AOA+ travel grants

New Graduate Travel Grant
Faculty Travel Grant
Student Travel Grant

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note: The deadline to secure an AOA+ travel grant for Optometry's Meeting in Washington, D.C., was Friday, March 31. Due to an overwhelming response, a limited number of AOA+ travel grants remain available. Please contact the AOA for details.

AOA+ New Doctor Travel Grants

Doctors of optometry who graduated between 2018 and 2022, both AOA member and non-member, are eligible to receive an AOA+ new doctor travel grant to ease the cost of attending and traveling to Washington, D.C., for AOA+ at Optometry’s Meeting^®.

What does the travel grant cover?

Eligible doctors of optometry may receive a $500 travel grant, as well as 50% off Optometry’s Meeting registration.

AOA+ Educator Travel Grants

Full-time optometric educators and faculty at schools and colleges of optometry, primarily engaged in school-related activities (e.g., teaching, research and administration), are eligible to receive AOA+ educator travel grants to ease the cost of attending and traveling to Washington, D.C., for AOA+ at Optometry’s Meeting.

What does the travel grant cover?

Educators may receive a $500 travel grant, as well as 50% off Optometry’s Meeting registration.

AOA+ Student Travel Grants

Students will receive a regional travel grant in the amount of $200, $300 or $400, depending on the region in which their school is located. Additionally, students will receive three nights of lodging for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Optometry’s Meeting within the AOA’s housing block—a savings of over $1,000. Students will be asked to submit their housing information by March 31.

How are the student travel grants determined?

Schools and colleges of optometry have been grouped into three regions of the country. Where students attend school determines what amount of travel grant they will receive. Please see the groupings below.

Frequently asked questions

When can I apply for a travel grant?

The AOA and AOSA made available 3,000+ travel grants to help optometry students, new doctors and faculty with expenses for atttending Optometry's Meeting in Washington, D.C. The AOA+ travel grant deadline officially closed on Friday, March 31. However, due to an overwhelming response, a limited number of AOA+ travel grants remain available. Please contact the AOA for details.

What will I need to complete my Optometry’s Meeting registration?

• Your AOSA/AOA member ID.
• Your primary email address associated with your AOA/AOSA membership (Email memberservices@aoa.org if you have questions about your primary email.)
• Your credit card for the $60 Optometry’s Meeting registration fee.
• When you open the registration portal, be sure to check the box that says you are participating in the AOA+ program at Optometry’s Meeting to be eligible for an AOA+ travel grant and housing.

Are there requirements for receiving a travel grant?

Yes, attendees seeking an AOA+ travel grant will need to attend several requisite events or courses occurring during Optometry’s Meeting. Students will be required to attend all of the following events/courses, while new doctors and educators are required to attend all events/courses unless otherwise noted, including:

• AOA+ Rally, Wednesday, June 21.
• Affiliate Connections, Wednesday, June 21. (New doctor/educator recommended)
• The AOA Experience, Wednesday, June 21.
• AOSA Optometry Student Bowl™ XXXII, powered by EssilorLuxottica, Thursday, June 22. New doctor/educator recommended
• EssilorLuxottica EyeFWD session, Remote Access Care: Why You Should Care, Thursday, June 22. (New doctor/educator recommended)
• AOA+ Advocacy Workshop, Friday, June 23.
• Residency Summit & Career Fair, Friday, June 23. (New doctor/educator recommended)
• Celebration of Optometry, Friday, June 23.
• Attendance at six (6) AOA+ Recommended Courses, Times vary.

To receive an AOA+ travel grant, attendees will need to use their Optometry’s Meeting badge to scan for entrance into these events. A log will be kept for proof of attendance and eligibility.

When will I receive my travel grant?

Student travel grants will be provided after Optometry’s Meeting to ensure attendees have met the requisite criteria. Eligible new doctors and faculty will receive reimbursement for their discounted registration and travel grant after Optometry’s Meeting to ensure requisite criteria have been met.

How do I book my hotel for the meeting?

Eligible students will receive three nights of lodging for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Optometry’s Meeting within the AOA’s housing block—a savings of over $1,000! After the registration window for AOA+ travel grants closes on March 1, housing information will be provided to registered students that must be completed no later than March 31.

Note: Students will stay four people total per room with one person designated as an AOA+ Room Captain. Start thinking about possible roommates and planning before housing information is sent in March.

What are the responsibilities of an AOA+ Room Captain?

Each group of four roommates must designate one (1) AOA+ Room Captain who will be responsible for completing the housing form on behalf of yourself and your roommates. If you are the AOA+ Room Captain you will be responsible for:

• Adding your and your roommates’ names to the housing form.
  Eligibility of roommates will be confirmed by the AOA. All students must be members of the AOSA/AOA and registered for Optometry’s Meeting by March 1.
• Entering your and your roommates’ AOSA/AOA member ID number when completing the housing form. Don’t know your ID number? Email memberservices@aoa.org as soon as possible.
• Providing a major credit card. This card is only charged for incidentals that rooms may incur upon check in. Incidentals are the roommates’ responsibility. Note: Debit cards will not be sufficient.
• (Optional) Staying extra days? You will need to pay for any additional days beyond the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday provided by the AOA/AOSA.

What is the cancellation/refund policy if I register for an AOA+ travel grant?

Registration cancellations and requests for refunds for AOA+ related registration fees must be received in writing to the AOA by Tuesday, April 5, 2023, at which time a full refund will be administered. 

Written requests received on or after April 6, 2023, and not later than May 19, 2023, will be assessed an administrative charge of 25% of the total registration fee. No refunds will be given to requests received on May 20, 2023, or after. Submit cancellation requests via email to optometrysmeeting@aoa.org.   

*AOA and AOSA may update this policy as needed.