Students
Welcome to optometry! Whether you're a first year in optometry school or about to graduate, you are taking crucial steps toward a thriving career in our great profession. And here is where you can take that next step. Optometry's Meeting offers a one-of-a-kind experience for students to fully engage with your chosen profession—learn how you can get involved, make connections, build your career and advocate for optometry. It all starts here!
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.
AOA+ Rally and 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 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 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+ Leadership Society
The AOA+ Leadership Society is a program for students who want to build leadership skills, advance their careers through networking, personal and professional development and gain specialized education outside of the classroom. Students completing the requirements will earn a certificate of completion, AOA+ Leadership Society lapel pin and national recognition from the AOA.
Enhance your resume by adding this academic achievement!
AOA+ Leadership Link
Thursday, June 22 | 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Calling all students, residents and new doctors! This is your chance to network with doctors of optometry who have been exactly where you are today. Do you have questions about taking that first step once out of school? Sign up to attend an AOA+ Leadership Link session and you will have the opportunity to sit in a small group setting and have those questions answered by seasoned doctors of optometry. And even better, lunch will be served!
Seating is limited and pre-registration is required via this AOA+ Leadership Link Student Registration form.
AOSA Optometry Student Bowl TM XXXII powered by EssilorLuxottica
Supported by EssilorLuxottica
NEW NIGHT! Thursday, June 22
Location: Echostage
College rivalries take center stage as optometry schools battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the thirty first AOSA Optometry Student Bowl, powered by EssilorLuxottica. The high-speed, high-stakes test of optometric knowledge pits one champion from each school against all others. Grab your friends and come cheer on your school!
EssilorLuxottica Live! Student Party
Supported by EssilorLuxottica
NEW NIGHT! Thursday, June 22
Offsite location—To Be Announced
This can't miss student night out is always one to remember! Come network, see friends from across the country and celebrate the amazing profession that is optometry!
Remote Access Care: Why You Should Care
Supported by EssilorLuxottica
Thursday, June 22
10am-12pm
Theater 1 in Ballroom ABC
This interactive panel discussion will review the current trends and the need to create access for the optometric care of patients. Panelists will discuss alternatives to the in person eye exam. Panelists include an optometrist currently providing remote access care as well as representatives from the AOA and ASCO to lend perspective on this growing part of not only eye care, but medicine as a whole. Interactive live polling will be utilized in this session to bring the audience perspective into the discussion.
This is a required session for AOA+ travel grant attendees.
AOA+ Recommended Courses
This year's Optometry's Meeting is a first for many students, so with that in mind, the CE and professional development schedule highlights several suggested courses offerings that students might find beneficial. These courses, which are identified with the AOA+ logo, represent a broad variety of foundational topics that support the practice of contemporary optometry. Below are suggestions, which will also help you complete the AOA+ Leadership Society and receive your AOA+ travel grant. Access a full listing of student-recommended courses.
- Anterior Segment Grand Rounds
- Boxing Out Unconscious Bias: Don't Let Your Unconscious Biases Put People in a Box!
- Ethics in the Workplace
- Optometry's Role in Reducing Healthcare Disparities
- Preparing for Office-based Surgical Procedures
- 'Ring of Silence' Screening and Expert Panel
- Squirming Patients 101: Pediatric Workshop
- Top 5 Myths of Myopia Management and How to Overcome Them
- Top 5 Posters
- Blast from the Past
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 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.
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.
AOAExcel Career Center Fair & Residency Summit
Supported by AOAExcel Career Center
Friday, June 23 | 1-3 p.m.
Interested in learning more about residencies and what is the right fit for you? Want to explore other job opportunities and practice modalities all in one place? The AOAExcel Career Center Fair & Residency Summit delivers opportunities to visit with residency directors from schools and colleges across the country as well as meet with employers and industry leaders across the optometric spectrum to learn about countless job opportunities.
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.
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'Ring of Silence' Screening & Expert Panel
Saturday, June 24 | 9-10:30 a.m.
Human trafficking continues to be an epidemic facing our communities. As medical professionals, we have a duty to actively watch for, report on and assist in the treatment of patients who are victims of human trafficking. The AOA will host a two-hour AOA CE Hour-approved education course featuring a screening of the feature film, "Ring of Silence," followed by a panel of legal and other experts who will discuss the signs of human trafficking and our responsibilities as medical professionals.
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.
