Over 150 O.D.'s and 50 paraoptometrics descended upon the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown in the heart of Indianapolis this past weekend to take part in the Indiana Optometric Association's 113th Annual Spring Convention and earn up to 15 hours of CE credits.

 

Friday started the weekend off with a bang, as elections were held at the IOA House of Delegates, and IOA President Dr. Richard Schamerloh passed the torch to the new President, Dr. Linnea Robbins-Winters.  The Friday night Hawaiian Luau, complete with mai tai bar, was packed with attendees.  Many of whom, at the conclusion of the Luau, went out to experience the sights and sounds of Indianapolis, including the opening night of the local Triple-A baseball team, the Indianapolis Indians.

 

On Saturday, convention-goers encountered an exceptional Exhibit Hall, filled with the latest in optometric technology and merchandise, and they were treated to not one, but two informative talks on healthcare reform from the President-Elect of the AOA, Dr. Joe Ellis.  The President's Banquet on Saturday night was attended by over 120 O.D.'s and guests.  Master of ceremonies, Dr. Steve Levin, did an excellent job of warming up the crowd for some very moving speeches from IOA President Dr. Robbins-Winters and various honorees.

 

Recieving honors this weekend were:

 

Dr. John J. Offerle, Optometrist of the Year

Dr. Laura K.Windsor, President's Citation

Paige Reichardt, Outstanding Service in the Public Interest

Barbara Marvel McNutt, Outstanding Service in the Public Interest

Drs. Walter H. Egenmaier, Jeffrey D. Perotti, Laura K. Windsor, Meritorious Service Award

Melissa Leniuk, Jack Bennett Humanitarian

Christina Hoffa, Jane Hofstetter Award

Kacie Monroe, Alice Bennett Award

 

Keep an eye on the IOA website and your mailbox for the IOA post-Convention newsletter for more information on this exciting event.  And please, if you get the chance, take the time to thank the following sponsors of the convention: