Alcon welcomed a select number of third and fourth year students to attend Alcon Experience Academy (AEA) at their Global Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. The event was fully funded by Alcon and featured a weekend of educational programs and training sessions. Key opinion leaders in the world of optometry led hands-on learning sessions and presentations using Alcon products. Hanna Prendenvile, a fourth year NECO student, was eager to learn more about contact lenses and interact with industry leaders. She recounts her trip to Fort Worth, the application process, and what she learned at AEA. 

Application Process:

The application process was very simple. We had to submit an application with a short essay explaining why we were interested in attending the event at Alcon and how we would incorporate the experience and learned knowledge into our future career as an optometrist.

Once selected to attend the event, we had to choose which date of the event we wished to attend. There were 4 options to work into your schedule. Once we were officially booked, we were put in communication with an Alcon representative who handled everything. They made everything so easy and straightforward, I was never once overwhelmed with the process. We told them when we would like to travel and they booked all the flights and hotels. Each person was assigned their own double room. Even the transportation to and from the airport was organized ahead of time. 

Day 1:

Once we arrived in Texas, we had time to get settled at the hotel and register for the event. Most students grabbed a quick lunch and explored downtown Fort Worth. My classmates and I checked-in for the event in the hotel lobby where we received information with schedules and a variety of snacks for the two days we were there. There was a welcome dinner on the first night where we met our peers from different optometry schools. The leaders of the event were friendly and happy to have us there. They even gave us recommendations for fun nighttime activities once the dinner was over.

After dinner, a few NECO students, along with peers from other schools all headed to the Stockyards, where we enjoyed live music, dancing, and even a rodeo! Talk about experiencing all of Texas at one place!

Day 2:

The next morning, we had breakfast and left on the bus to Alcon headquarters around 8:00 am. Once we arrived, we learned about all the new innovations and technologies that Alcon is introducing in contact lens wear. These presentations included an overview on Alcon’s Monthly, Astigmatic, and Multifocal lens options. We learned so much with interactive discussions and activities that I feel comfortable talking to patients about these products and am confident that it is a competitive product available on the market.

After a delicious lunch (they never let us go hungry), we broke into separate groups and toured the Alcon Experience Center. Then we participated in breakout sessions where we tried their colored lenses; Air Optix Colors and Dailies Colors, the Systane iLux2 procedure for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction treatment. We even interacted with patients using these products and got to understand more about their contact lens needs.

Once the day was over, we met up to discuss the knowledge to bring back to our schools, classmates, and future patients. With goody bags in toe, Alcon dropped us off at the airport for our return flights. This may have been a quick trip, but I know it helped expand my understanding and knowledge of Alcon’s products in the eye care industry. I am confident that I can speak with faculty and patients about contact lens options. I now have a network at Alcon that I can connect with at any time. I am grateful to Alcon for this opportunity and highly recommend it to any optometry student!

To learn more about Alcon Experience Academy (AEA) and getting involved visit Alcon Experience Academy.