Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

05/15/2026

SAVE THE DATE for the 2027 Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Spring Meeting & Scientific Seminar!

MAY 14-15, 2027

Join us as we return to beautiful Lexington, Kentucky for another outstanding weekend of education, collaboration, advocacy, and innovation in eye care.

We are excited to welcome attendees to the historic The Campbell House — one of Lexington’s most iconic destinations, blending classic Kentucky charm with beautifully renovated modern amenities. Following a remarkable $10 million renovation as part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, The Campbell House features extensively updated guest rooms and suites, expanded and modernized meeting and ballroom spaces, bourbon-inspired hospitality experiences, and elegant equestrian-themed design elements that celebrate Kentucky’s horse country heritage.

Conveniently located near downtown Lexington, Keeneland, and the University of Kentucky, The Campbell House provides the perfect setting to reconnect with colleagues, engage with leading experts in ophthalmology, and experience the very best of Bluegrass hospitality.

Mark your calendars now and make plans to join us as KAEPS returns to Lexington for an unforgettable 2027 Spring Meeting & Scientific Seminar!

05/13/2026

What an incredible few days at the 2026 Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Spring Meeting & Comprehensive Scientific Seminar!

Thank you to all of the physicians, surgeons, technicians, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and industry partners who joined us at the Louisville Marriott East for outstanding education, collaboration, advocacy, and networking focused on advancing ophthalmology in Kentucky.

From cutting-edge presentations on gene therapy, AI in ophthalmology, premium practice growth, cataract surgery, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, and risk management — to hands-on technician education, meaningful conversations with colleagues, and strong support for KOPAC through our silent auction — this year’s meeting was a tremendous success.

We are especially grateful to our speakers, volunteers, board members, and attendees whose participation made this event impactful and memorable. Together, we continue strengthening the future of patient care and ophthalmology across the Commonwealth.

During this year’s meeting, KAEPS also welcomed new leadership, including incoming President Ryan Smith, MD, and newly elected Executive Committee member Jeremy Clark, MD. We look forward to their leadership and continued dedication to ophthalmology and patient advocacy across Kentucky.

Thank you to those who were a part of KAEPS Spring Meeting 2026 — we look forward to seeing you again next year!

05/09/2026

We are so proud of these KY Young Ophthalmologists who did an OUTSTANDING job advocating for the future of eye care in KY and the country! Thanks to the American Academy of Ophthalmology for recognizing their excellence and hard work!

Advocacy is not a distant concept reserved for policymakers or leadership – it is a daily responsibility shared by every member of our community....

05/09/2026

It’s the FINAL DAY of the 2026 Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Spring Meeting & Comprehensive Scientific Seminar!

Join us this morning at the Louisville Marriott East for another outstanding lineup of education, networking, and exhibits featuring leaders in ophthalmology.

Today’s highlights include:
• OMIC Risk Management Presentation with Hans Bruhn, MHS
• “Building a Premium Practice” with Taylor Strange, MD
• Comprehensive Cataract Presentation Continued
• Oculoplastics Presentation with Andrea Tooley, MD
• Awards & Adjournment

Don’t forget to visit our exhibitors from 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM and place your bids in the KOPAC Silent Auction! Incredible items are still available — and you do NOT have to be present to win! Every bid supports advocacy efforts for ophthalmology across Kentucky.

PLEASE YOUR BIDS HERE:

https://givebutter.com/c/kaeps-meeting-2026-gx363a/auction?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an incredible meeting!

05/08/2026

Today is the day!

The 2026 KAEPS Spring Meeting & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Scientific Seminar is officially underway, and it’s not too late to join us!

We are excited for a full day of outstanding education, innovation, advocacy, networking, and collaboration with ophthalmologists, technicians, practice leaders, exhibitors, and industry partners from across Kentucky and beyond.

Onsite registration is available — come be part of an incredible program featuring expert speakers, cutting-edge topics, exhibits, networking opportunities, and tonight’s Welcome Reception, Bourbon Tasting & Silent Auction supporting KOPAC.

Join us at the Louisville Marriott East — it’s going to be a great day!

05/07/2026

It's almost here! KAEPS is proud to welcome you to the 2026 Ophthalmology Scientific Seminar. On behalf of our Board of Directors, thank you for joining us for what promises to be an outstanding weekend of education, collaboration, advocacy, and fellowship among ophthalmology professionals from across the Commonwealth and beyond.

This year’s program reflects a rapidly evolving landscape, featuring nationally recognized faculty and timely discussions on innovation, patient safety, artificial intelligence, inherited retinal disease gene therapy, glaucoma progression, corneal disease, neuro-ophthalmology, cataract and refractive surgery, and low vision advancements.

We are especially excited to highlight presentations including:

“A New Path for Inherited Retinal Disease Gene Therapy” with Thomas Mendel

“Cornea and AI … Where We Are and What the Future Holds” with Brad Tannen

Resident research on artificial intelligence and glaucoma progression

“ Dogma, Pitfalls, and Pearls: Updates in the Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis” with Collin McClelland

OMIC’s important patient safety lecture presented by Hans Bruhn

“Speed Meets Precision: Optimizing High Volume Cataract and Refractive Surgery” and our annual Cataract Symposium with Taylor Strange

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Eye: More Than Floppy Eyelid Syndrome” with Andrea Tooley

In addition to our educational sessions, the seminar offers valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues, exhibitors, residents, technicians, and industry leaders throughout the weekend. We look forward to gathering for our Welcome Reception, Bourbon Tasting, and Silent Auction supporting KOPAC.

KAEPS remains committed to excellence in eye care through education, advocacy, and professional collaboration. We are grateful to our speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees whose participation makes this meeting possible.

Thank you for being part of this event. We hope you enjoy an engaging and rewarding experience.

Sincerely,

John Franklin, MD
President, 2024–2026

05/04/2026

We are looking forward to sharing an exclusive Kentucky Silent Auction Raffle Experience with our 2026 KAEPS Spring Meeting attendees!

# # # 🥃✨ **Exclusive Kentucky Experience Silent Auction Package** ✨🏀

Step into a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the very best of Kentucky’s heritage, craftsmanship, and culture. This extraordinary package brings together luxury, rarity, and unforgettable memories—all in one place.

**Here's a sample of what’s included:**

🥃 **Rare & Highly Selective Bourbon Collection**
A curated selection of *exceptional, hard-to-find bourbons*—featuring limited releases and collector favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or an enthusiastic collector, this lineup represents the pinnacle of Kentucky distilling tradition.

🐎 **Private Bluegrass Horse Farm Tour & Dinner**
Enjoy an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience at a premier Bluegrass horse farm. Walk among world-class thoroughbreds, take in the rolling countryside, and finish the evening with a private dinner—an authentic Kentucky experience few ever get to enjoy.

💎 **Kendra Scott Signature Jewelry**
Elevate your style with a stunning piece from this iconic designer, known for timeless elegance and modern sophistication.

📸 **Professional Photography **

🏀 **Signed Basketballs from Rival Coaches**
Own a piece of Kentucky basketball history with autographed basketballs from both

* Mark Pope (University of Kentucky)
* Pat Kelsey (University of Louisville)

A rare opportunity to celebrate one of college basketball’s greatest rivalries.

REGISTER TODAY!

https://kentuckyacademyofeyephysiciansandsurgeonsinc.wildapricot.org/event-6407921

05/03/2026

Our 2026 KAEPS Spring Meeting is just a few days away! Please register TODAY! In addition to excellent scientific content we will have a Silent Auction including bottles of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, signed basketballs from Coach Pat Kelsey and Mark Pope, Kendra Scott jewelry and more!

A huge thank you to our top sponsor, Alcon!

REGISTER HERE:

https://kentuckyacademyofeyephysiciansandsurgeonsinc.wildapricot.org/sys/website/system-pages/?pageId=1852802

04/16/2026

Today KY ophthalmologists, residents, and fellows were proud to attend the 2026 American Academy of Ophthalmology Mid-Year Forum in Washington, DC to advocate for patients and the future of sight-saving care.

Advocacy is essential because the decisions made in Washington directly shape whether patients can access timely treatment, whether physicians can continue delivering high-quality care, and whether the next generation of breakthroughs in eye disease and vision loss becomes possible. When ophthalmologists speak up, they bring the real-world voice of patients and physicians to the policies that affect lives every day.

Our KAEPS delegation met with federal policymakers to urge support for federal funding for eye research, prior authorization reform, Medicare payment reform, Department of Defense vision research, and expanded access to vision screening and early intervention for children.

Strong advocacy helps protect patients, advance innovation, and ensure that quality eye care remains accessible for families in Kentucky and across the country.

04/08/2026

KAEPS Technician Program is Set!

We are pleased to share that technicians are invited to join us for the 2026 KAEPS Spring Meeting as part of the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Comprehensive Ophthalmology Scientific Seminar.

The technician educational program will begin at 12:00 PM with a welcome from Dr. Ben Proctor and will feature a strong afternoon of practical and clinical education. Sessions include neuro-ophthalmology with Dr. Collin McClelland, biometry education and hands-on training with Zeiss, history taking with Dr. Ben Proctor, malpractice and surgical risk management with Hans Bruhn of OMIC, and a summary of intraocular lens options presented by Amber Scarborough of Alcon. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn CE credits through JCAHPO.

The day will conclude with the Welcome Reception from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which will include an excellent menu, Bourbon Tasting, and Silent Auction. Technicians are welcome to attend alongside KAEPS members, guests, speakers, and exhibitors.

We encourage you to invite your technicians to take advantage of this excellent educational opportunity and to join us for an engaging evening of networking and fellowship. Please register today!

Please let us know if you have any questions! Email jamie@kyeyemds.org or call or text 859-948-4626. We look forward to seeing you and your team at the 2026 Spring Meeting!

04/06/2026

Our 2026 KAEPS Spring Meeting and Comprehensive Scientific Seminar is just a month away! The Marriott Louisville East room block rate will be closing THIS THURSDAY, April 9th. Please register now to receive the reduced rate! We are so excited to welcome everyone to the meeting. For questions, contact Jamie at jamie@kyeyemds.org.