2027 Winter Ophthalmic Summit
March 11–13, 2027 | Vail, Colorado

The 2027 Winter Ophthalmic Summit brings optometrists and ophthalmologists together for an engaging combination of advanced clinical education, industry collaboration, and meaningful professional connection in the heart of Vail, Colorado.

The clinical program delivers a comprehensive update on today’s most relevant areas of eye care, including nutrition and ocular surface disease, retina, imaging, astigmatism correction, systemic/ocular disease, neuro-optometric conundrums, multiple sclerosis, photobiomodulation, vitreoretinal disease, and the influence of eyelid and facial anatomy on eye health.

Through evidence-based lectures, clinical cases, diagnostic imaging, and practical treatment strategies, nationally recognized optometric and ophthalmic faculty will help attendees translate emerging science into better clinical decisions and improved patient outcomes.

The educational schedule is complemented by breakfast and dinner symposia; an interactive exhibit hall; dedicated networking time; and the signature Après Raclette Social at The Hythe. The thoughtfully structured schedule provides high-level education and industry engagement while allowing attendees to experience the slopes and distinctive atmosphere of Vail.

Attendees will gain actionable strategies for integrating new technologies and therapies into practice, while fostering interprofessional collaboration.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the 2027 Winter Ophthalmic Summit, participants should be able to:

1. Explain how nutrition, dietary patterns, and systemic inflammatory pathways can influence dry eye disease, corneal health, and overall ocular-surface function.
2. Differentiate retinal pathology from imaging artifacts and normal anatomical variations when interpreting fundus photography and correlating findings with the dilated fundus examination.
3. Compare contemporary approaches to astigmatism correction, including corneal refractive procedures, phakic ICLs, femtosecond laser techniques, limbal relaxing incisions, and toric intraocular lenses.
4. Integrate refractive, biometric, keratometric, topographic, and posterior corneal measurements into surgical planning while identifying factors that may contribute to residual postoperative astigmatism.
5. Identify systemic diseases, medications, physiologic conditions, and lifestyle factors that may cause or exacerbate dry eye and ocular surface disease.
6. Recognize the visual and neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of multiple sclerosis—including optic neuritis, diplopia, and visual fatigue—and develop appropriate diagnostic, referral, co-management, and rehabilitation strategies.
7. Describe the scientific principles, treatment protocols, clinical applications, and patient-selection considerations associated with photobiomodulation for ocular disease.
8. Recognize vitreoretinal conditions that require surgical consultation and provide patients with appropriate referral guidance, treatment expectations, and perioperative support.
9. Evaluate the effects of eyelid position, lash abnormalities, facial anatomy, dermatologic conditions, prior surgery, and cosmetic interventions on tear-film stability and ocular-surface health.
10. Apply evidence-based diagnostic and treatment strategies from the program to improve clinical decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient outcomes.