Welcome to the 2026 HOAECC Congress!
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Welcome to the 65th Annual Heart of America Eye Care Congress!
February 20-22, 2026
Quick links:
Schedule
Speakers
Exhibitors
Course Eval
On behalf of the HOAECC Board of Directors, welcome to the 65th Annual Heart of America Eye Care Congress. Thank you for joining us as colleagues and experts unite to share insights, advance clinical knowledge, and foster meaningful relationships in the eye care community.
This year, we kick off with a collaborative lecture focusing on diabetes, a primary cause of blindness, followed by four hours of thorough discussion on the subject. Our educational program features a robust array of sessions presented by esteemed national leaders across various specialties.
We sincerely appreciate the dedication and involvement of our para-optometric participants and are delighted to welcome back many renowned lecturers from past years.
In the Exhibit Hall, you'll find both new exhibitors and familiar supporters, offering chances to connect with industry professionals, discover the latest technological innovations, and build lasting partnerships. Throughout the weekend, attendees can enter to win a $3,000 travel voucher grand prize and other exciting rewards.
Friday evening brings the Poster Session and Career Mix and Match event to the Exhibit Hall, enhanced by a Craft Beer Tour with selections from Sandhills Brewery. This relaxed setting is perfect for exploring new research, meeting residents from around the country, and uncovering career opportunities.
Saturday's Presidential Cocktail Reception invites further networking, complete with music, dancing, refreshments, and special recognitions. The congress will celebrate Dr. Jason Rogers as OD of the Year and Lynn Lawrence as recipient of the Vision Service Award. Five poster presenters will be recognized, with the top honor—the Larry Stoppel award—presented to the leading poster. The Fontana Scholarship recipient will also be announced and awarded a $5,000 scholarship.
We look forward to seeing you, February 20-22, 2026, at the 65th Annual Heart of America Eye Care Congress at the Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri.