Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

06/30/2026

"On behalf of the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and patients of John Edward Downing, MD.

We are grateful for Dr. Downing's many contributions to our profession and join the medical community in honoring a life of extraordinary service spanning decades. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved Dr. Downing."

-- Ryan Smith, MD - President, KY Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

View John Edward Downing's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/22/2026

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons are partnering to provide a vision/glaucoma screening to veterans and their family members during the American Legion’s 106th National Convention which will be taking place in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky International Convention Center from August 28 through September 3.

As ophthalmologists, we are requesting your help in providing this screening by volunteering your time during the event. The screening clinic will be conducted during the following days and times:

Saturday, August 29, 2026 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday, August 30, 2026 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Monday, August 31, 2026 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

We will be scheduling two shifts for each day: 8:00-11:30 AM and 11:30 AM to close of business, except for the third day, August 31, which will have one shift from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

The screening will entail a brief assessment of risk factors, visual acuity, visual fields examination, slit-lamp examination and direct ophthalmoscopy. All equipment will be provided but we would like to request that you bring an ophthalmoscope and numbing drops with fluorescein for the slit lamp examinations with you. We are also in need of technicians to help with the screening. If you have a technician that typically assists you with examinations and is available, we would greatly appreciate their help as well!

Your participation in this project is critical. If you are interested in volunteering please reach out to Jamie Ennis Bloyd, MPA Executive Director at the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons at (859)-948-4626 or [email protected]. Jeremy Clark Joern Soltau

Thank you!

06/22/2026

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons are partnering to provide a vision/glaucoma screening to veterans and their family members during the American Legion’s 106th National Convention which will be taking place in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky International Convention Center from August 28 through September 3.

As ophthalmologists, we are requesting your help in providing this screening by volunteering your time during the event. The screening clinic will be conducted during the following days and times:

Saturday, August 29, 2026 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday, August 30, 2026 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Monday, August 31, 2026 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

We will be scheduling two shifts for each day: 8:00-11:30 AM and 11:30 AM to close of business, except for the third day, August 31, which will have one shift from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

The screening will entail a brief assessment of risk factors, visual acuity, visual fields examination, slit-lamp examination and direct ophthalmoscopy. All equipment will be provided but we would like to request that you bring an ophthalmoscope and numbing drops with fluorescein for the slit lamp examinations with you. We are also in need of technicians to help with the screening. If you have a technician that typically assists you with examinations and is available, we would greatly appreciate their help as well!

Your participation in this project is critical. If you are interested in volunteering please reach out to Jamie Ennis Bloyd, MPA Executive Director at the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons at (859)-948-4626 or [email protected]. Jeremy Clark Joern Soltau

06/02/2026

We are excited to announce the date and location have been set for our KAEPS Fall 2026 Meeting. We hope you will save the date and make plans to join us!

06/02/2026

TODAY'S LATEST NEWS ON KY OPTOMETRISTS WHO HAVE FAILED TO PASS REQUIRED NATIONAL LICENSURE EXAM:

The state board that oversees Kentucky's optometrists is standing by its decision to allow optometry graduates who haven’t passed all parts of a required national licensure exam to provide eye care.

05/31/2026

UPDATE: Our KAEPS Executive Director, Jamie Ennis Bloyd, has been hospitalized in the ICU for the past two weeks battling sepsis and pneumonia. Thankfully, she is steadily improving and on the road to recovery.

We sincerely apologize for any delays in responding to emails, messages, or phone calls during this time. Jamie plans to return to the office tomorrow and will begin working through communications as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support of KAEPS during this challenging time.

05/15/2026

SAVE THE DATE for the 2027 Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Spring Meeting & Scientific Seminar!

MAY 14-15, 2027

Join us as we return to beautiful Lexington, Kentucky for another outstanding weekend of education, collaboration, advocacy, and innovation in eye care.

We are excited to welcome attendees to the historic The Campbell House — one of Lexington’s most iconic destinations, blending classic Kentucky charm with beautifully renovated modern amenities. Following a remarkable $10 million renovation as part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, The Campbell House features extensively updated guest rooms and suites, expanded and modernized meeting and ballroom spaces, bourbon-inspired hospitality experiences, and elegant equestrian-themed design elements that celebrate Kentucky’s horse country heritage.

Conveniently located near downtown Lexington, Keeneland, and the University of Kentucky, The Campbell House provides the perfect setting to reconnect with colleagues, engage with leading experts in ophthalmology, and experience the very best of Bluegrass hospitality.

Mark your calendars now and make plans to join us as KAEPS returns to Lexington for an unforgettable 2027 Spring Meeting & Scientific Seminar!

05/13/2026

What an incredible few days at the 2026 Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Spring Meeting & Comprehensive Scientific Seminar!

Thank you to all of the physicians, surgeons, technicians, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and industry partners who joined us at the Louisville Marriott East for outstanding education, collaboration, advocacy, and networking focused on advancing ophthalmology in Kentucky.

From cutting-edge presentations on gene therapy, AI in ophthalmology, premium practice growth, cataract surgery, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, and risk management — to hands-on technician education, meaningful conversations with colleagues, and strong support for KOPAC through our silent auction — this year’s meeting was a tremendous success.

We are especially grateful to our speakers, volunteers, board members, and attendees whose participation made this event impactful and memorable. Together, we continue strengthening the future of patient care and ophthalmology across the Commonwealth.

During this year’s meeting, KAEPS also welcomed new leadership, including incoming President Ryan Smith, MD, and newly elected Executive Committee member Jeremy Clark, MD. We look forward to their leadership and continued dedication to ophthalmology and patient advocacy across Kentucky.

Thank you to those who were a part of KAEPS Spring Meeting 2026 — we look forward to seeing you again next year!

05/09/2026

We are so proud of these KY Young Ophthalmologists who did an OUTSTANDING job advocating for the future of eye care in KY and the country! Thanks to the American Academy of Ophthalmology for recognizing their excellence and hard work!

Advocacy is not a distant concept reserved for policymakers or leadership – it is a daily responsibility shared by every member of our community....

05/09/2026

It’s the FINAL DAY of the 2026 Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Spring Meeting & Comprehensive Scientific Seminar!

Join us this morning at the Louisville Marriott East for another outstanding lineup of education, networking, and exhibits featuring leaders in ophthalmology.

Today’s highlights include:
• OMIC Risk Management Presentation with Hans Bruhn, MHS
• “Building a Premium Practice” with Taylor Strange, MD
• Comprehensive Cataract Presentation Continued
• Oculoplastics Presentation with Andrea Tooley, MD
• Awards & Adjournment

Don’t forget to visit our exhibitors from 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM and place your bids in the KOPAC Silent Auction! Incredible items are still available — and you do NOT have to be present to win! Every bid supports advocacy efforts for ophthalmology across Kentucky.

PLEASE YOUR BIDS HERE:

https://givebutter.com/c/kaeps-meeting-2026-gx363a/auction?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an incredible meeting!