CooperVision and the American Optometric Association’s Contact Lens & Cornea Section (AOA-CLCS) recently cohosted more than 20 optometry residents at Residency Forum 2025 in Houston. The three-day educational program was designed to strengthen clinical expertise, leadership skills, and career readiness among emerging contact lens specialists.

The event featured six wet lab tracks, conducted in collaboration with Bellaire Family Eye Care, where participants engaged in real patient contact lens fitting and troubleshooting. They also attended a lifestyle-focused panel discussion that explored strategies for aligning lens technologies with diverse patient needs, as well as leadership development and peer networking sessions that provided opportunities to exchange ideas and build professional connections.

AOA president Dr. Jacqueline Bowen delivered special remarks, and expert instruction was provided by members of the CLCS along with CooperVision’s professional affairs team.

“It is rewarding to see these future leaders in optometry grow in both skill and confidence over the course of just a few days,” says Jennifer Palombi, OD, FAAO, director of professional education & development, Americas, CooperVision.