DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — 125 optometrists from around the country are in Dothan this weekend for the 34th Annual Eye Education Foundation Symposium

They all gathered at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds to see what is new in the optometry field. Finding ways to provide patients with the best possible care when they walk in the door.

This event started forty years ago and has grown each year. The event is bringing some people to the Circle City for the first time and others who are repeat visitors

Providing each one with an opportunity to continue to learn new skills and practices in their profession.

“Our city and our citizens will benefit because the education we are providing this weekend is going to make a big difference to patient care and that’s the bottom line,” Dr. Marnix Heersink said. “We want the best care we can provide for patients and that’s through education and training. So that we can share our knowledge and expertise.

The symposium will be finished up tomorrow and Dr. Heersink says they are delighted to welcome optometrists from across the country and hope each doctor takes home some new skills, then comes back next year wanting to learn more.