What makes a conference more than just a meeting?
For over six decades, the Heart of America Eye Care Congress has been one of optometry’s most enduring traditions — bringing together thousands of professionals, students, and industry partners for education, innovation, and community.
In this episode of Power Hour, recorded live in Kansas City, host Eugene Shatsman sits down with Dr. Susan Lake, Optometrist at Eyecare Specialties, and Dr. Jeffry Gerson, Director of Education at PERC, to take listeners behind the scenes of this remarkable event.
Eugene — who was also a featured speaker and panelist at the 2025 Congress — wanted to share what makes this meeting such a standout in the optometric calendar and why so many practitioners return year after year.
Now in its 64th year, the Heart of America Eye Care Congress is far more than a CE event. It’s a doctor-led, volunteer-driven experience that combines over 100 hours of continuing education, 1,000+ attendees, and a unique sense of camaraderie that keeps the meeting feeling intimate, despite its impressive scale.
Dr. Lake and Dr. Gerson explain how every aspect of the Congress — from the educational sessions and workshops to the social events and exhibit hall is curated by a board of practicing optometrists. Their goal? to deliver sessions that are both clinically relevant and immediately actionable. Each course is chosen with private practice owners, associates, paraprofessionals, and students in mind, ensuring that every attendee walks away with something they can apply on Monday morning.
This year’s meeting covered a wide spectrum of topics — from AI in eye care and ocular disease management to practice growth, aesthetics, and pediatric optometry. The paraprofessional workshops and hands-on training continue to be a highlight, especially as more states move toward scope expansion. The event’s celebrated poster session also shines a spotlight on the next generation of optometrists, with student and resident research that blends academic insight with real-world relevance.
The Heart of America Eye Care Congress offers a rare mix of education, connection, and inspiration. It’s the kind of meeting where you don’t just earn CE credits — you build relationships, share ideas, and feel part of something bigger.
As Eugene puts it, “It’s the biggest small meeting — or maybe the smallest big meeting— in optometry.”
If you’ve ever wondered whether Heart of America should be on your list next year, this episode might just convince you why it belongs there.
Key Takeaways
- How the Heart of America Congress Balances Education and Experience: Learn how the organizing team curates over 100 hours of CE to deliver sessions that are both cutting-edge and clinically relevant.
- What Makes This Meeting Unique in Optometry: Discover the behind-the-scenes approach that keeps Heart of America feeling personal and community-driven, even with 1,000+ attendees.
- How Optometrists, Students, and Staff All Benefit: Find out how the meeting’s workshops, networking events, and student poster sessions support every corner of the optometric profession.
- What’s Coming in 2026: Get a preview of new content, including office manager training, a Diabetes Symposium, and advanced courses on ocular pain and keratitis.
- Why Attendees Keep Coming Back: Hear firsthand how the event’s blend of hospitality, connection, and education creates a CE experience unlike any other in eye care.
In This Episode
- 00:00 | Introduction
- 01:55 | Why Doctor-Led Matters
- 04:16 | Building Practical Education
- 06:37 | The Power of AI, Pediatrics & Specialty Care
- 08:44 | Hands-On Learning & Para Workshops
- 13:26 | Student Research & The Future of Optometry
- 15:48 | Vendor Hall & Networking that Feels Personal
- 18:09 | Beyond the Midwest: A National & Global Event
- 20:32 | Student-Doctor Networking & Career Growth
- 22:55 | How Heart of America Keeps CE Fresh
- 27:40 | The Spirit of the Heart: Education Meets Community
- 30:00 | Looking Ahead to 2026
Contact Information
Connect with Dr. Susan Lake
Dr. Susan Lake is a veteran optometrist serving Missouri through Eyecare Specialties, where she practices in Lee’s Summit, Warrensburg, and surrounding locations.
She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry and is board certified in Vision Development and Vision Therapy. Her clinical focus includes pediatric vision care, myopia control (including orthokeratology), and vision therapy, while also treating adult ocular health needs.
She is known for her emphasis on patient education, clear communication (especially with parents of children), and tailoring care plans to individual needs.
- Website: https://eyecarespecialties.biz/
Connect with Dr. Jeffry Gerson
Dr. Jeffry Gerson graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 1997, and completed a residency at a VA medical center, focusing on ocular disease and low vision.
He has worked in diverse clinical settings including retina referral practices and has participated in several large clinical trials. In addition to his private practice work (in collaboration with MDs and ODs), he serves as the Director of Education at PERC and lectures nationally and internationally on retinal disease, systemic ocular health, and clinical technology.
He also publishes regularly in optometric journals and contributes to the discourse on AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and evolving diagnostic techniques.
- Website: https://www.percalliance.com/
Connect with Eugene Shatsman (Managing Partner, NSG)
Website – https://www.eugeneshatsman.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneshatsman