Paraoptometrics

Optometry’s Meeting is an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate your paraoptometric career with progressive continuing education and professional development opportunities—from chariside-assisting and micro-credentialing for optometric surgical procedures to clinical skill-building and office management training. Gain the insights you need to enhance your practice's care coordination and help shape the next era of eye care.

Paraoptometrics collaborating at Optometry's Meeting

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.

Paraoptometric CE, professional development

Education sessions begin: 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 21. Conclude: 6 p.m., Saturday, June 24.

Optometry’s Meeting offers 50+ continuing education (CE) and professional development courses for paraoptometrics, as well as education available in an integrated, doctor-paraoptometric setting. The AOA continues to foster the development of paraoptometrics and the necessary skills they bring to support the practice of optometry. Paraoptometric courses offered at Optometry's Meeting are approved by the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) and AOA CE Hours. Topics for these courses include billing and coding, customer service and patient intake, surgical assisting in office-based procedures, systemic disease and office management.

Visit our Education page for more information about the CE and professional development lineup at our 2023 meeting.

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.

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, Alcon, and the awards ceremony.

Paraoptometric Idea Exchange

Thursday, June 22 | 12-2 p.m.

Join us for this open forum where you and your paraoptometric peers will have the opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities for optometric staff. This is your chance to network and share information on local issues, educational opportunities and ideas on how to grow AOA associate membership.

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!

  • 7-7:45 a.m., Thursday, June 22: Yoga.
  • 7-7:45 a.m., Friday, June 23: Bootcamp.
  • Dedicated space in the convention center to decompress, unwind and refresh!

*Yoga and Bootcamp events will be ticketed events, and capacity is limited!

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 scheduled 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 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 NIGHTFriday, 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.

2023 Optometry Cares 5K logoOptometry 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.

Allergan Tarsus logo Neurolens

Pre- & Post-Optometry's Meeting Activities

Various 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.



Register for Optometry's Meeting® 2025 | 5th World Congress of Optometry!

Registration is now open for Optometry's Meeting | 5th World Congress of Optometry, June 25-28, in Minneapolis. In partnership with the World Council of Optometry, the AOA & AOSA meeting delivers 300+ hours of CE, networking, career-building and an expansive exhibit hall for doctors of optometry, paraoptometrics and optometry students.

Thank you to our 2024 Industry Supporters

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