Fall Convention | September 30-October 1, 2022

Embassy Suites | Rogers, Arkansas

Jeffry Gerson, O.D.

Dr. Jeffry Gerson graduated from Indiana University school of Optometry in 1997, after which he went on to do a VA residency concentrating in low vision and ocular disease. He has been in several different practice settings, including a retina referral practice where he participated in several large clinical trials.  Currently, Dr Gerson is in private practice that is a collaboration of both OD’s and MD’s. He see’s primary care patients, and has an emphasis on retinal care in his practice. He enjoys having 4th year optometry interns with him and the challenges that they present. He still participates in clinical trials and utilizes many different diagnostic modalities. Dr. Gerson is a frequent lecturer in the US and abroad, and writes regularly for optometric publications. When not at work, he enjoys travelling, working out and spending time with his family.  Courses: Saturday, October 1. 8:00am-9:40am: Retinal Findings with Systemic Disease (COPE ID: 75796-PS) and 9:50am-11:30am AMD Current Science and Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment (AR State Board approved)

Spencer Johnson, O.D.

Dr. Johnson received a B.S. in Neuroscience from Brigham Young University, and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.  He is currently a professor at Rocky Mountain University College of Optometry in Provo, Utah.  Dr. Johnson’s clinic interests include ocular disease, lasers, contact lenses, and advanced optometric procedures.  Prior to joining the faculty at Rocky Mountain, he was a faculty member at the Oklahoma College of Optometry for 12 years where he taught courses in neuro-ophthalmic disorders, healthcare systems, and epidemiology, as well as training students in the specialty care clinic where they learned laser and advanced optometric procedures.  Dr. Johnson is a principal investigator in the NIH funded RAPID study to evaluate the efficacy of povidone iodine in the treatment of viral conjunctivitis.  He has given continuing education lectures at national, regional, and state association meetings throughout the United States and Canada.  Prior to his career in academia, Dr. Johnson worked in the refractive surgery industry, and owned a private practice.  In his free time, he enjoys running, swimming, and spending time on the lake with his family. Courses: Friday, September 30, 2022: 8:00am-8:50am:  From A to Zinc for AMD (COPE ID: 75015-PS) 9:00am-9:50am:  You Were Expecting Viral Conjunctivitis (COPE ID: 75012-AS) 10:30am-11:20am: Headache Assessment In Primary Eye Care (COPE ID: 75017-NO) 12:30pm-1:20pm:  ACE: Shooting Pearls: SLT, LPI, and YAG Capsulotomy (COPE ID: 75150-LP)  1:40pm-3:20pm: Lids and Lashes on the Cutting Edge (COPE ID: 74880-SP)

Austin P. Bell, M.D.

Dr. Bell specializes in cataract and glaucoma surgery. He is board certified and has received advanced training in medical and surgical glaucoma management. He is particularly interested in innovations in cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgical techniques and procedures. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

Dr. Bell attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville as a Chancellor’s Scholar where he received his Bachelor in Science in Biology and graduated with honors. He received his medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. His internship and ophthalmology residency were completed at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Hamilton Eye Institute in Memphis. He also completed his fellowship training in glaucoma at the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Dr. Bell grew up in Rogers and is passionate about practicing in his hometown to improve vision and prevent blindness in his community. Dr. Bell and his wife Emily have two sons and one daughter. Courses: Friday, September 30, 2022 3:40pm-4:30pm: Glaucoma Diagnosis and Management - Pearls from a Specialist (AR Board approved)