Back in the day, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) held continuing education (CE) courses for optometrists on sponsored island getaways. It was called “CE by the Sea” and ran from 1991 until 2000.
“CE by the Sea” was designed to be a one-week program featuring lectures and group activities to talk informally with fellow optometrists. The program was advertised by the American Optometric Association (AOA) and several optometric magazines. Sponsors such as Alcon, Allergan, Humphrey Instruments, and Nidek were among those that helped offset costs of the trip.
“CE by the Sea” offered a special opportunity for PCO alumni and other optometrists to relax and escape the cold winter temperatures while earning CE credits. Lectures were given by PCO faculty and distinguished alumni. The program aimed to bring together optometrists from all over North America for lectures on various topics and research. It was also a chance for guests to network and interact with old and new friends.
The first “CE by the Sea” was held on the island of Barbados. It was aimed to provide advanced clinical updates on contact lenses, ocular disease and lasers in eye care. These trips continued to offer guests the chance to fulfill CE requirements while having fun in the sun until PCO said “bon voyage” to the program on its last trip, a Disney cruise in 2000.
In honor of the PCO Centennial Celebration, “CE by the Sea” was revived in 2020 with a weekend learning experience on the island of Aruba.
