr. Petrosyan lectures internationally and has published articles and book chapters on various topics. Dr. Petrosyan helped implement free pediatric exams for over 40,000 children through the Armenian Eyecare Project, developed over a dozen vision therapy workbooks, and helped start and previously worked with Anteo Health to develop all the vision therapy content. She is the InfantSEE liaison for New Jersey, head of the clinical care committees for pediatrics and vision therapy, and previously on the board of directors for the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP). Among others, Dr. Petrosyan has been awarded the Young Optometrist of the Year and Optometrist of the Year from NJSOP and the Young Optometrist of the Year award from the AOA.
Peak A Boo - Tips and Tricks For Infant Eye Exams (CPC)
Description: This course will introduce the InfantSEE program and its important role in providing early vision care for infants. Attendees will learn practical techniques for preparing for infant exams, creating a baby-friendly environment, keeping visits engaging for families, and selecting appropriate eyeglass frames when needed.
June 5, 2026 @ 4 – 5 pm
Introduction To Vision Therapy Treatment (CPC)
This hands-on workshop outlines a hierarchical approach to vision therapy rehabilitation for non-strabismic binocular, accommodative, and oculomotor dysfunctions, focusing on structured progression from foundational monocular skills to integrated, functional visual abilities. Participants will learn where to start therapy, set clear goals, adjust task difficulty, and sequence activities across five levels to optimize patient outcomes. The course emphasizes general rehabilitation techniques and patient-centered care for optometrists interested in vision therapy rehabilitation
June 5, 2026 @ 6 – 7 pm
Jarrod Davies, OD, FCOVD
Dr. Jarrod Davies currently practices in South Jordan, Utah as the clinical director of Utah Vision Development Center. He specializes in vision rehabilitation and sports vision performance training. Dr. Davies has worked with many athletes including baseball, tennis, hockey, golf, football and ski team members on both a professional and amateur level. He also frequently lectures on topics including sports vision training, concussion rehabilitation, binocular vision, and vision therapy.
Dr. Davies is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Southern College of Optometry where he was honored with numerous awards and scholarships.
In addition to being a founding member of the International Sports Vision Association, Dr. Davies is Past-President of the Utah Optometric Association. In 2013, he was voted the Utah Optometric Association Young Optometrist of the Year. In 2015 he was awarded the Utah Optometric Association Optometrist of the Year, and in 2018, was honored by this organization with an ISVA Award of Service.
Front-Line Focus: The Paraoptometric’s Role in Myopia Management (CPC)
Paraoptometric assistants are often the first point of contact for children and families entering a myopia management program. Their ability to recognize risk factors, communicate effectively with parents, support clinical protocols, and reinforce treatment compliance plays a critical role in successful outcomes. This one-hour course provides paraoptometric assistants with a clear, practical understanding of myopia and modern myopia management strategies. Emphasis is placed on patient interaction, workflow integration, and communication skills, empowering paraoptometrics to confidently support doctors and improve long-term visual outcomes for pediatric patients.
June 5, 2026 @ 5 – 6 pm
Aubri StClair
When joining the optometric industry in 2001, Aubri had no idea that the job would become a passion for her. Even now, it's truly something she loves. Aubri became an ABO certified optician in 2003 and had worked in several states including; Idaho, Wyoming, California and Utah. Recently, she set up an The Rocky Mountain Optician Association, a non-profit optician association that serves Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana to build camaraderie and further educate and grow the profession. She also serves on the membership committee of the United Opticians Association, which is a national optician group. Her professional motto is, "Love what you do and share what you love." In addition to being an optician, Aubri also goes by the titles of Wife, Mom, Daughter, Crazy Aunt and friend.
Multiple Pair: The Magic Number (ABO/CPC)
TBD
June 6, 2026 @ 8:30 – 9:30 am
Healthy Work Life: You are your #1 Asset (ABO/CPC)
TBD
June 6, 2026 @ 9:30 – 10:30 am
True Colors: Tints, Polarization, and Photoramic (ABO/CPC)
TBD
June 6, 2026 @ 10:30 – 11:30 am
The More You Know About Lenses: Being Well-rounded (ABO/CPC)
TBD
June 6, 2026 @11:30 – 12:30 pm