Doctors
Optometry’s Meeting® brings together today’s leaders and the leaders of tomorrow, uniting doctors of optometry, paraoptometric professionals, students and faculty to chart a way forward for eye health and vision care in the years to come. Connect with peers from across the profession during four immersive days of community building, access to the latest technology, and unmatched continuing education. Get a sense for all that happens at Optometry's Meeting with our 2023 schedule below.

Please note: The schedule below is from Optometry's Meeting 2023 in Washington, D.C., and included to give attendees a sense for what to expect at future meetings. Check back later as we update highlights for Optometry's Meeting 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Cutting-edge Education & Workshops
Education sessions begin: 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 21. Conclude: 6 p.m., Saturday, June 24.
Optometry's Meeting offers over 136 continuing education (CE) and professional development courses with over 190 hours of credits available (including CEE/TQ, AOA, CPC and COPE credit) for doctors, paraoptometric staff and optometry students. Topics range from contemporary surgical and laser procedures to systemic diseases, functional vision, billing and coding, and much more. Visit our Education page for more information about the CE and professional development lineup at our 2023 meeting.
AOA+ Rally & Affiliate Connections
Wednesday, June 21 | 5-7 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Join thousands of doctors and optometry students as the AOA+ Rally kicks off this experience with a rally in support of the critical primary eye health and vision care our profession provides. Hear from members of Congress about the importance of advocating for the profession and how you can get involved. After the rally, grab a bite to eat or beverage and make sure to network and connect with fellow participants from your affiliate, and learn more about how you can become involved at the local level.
*This event is for those in the AOA+ program and a badge will be required to attend. Food and beverage is included during this event.
The AOA Experience & Opening Reception
Supported by Johnson & Johnson Vision
Wednesday, June 21 | 7-10 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Make sure to join us during the AOA Experience, from 7-8 p.m., for the official kickoff to Optometry's Meeting! You will hear from AOA and AOSA leadership, as well as a motivational and inspiring keynote to jumpstart your week in Washington, D.C. Following the AOA Experience, join us from 8:30-10 p.m. for the opportunity to network with colleagues, AOA leadership, the AOSA and state associations, as well as our industry partners.
*This event is for all fully registered attendees and guests, and a badge will be required to attend.
AOA on Capitol Hill
Various Times & Locations
As Optometry's Meeting once again convenes in Washington, D.C., the AOA will combine its annual federal advocacy event, AOA on Capitol Hill, into the programming for opportunities to connect with your members of Congress.
Capitol Hill Briefings at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
- Wednesday, June 21 | 1-2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, June 22 | 7:30-9 a.m.
Advocacy Workshop
- Friday, June 23 | 9-10:30 a.m.
Eye Care Square Ribbon Cutting
Supported by EyePromise
Thursday, June 22 | 2-3 p.m.
Exhibit Hall D, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Optometry's Meeting offers a renowned exhibit hall experience, the Eye Care Square, featuring industry leaders and vendors that can help give you a leg-up in practice. Take a break from your CE schedule and join us in the Eye Care Square to visit with our vendors and sponsors, find business and practice solutions, and grow your networking connections. Or consider attending the Education Theater, located within the hall, with at least five educational courses covering a variety of subjects. Come see what all the buzz is about in the Eye Care Square.
The hall will be open Thursday, June 22 through Saturday, June 24.
AOA House of Delegates
Thursday, June 22 | Friday, June 23 | Saturday, June 24
Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
For more than a century, optometry's preeminent assembly of leaders and decision-makers has led the advancement of our profession. The House of Delegates is where optometry's leaders discuss the latest developments affecting our profession, deliberate and govern the association, hear updates from the AOA Board of Trustees, and recognize and celebrate our achievements. All members are invited to attend each session, including Saturday's election and installation ceremony for the incoming 2023-2024 AOA Board of Trustees. Hear where optometry's future is heading directly from our AOA leaders.
Alumni Receptions
NEW NIGHT! Thursday, June 22 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. | Various Locations
An Optometry's Meeting tradition! Make time to reconnect with former classmates and make new friends, while celebrating with your alma mater. During the day, we encourage you to show your school pride by earing your school colors or gear!
Paraoptometric Awards Luncheon Celebration
Supported by Alcon
Thursday, June 22 | 11 a.m. to noon
Don't miss this annual celebration of AOA associate-member paraoptometrics, honored for their outstanding and significant contributions to the profession. Open to all paraoptometric staff, the luncheon includes a short message from our supporter, EssilorLuxottica, and the awards ceremony.
CIP Symposium
Supported by Johnson & Johnson
Friday, June 23 | 10:30 a.m. to noon
The CIP Symposium, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision, for students and doctors: Friday June 23 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Room 143 ABC at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The Symposium will feature keynote speaker Tom Bowen, founder and CEO of THRIVE Practice and Life Development, on opportunities to be successful in independent practice, followed by a conversation with leading optometrists about their experiences in independent practice. Partner schools will be recognized and AOA advocacy for independent practice will be highlighted during the Symposium.
AOA Awards & National Optometry Hall of Fame Reception
AOA Awards recognition supported by Johnson & Johnson Vision
Friday, June 23
Come celebrate and congratulate your colleagues during the AOA Awards and National Optometry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. During the event, we will honor the 2023 National Hall of Fame inductees, the Dr. W. David Sullins, Jr., InfantSEE Award recipient, and our Advocacy Awards recipients, including the Media, Federal, State and Payer Awards.
In addition, the AOA and AOSA annually recognize members for their exemplary service in the optometric profession. During Optometry's Meeting this year, members will be honored throughout the week with the AOA awards for Optometrist of the Year, Young Optometrist of the Year, Paraoptometric of the Year, Educator of the Year, Student of the Year and Distinguished Service for their significant contributions to the profession and their communities. Stay tuned for more information!
Celebration of Optometry
NEW NIGHT! Friday, June 23 | 7-11 p.m.
Location: The Anthem
Join your colleagues and new connections for an evening to remember! The AOA and AOSA are pulling out all the stops and creating an event that encompasses networking, entertainment and a few surprises. Make sure to join us and cheers to another amazing Optometry's Meeting.
*This event is for all fully registered attendees and guests, and a badge will be required to attend. Transportation, along with food and beverage will be provided.
Wellbeing Activities
NEW THIS YEAR!
The AOA will offer dedicated activities and spaces that focus on you and your wellbeing. Check out our schedule below to see where you would like to participate!
- Yoga | Thursday, June 22 | 7-7:45 a.m.
- Bootcamp | Friday, June 23 | 7-7:45 a.m.
- Dedicated space in the convention center to decompress, unwind and refresh!
- Mother's lounge.
- Voice your Vision board.
*Yoga and Bootcamp events will be ticketed events, and capacity is limited!
Optometry Cares ®—The AOA Foundation Run/Walk
Saturday, June 24 | 6 a.m.
Supported by Allergan and Neurolens
Start/Finish at Historic Congressional Cemetery | Course will continue along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation is bringing its annual 5K run/walk to Washington, D.C.! We hope you will join us at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 24. A $30 entry fee guarantees you a performance-blend T-shirt and medal. Awards will be presented to top age-division finishers and overall winners. Packet pickup will take place on-site at Optometry's Meeting.
Not quite your pace? Sign up to "count sheep instead of steps" if you want to make a $30 donation to Optometry Cares and sleep in on race day, as well as receive a T-shirt and race packet swag.
Sign up for the run/walk when you register to attend Optometry’s Meeting.
Special thanks to our Run/Walk supporters.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Pre- & Post-Optometry's Meeting Activities
Various Times & Locations
This year, the AOA is planning several additional activities for attendees, their families and friends to join! From sporting events to food tours, exploring the history of Washington, D.C., and more. Stay tuned for more information.