NC Eyes

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.

03/03/2026

Last week, NCOS leaders spent time with friends and colleagues from across the southeast representing North Carolina at SECO in Atlanta, Georgia! Dr. Joanna Reiman, President, Dr. Matt Edwards, President-Elect, and Alyssa Barkley, Executive Director, spent time meeting with the AOA Board of Trustees and many current and potential partners.

02/23/2026

Did you know that millions of Americans take GLP-1 medications for chronic conditions or weight loss? That's about 6% of U.S. adults.

But, according to a new AOA report, these medications can impact your eye health. If you’re taking a GLP-1, a comprehensive eye exam with a doctor of optometry is essential to stay on top of any changes in your vision. Find an eye doctor near you at www.nceyes.org/find-an-eye-doctor

02/19/2026

It’s Low Vision Awareness Month! NCOS member Dr. Alexandra Robertson with The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina is empowering patients in the Charlotte area to live more confidently through low vision rehabilitation. Click below to read the story!

Natasha, a Charlotte graduate student whose vision limitations made doctors say she would never drive, is now driving.

02/18/2026

A comprehensive eye exam uncovered a brain tumor. Read how Tom’s optometrist helped save his life.
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-deserve-more/doctor-patient-stories/doctor-of-optometry-urging-for-mri-leads-to-brain-tumor-diagnosis

02/13/2026

Congratulations to NCOS member, Dr. Ryan Corte for being recognized as a 2026 Visionary by the Contact Lens Institute! Click the link below to learn more.

Diverse group of Optometrists and Opticians lend insights on contact lens benefits and healthy wear & care habits.

02/11/2026

NCOS Member, Dr. Kimberly Orr was featured in an article by Women in Optometry that shows how her practical approach to integrating myopia management encourages optometrists to start with familiar tools, present families with options, and create a welcoming environment for all ages. Click the link below to read the article!

Dr. Kimberly Orr discusses how meaningful myopia treatment can live within primary care rather than beside it.