# Invitation and Call for Papers

# Cogan Ophthalmic History Society 2026 Meeting

# Richmond, Virginia

[cogansociety.org](http://cogansociety.org)

The President and Executive Committee extend a cordial invitation to attend the 2026 meeting of the Cogan Ophthalmic History Society, our 38th annual meeting. This will be our first meeting in Richmond, Virginia.

The meeting will be held from **Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26, 2026**.

 

**Meeting Schedule and Venues**

**Friday, April 24, 2026**  
The meeting will begin with a **welcome reception** for all meeting participants and their registered guests from **6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.** in the **Capitol Room** at:

Delta Hotels Richmond Downtown  
555 E. Canal Street  
Richmond, VA 23219

**Saturday, April 25, 2026**  
All-day scientific sessions (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) will be held at:

Virginia War Memorial  
21 S. Belvidere Street  
Richmond, VA 23220

On Saturday evening, an informal banquet for attendees and their companions will be held at:

**American Civil War Museum**  
480 Tredegar Street  
Richmond, VA 23219



 **Sunday, April 26, 2026**  
Scientific sessions will continue Sunday morning (8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) at the

 **Virginia War Memorial**

  
**Abstract Submission**

Abstract submission is now open.  Best consideration will be given to abstracts submitted by February 20, 2026; abstract submission closes March 6, 2026.

[cogansociety.org](http://cogansociety.org)

**Registration**

Regular registration will open January 19, 2026.  Late registrations will be accepted until April 8, 2026.

Full registration includes breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday, lunch on Saturday and the Saturday evening banquet. 

[cogansociety.org](http://cogansociety.org)



**Program**

The program will consist of original research presentations on topics in ophthalmic history, presented by Society members, invited speakers, and trainees.

A highlight of the meeting will be the annual **Charles Snyder Lecture**, to be presented by John D. Bullock, MD, MPH, MSc.

The Society acknowledges the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Ophthalmology for its role in facilitating the 2026 meeting in Richmond.



  
**Explore Richmond**

We encourage attendees to consider extending their visit to enjoy the many cultural, historical, and natural attractions in and around Richmond, including:

* **Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)** – one of the top art museums in the U.S. [https://www.vmfa.museum/](https://www.vmfa.museum/)
* **American Civil War Museum** – multiple sites including Tredegar Iron Works [https://acwm.org/](https://acwm.org/)
* **Virginia State Capitol** – designed by Thomas Jefferson [https://dgs.virginia.gov/division-of-engineering-buildings/capitol-square/](https://dgs.virginia.gov/division-of-engineering-buildings/capitol-square/)
* **Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden** [https://www.lewisginter.org/](https://www.lewisginter.org/)
* **Maymont Estate and Gardens** [https://maymont.org/](https://maymont.org/)
*  **Agecroft Hall**, a 15th century mansion transported from England. [https://www.agecrofthall.org/](https://www.agecrofthall.org/)
* **Hollywood Cemetery** – historic resting place of presidents and notable figures
* **Historic Jamestowne** and **Colonial Williamsburg** – within easy driving distance

 

We hope all members will encourage colleagues and friends to explore their interests in ophthalmic history by joining us in Richmond—especially those still in training.

We look forward to welcoming you to Richmond in April 2026!

**Your meeting host,**  
Chris Leffler  
Cogan Ophthalmic History Society

 

Open registration & call for abstracts: Cogan Ophthalmic History Society meeting, Richmond, VA, Apr. 25-26, 2026 weekend.