About The Optometric Education Consultants
Thank you for trusting Optometric Education Consultants for your education needs.
The OEC Philosophy
The philosophy of The Optometric Education Consultants (OEC) is to help optometrists enhance care of their patients through timely, clinically pertinent, and highly interactive education. OEC assembles top clinical educators to deliver high-quality COPE-Accredited continuing education in a relaxed, comfortable setting.
Right to Left: Joseph Sowka, Vanessa McDonald, Greg Caldwell
Joseph Sowka, OD, FAAO, Diplomate
Dr. Joseph Sowka is an attending optometric physician at Center for Sight in Sarasota and Venice, Florida, a large medical-surgical practice where he focuses on glaucoma and neuro- ophthalmic disease management. He is the residency education coordinator at Center for Sight. He is also Director of Optometric Business Development for US EYE. He was formerly Professor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry for 28 years where he served numerous academic and administrative roles. Dr. Sowka is a founding member of both the Optometric Glaucoma Society and Optometric Retina Society. He is also the Founder and former Chair of the Neuro-Ophthalmic Disorders in Optometry Special Interest Group for the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Sowka is a Glaucoma Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry. In 2021 and 2022, he was ranked #4 optometrist in the US by Newsweek magazine “America’s Best Eye Doctors” list. In 2023, he was ranked #1 optometrist in the US Newsweek ratings. He is a partner and co-owner of Optometric Education Consultants.
Greg Caldwell, OD, FAAO
Greg Caldwell, O.D., is a 1995 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He completed a one-year residency in primary care and ocular disease at The Eye Institute in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry (ABO), member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS), and member of the Optometric Wellness and Nutritional Society (OWNS). He currently works in Duncansville, Pennsylvania as an ocular disease consultant. Dr. Caldwell’s primary focus is the diagnosis and management of anterior and posterior segment ocular disease, and he has been a participant in multiple FDA investigations and trials. Dr. Caldwell has integrated nutrition, prevention, and wellness into his patient care. He practices integrative optometry. Dr. Caldwell is a co-founder of Optometric Education Consultants and co-administrator of OCT Connect on Facebook. Dr. Caldwell has lectured extensively throughout the county and over thirteen countries internationally. In 2010 he served as President of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA) and served on the AOA Board of Trustees 2013-2016. He is President of the Blair/Clearfield Association for the Blind.
Vanessa McDonald
Vanessa McDonald earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Evansville in Indiana and a Master of Science from Nova Southeastern University Huizenga Business School. Prior to joining Nova Southeastern University in 2009 Vanessa worked for AT&T (previously known as BellSouth) and held several positions including Employee Services Specialist, Center Leader, Support Manager and Project Manager throughout her career. Vanessa began her second career in Optometry as NSU’s Continuing Education & Alumni Affairs Manager and spent 10 years expanding their program. Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and being an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Maureen Trusky
Maureen Trusky has been planning and executing vision care events for 20 years and has solidified fantastic relationships with industry leaders and KOL’s worldwide.
Prior to becoming an independent planner, Maureen worked 18 years for Pentavision, an ophthalmology, optometry, and opticianry media and events company. She was integral to the growth and success of the Global Specialty Lens Symposium. Her experience encompasses other events such as the Optometric Management Symposium and Retinal Physician Symposium. In addition to being a part of the OEC Team, Maureen works closely with the board of directors of the Scleral Lens Education Society managing their webinars, events, and sponsorships.
Maureen is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), and a member of Meeting Professionals International.
What Attendees Are Saying About OEC
Germany, 2023
This conference was my first international event and because we had a small group it was also my favorite, by far! It seems that everyone was comfortable to participate in discussions, the CE lectures were interesting and well-presented, and the atmosphere was warm and friendly. It was wonderful, and Heidelberg was a very pleasant small town!