AOA on Capitol Hill

Directly connecting our profession’s leaders with our nation’s policy leaders, AOA on Capitol Hill is a key reason why the AOA is consistently recognized as one of the most effective, respected advocacy organizations in the nation’s capital. Aligning Optometry’s Meeting® , June 21-24, in Washington, D.C., with AOA on Capitol Hill provides an unparalleled opportunity for doctors of optometry, paraoptometrics and optometry students to see the profession’s advocacy in action, firsthand, and even take an active role in advancing optometry.

AOA on Capitol Hill participation is open to advocacy-minded AOA doctors and optometry students with sessions intended to prepare attendees to join the ongoing advocacy fight for the profession’s future. Additionally, attendees may have the opportunity, in close coordination with their state associations, to participate in meetings with their federal legislators as part of optometry's largest, longest and loudest coordinated advocacy campaign.

Sessions at a Glance

Capitol Hill Briefings

Wednesday, June 21 | 1-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 22 | 7:30-9 a.m.

AOA Advocacy volunteers and staff will host two separate briefing sessions to ensure attendees are fully prepared for their scheduled Capitol Hill meetings. Attendees may choose either briefing that works with their schedule; each briefing will cover identical information. Learn about the AOA’s 2023 advocacy agenda, as well as tips and tricks necessary for successful Capitol Hill meetings and ask questions of your AOA Advocacy experts.

Capitol Hill Appointments

Wednesday, June 21 | 2:30-5 p.m.
Thursday, June 22 | 1-4 p.m.
(Or as scheduled with your U.S. House and Senate members)

Participation in Capitol Hill meetings, in close coordination with your state affiliate, will be available for advocacy-minded attendees. The AOA will provide full support, if needed, to help state delegations schedule appointments for Capitol Hill meetings on Wednesday and Thursday. AOA advocacy volunteers and staff will also host an "Advocacy Operations Center" for those with further questions or wanting to talk through Capitol Hill meeting strategy.

AOA on Capitol Hill participants will be granted advanced access to a web-based platform to view their schedule, meeting details, fact sheets and any other necessary information.

AOA+ Rally & Affiliate Connections

Wednesday, June 21 | 5-7 p.m.

Join thousands of optometry students and doctors of optometry as the AOA+ Rally kicks off the experience with a rally in support of the critical primary eye health and vision care our profession provides. Hear from members of Congress and about the importance of advocating for the profession and how you can get involved. Stick around to network and connect with your state affiliate to learn more about how you can become more involved.

AOA+ Advocacy Workshop

Friday, June 23 | 9-10:30 a.m.

Channel the energy of our AOA+ Rally into your hands-on opportunity to learn what it takes to be an effective advocate for optometry. The AOA+ Advocacy Workshop offers real-world insight from our advocacy experts on what it takes to join optometry’s ongoing advocacy fight on behalf of our patients and profession. Learn insider tips and tricks and help build momentum for the AOA’s pro-access, pro-patient advocacy agenda all year long.