Details
October 17 (9:00AM) - 18 (4:00PM), 2026
2026 OAK Fall Convention & Apprentice Training
2 days of In-Person Continuing Education
Hyatt Regency, 401 High Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Registration opens 9/3/2026. A $15 earlybird registration fee is available until 9/17/2026. A late fee of $75 goes into effect on 10/04/2026.
OAK has a room block at a preferred rate of $259 for Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17. You may make reservations before 9/25/2026 by using this link or by calling the toll-free reservation number (1-800-233-1234) and asking for Code G-OAKY.
Sign in begins at 8:00 AM. Meeting starts promptly at 9:00 AM.
Continuing Education - One Tract ABO & NCLE Education
Saturday, October 18, 2025 - $200 Member or $340 Non-member
Sunday, October 19, 2025 - $200 Member or $340 Non-member
Both Days - $310 Member or $490 Non-member
Price includes 6 hours of continuing education and lunch.
Apprentice Training - Saturday NCLE Basic Exam Review & Sunday
ABO Basic Exam Review
Members - $155 Non-Members - $280
Both Days - $220 Member or $415 Non-member
Price includes 6 hours of continuing education and lunch.
Featured Speakers:
| Pablo Mercado | Michael Gatti | |
| NCLEC/ABOM | ABOC/NCLEC | |
| Licensed Dispensing Optician at Mount Vernon Eyecare P.C in Dunwoody, GA; Master Optician, Manager and Leader with more than 25 years in all aspects of the sale and fabrication of prescription and non-prescription eyewear in both the clinical and retail environments. Director, American Board of Opticianry (ABO); Former Commissioner, Commission on Opticianry Accreditation; Former Director, United Opticians Association; and former Director, National Academy of Opticianry. A proud veteran, retired from Military service after 21+ years in the Army National Guard. |
Michael Gatti is an Arizona state licensed, ABO and NCLE certified optician, and the Head of Global Learning & Sales Enablement at HOYA Vision Care. With over 20 years in the optical industry, Michael is an international speaker who has energized audiences across North America with his dynamic storytelling, practical insight, and motivational content. Known for turning complex topics into clear, actionable takeaways, he inspires eye care professionals to embrace change and drive growth in their practices. |
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| Bob Russo | ||
| Robert J. Russo PhD, ABOC, NCLEC |
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| A professor emeritus, he is the past chairperson of Vision Care Technology and was the anatomy and physiology, contact lens, and ophthalmic business practices coordinator. Presently, Professor Russo is an adjunct professor at Middlesex Community College, Middletown, Connecticut. Professor Russo holds an Associate Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, and a Master of Arts degree in Education. He has been named “Educator of the Year” by the National Federation of Opticianry Schools, "Optician of the Year” by the New York State Society of Opticians, and received the National Academy of Opticianry’s “Joseph Bruneni Memorial Education Achievement Award". |
