NC Eyes

04/23/2026

The North Carolina General Assembly kicked off the 2026 Short Session on Tuesday, April 21st. In keeping with tradition, the Association Executive of North Carolina (AENC) hosted their annual Legislative Reception and several NCOS leaders were in attendance. It was a great opportunity to connect with lawmakers in a casual setting to keep promoting and protecting optometry in North Carolina.

Our group had the pleasure of connecting with Senator Ralph Hise, Representative Bill Ward, Representative Hugh Blackwell, Representative Tim Reeder, Representative Bryan Cohn, and Sheriff Sam Page. We look forward to building on these and having many more conversations at our Legislative Day on May 19th in Raleigh.

You can register for NCOS's Legislative Day by clicking here: https://www.nceyes.org/legislative-day-raleigh.

04/22/2026

Pause. Your eyes need a break. Try the 20-20-20 rule and find a doctor of optometry near you. www.nceyes.org/find-an-eye-doctor

04/17/2026

Last Friday, April 10th leaders from NCOS were invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the UNC-P Clinical Sciences Building which will house the planned College of Optometric Medicine. Local and state leaders were in attendance. NCOS was represented by Dr. Joanna Reiman, President; Dr. Jamie Casper, Legislative Chair; and Alyssa Barkley, Executive Director. The building is set to open in the summer of 2028.

04/16/2026

Not all red, itchy eyes are allergies. If symptoms persist, a comprehensive eye exam can help. Find a doctor near you. www.nceyes.org/find-an-eye-doctor

04/14/2026

Last week Executive Director, Alyssa Barkley, met with Congresswoman Alma Adams and longtime NCOS member Dr. Paula Newsome in Charlotte to discuss important issues facing access to care and the top priorities for optometry in NC and across the country. Congresswoman Adams has long supported our profession and we are thankful for her time. We are very grateful for Dr. Newsome as she continues to keep the Congresswoman updated on a regular basis and for her tireless work as a well-respected optometrist and champion for NCOS.

04/07/2026

Congratulations to NCOS member Dr. Marie Huegel for graduating from the AOA Independent Practice Institute! This is a 10-month program that readies optometrists at all levels for independent practice leadership. Click the link below to read the article.

The 10-month program readies optometrists at all levels for independent practice leadership.

03/23/2026

NCOS leaders spent time in Washington D.C. for AOA on Capitol Hill March 15-17. The top focus this year is advocating for VBM Reforms and urging our federal lawmakers to sign on in support of this bipartisan legislation. Both NC Senators and, at this time, four of the fourteen NC members of the House of Representatives have signed on to support these important reforms.

Many thanks to Dr. Joanna Reiman, Dr. Sean Smolenyak, Dr. Jamie Casper, Dr. Casey Krug, and Dr. Jeff Strand for advocating for optometry in our nation's capital. Our group met with the offices of the following: Representative Don Davis, Representative Chuck Edwards, Representative Pat Harrigan, Representative Richard Hudson, Representative Brad Knott, Representative Addison McDowell, and Representative Tim Moore.

03/17/2026

Kids may not realize their vision can turn a strikeout into a homerun. A doctor of optometry helps them play at their best. Find an optometrist near you at www.nceyes.org/find-an-eye-doctor.

03/11/2026

Fresh season, fresh habits. This Save Your Vision Month, make eye care part of your reset with an eye exam. Find an eye doctor near you at www.nceyes.org/find-an-eye-doctor.

03/10/2026

Join us in welcoming the 2026 NCOS Leadership Program Participants!

Congratulations to Dr. Madison Angell, Dr. Andrew Barrows, and Dr. Samantha Southard for being selected to participate in this year's Leadership Program!

This past weekend, the three participants completed their first session, which provided them with a behind the scenes overview of how the Society is structured and all it does for optometry in our state.

03/06/2026

NCOS member Dr. Keshav Bhat, owner of Union Family Eye Associates, is helping families understand how lifestyle habits and modern myopia management can protect children’s vision for the future.

From encouraging more time outdoors to using advanced treatments that slow eye growth, Dr. Bhat shares how parents can help reduce the risks of myopia later in life.

Click the link below to read his article! https://www.awakeningcharlotte.com/2026/01/30/561971/charlotte-area-dr-keshav-bhat-on-preventing-or-managing-childhood-myopia

03/05/2026

February was Low Vision Awareness Month and we're proud to spotlight NCOS member Dr. Pankti Patel at Paul Vision Institute, who is helping patients reclaim independence and confidence through specialized low vision care! Click the link below to learn how Dr. Patel is making a meaningful difference for patients with low vision in her area.

February is Low Vision Awareness month, and millions of Americans suffer because of it. One local resident now enjoys life better after getting new device for his glasses.