To help bridge the gap from student to practicing clinician, CooperVision recently hosted its 2025 New Graduate Summit, welcoming more than 100 new doctors of optometry for two multi-day educational events designed to support this transition. Held on both coasts, the Summits provided practical guidance on topics ranging from employment contracts to financial planning to building confidence in patient care.
ABOUT THE SUMMITS
The West Coast Summit was held at CooperVision’s Paragon CRT® manufacturing facility in Gilbert, Arizona, followed by the East Coast Summit at the company’s facilities near Rochester, New York. Participants toured the sites to learn about contact lens manufacturing and distribution operations and engaged in interactive sessions led by experienced optometrists on career readiness, professional growth and clinical best practices.
Speakers included Dr. Cindy Shan of Pacific Eye Doctors in British Columbia; Dr. Sheila Morrison of Mission Eye Care in Calgary; Dr. Aaron Neufeld of Los Altos Optometric Group in California; Dr. Chris Lopez of Griebenow Eyecare in Wisconsin; and Dr. Shalu Pal of Dr. Shalu Pal & Associates in Toronto.
“Whether it’s navigating the first employment contract or gaining confidence in independent clinical decision-making, our goal is to prepare these new doctors for success in and out of the exam room,” said Justin Kwan, OD, FAAO, Head, Myopia Management, Professional and Academic Affairs, CooperVision. “We want new graduates to leave the Summit feeling supported—not only by what they learned during the event, but through an ongoing partnership with our team. Congratulations to this year’s graduating class of optometrists as they officially begin their professional journey.”
CooperVision’s support for new graduates continues beyond the Summit, with additional professional development resources available through the company’s Online Success Center.
