Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information about your Optometry's Meeting experience? Consult these frequently asked questions pertaining to the meeting, registration process, housing and travel, education courses and credits, and more.

Select one of the topic areas below for common questions and answers, as well as relevant deadlines and attendee information.

General Information

What are the dates and location of Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry 2025?

Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry 2025 will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 25-28.

Who may attend Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry?

Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry is the annual meeting of the American Optometric Association and American Optometric Student Association, but we welcome both member and nonmember optometrists, paraoptometric office staff and technicians, optometry students, faculty and educators, industry professionals and exhibitors, association executives and staff, and their guests. 

How can I join the online conversation about Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry?

Follow Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry on social media or visit our social feed to see live-updating posts from the meeting. Be sure to use our official hashtag, #OptometrysMeeting, in your social posts to join the conversation. 

How do I download the mobile app?

Attendees are strongly encouraged to download the Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry mobile app for the best attendee experience. The mobile app gives you access to an agenda or schedule of events, an interactive Eye Care Square exhibit hall floorplan, the ability to track and find CE, and add select events—such as workshops—on-site. More information about the 2025 mobile app will be available closer to the meeting date. 

Eye Care Square exhibit hall information

Wednesday, June 25
7-9 p.m, Welcome Reception
Thursday, June 26 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, June 27 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Does Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry have a lost and found location?

Yes, all lost and found items that have been turned in can be retrieved at the registration desk. At the end of the conference, the items will be turned over to the convention center. Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry  is not responsible for any items lost during the conference. 

What are my options on-site for food and beverages?

In addition to social events, concessions, and hosted coffee breaks in the exhibit hall there are a few onsite dining options at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  These options can be found on the website 

Are there facilitiates at the Minneapolis Convention Center for new mothers and families? 

Yes, the convention center offers two Mothers Rooms located on level two.  

What are the alumni receptions, and when and where will they be held?

The alumni receptions offered at Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry  are a fun and unique way to reconnect and network with former classmates. Alumni receptions will be held on Thursday, June 26 from 5-7 p.m. 

Registration and Badges

What is included with my registration badge?

Inclusions are dependent on your purchased admission item. For questions related to what is included in your badge purchase, please reach out to optometrysmeeting@aoa.org. 

Do I have to be a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA) to register?

No, but you must be affiliated with the profession. However, AOA members do receive a registration discount. To become an active AOA member, please contact the AOA at memberservices@aoa.org.

Does it cost to register?

There is a cost associated with registration based upon registration type. Please review our registration fees page for more information.

Who do I contact if I have questions regarding my AOA membership?

Please contact Member Services at  memberservices@aoa.org, or by phone at 314.983.4167.

Can I use a credit card or a check to register?

Yes, registration requires a credit card for completion. Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry accepts all major credit cards. Please note:  Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometrydoes not accept checks.

Are purchase orders and wire transfers accepted?

No, purchase orders and wire transfers are not accepted. 

When will I receive my badge?

Attendees will receive their badges upon check-in at the on-site registration desk at Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry .

What are the on-site attendee registration hours?

Tuesday, June 24 3 - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 25 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 26 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, June 27 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 28 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where is on-site registration located?

On-site registration at the Minneapolis Convention Center will be in Lobby B and C. 

What is the cancellation policy for the Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry  conference?

GENERAL ATTENDEES

Registration cancellations and requests for refunds, which include registration fees, workshops, special events, and guest tickets, must be received in writing to the AOA by April 25, 2025, at which time a full refund less $25 will be administered.

Written requests received on or after April 25, 2025, and not later than May 16, 2025, will be assessed an administrative charge of 25% of the total fees. No refunds will be given to requests received on May 17, 2025, or after.

Submit cancellation requests directly to  optometrysmeeting@aoa.org.

How do WCO members register?

When is the Early Bird Registration deadline?  

You can secure your lowest rate during early-bird registration through March 31, 2025. 

I’m not an AOA Member; why do I need to apply for an AOA Profile to register?  

A profile is required for onsite continuing professional education credit-claiming purposes. This information will not be used for non-congress communications. 

Does WCO offer complimentary registration? 

Unfortunately, WCO is unable to offer complimentary registration for this Congress. 

How may I obtain an invitation letter to apply for a Visa to attend? 

To request a Visa Letter for Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5), please fill out the Visa Letter Request Form on the event website. 

Is Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) two events or one? 

The WCO and AOA are excited to partner to bring you a joint conference, with both organizations contributing to the continuing education program.  

Where can I book a hotel for Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) 

Our partners at the AOA have secured discounted rates with multiple hotels. We encourage you to use this link to book early for the best selection and price. Learn more at https://www.optometrysmeeting.org/about/housing 

Are applications still open to submit to present lectures and posters? 

The submission window for lectures is closed and the program is finalized. 

The submission window for in-person posters is open until February 14, 2025.  To be considered for an in-person poster presentation, authors must be an individual WCO member or belong to a WCO member organization. Further information on selection criteria, requirements and deadlines can be found at https://www.optometrysmeeting.org/education/poster-sessions 

Authors of selected posters may be eligible to receive a World Optometry Foundation bursary to assist with travel expenses to Minneapolis. Please note that while bursaries are available, they are limited and not guaranteed.  Further details on applying for a bursary will be sent to individuals whose posters are selected.  Please contact us at enquires@worldoptometry.org for more information.  

How many CPD/CE hours are being offered? 

This joint meeting will offer over 250 hours of cutting-edge continuing education. The majority of lectures are accredited for COPE and/or CPD points.  

Is pre-registration required for any of the courses? 

Selected workshops do require prior registration. All other courses are based on first come, seating availability. We suggest arriving at your course of choice 10 minutes prior to the start time to secure your seating. Once a room is full, no one else will be admitted. 

Are there any WCO-specific events? 

The WCO is pleased to bring you a WCO-member welcome event, an Educators Forum, and a panel on Accreditation around the globe, Poster sessions and many globally focused lectures! Stop by our booth in the exhibit hall and say hello! 

Are there any options available for virtual attendance?  

The in-person conference will be held in Minneapolis, MN from June 25-28, 2025. For those unable to attend in person, we are pleased to offer several virtual options to ensure you can still benefit from this event. The below offerings will be the only virtual components for Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry. 

Virtual Poster Sessions: 

  • Engage with cutting-edge research and innovative ideas through our virtual poster sessions. These sessions will be accessible online, allowing you to explore the latest advancements in optometry from the comfort of your home or office.  

Post-Event Online Courses: 

  • Following the event, several courses will be made available online via the EyeLearn platform. This will provide you with the opportunity to continue your education and stay updated on the latest developments in the field at your convenience.  

For more information on our virtual offerings, please visit our website or contact our support team at educationcenter@aoa.org. 

Hotel and Travel Information

Reservation dates to note for 2025

  • Housing is opened for Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry. 
  • Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry attendees will need to book hotel reservations by May to receive discounted rates.
  • Please consult the housing page for further information about attendee room rates in Minneapolis.

Continuing Education

Does Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry require pre-registration of courses?

There are a select few courses that do require prior registration: doctor and paraoptometric workshops. All other courses are based on first come, first served seat availability. When possible, we suggest arriving at your course of choice 10 minutes prior to the start time in order to secure your seating. Once a room is full, no one else will be admitted.

What is the best way to access course handouts?

Course handouts can be accessed via the Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry mobile app. Additional instructions on accessing handouts prior to Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry will be available at the end of May.

  • If a speaker does not provide handouts for their course, no handouts will be available for that course on the mobile app.
  • There will not be a printing station on site at Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry this year, so please print out any handouts you want for the meeting prior to the event.

How do you receive CE credit?

Participants are required to be in a course 50 minutes for every one hour of education for credit. If you are more than 10 minutes late for a one-hour course or 20 minutes late for a two-hour course, you will not be allowed to enter the room. 

Participants must remain in the session room until the completion of the course. Should it be necessary to leave the room at any time, you must return within 10 minutes. If you do not return within 10 minutes, the course monitor is directed not to allow you back in the course, and you will not receive CE credit. 

Earning CE credit requires being scanned into the course AND completing the course survey via the credit claiming platform, available at the end of the course. This two-step process allows you to move more seamlessly between your courses while still providing substantive evidence of your full attendance in a course.

Please make sure you consult the CE schedule to verify if the course qualifies for the credit type you are seeking. Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry  offers AOA CE Hours, CPC, CPD, COPE and CEE/TQ courses. 

Step-by-step credit claiming instructions will be made available closer to the event. 

CEE/TQ courses. These courses have an online examination component for those that require it for licensure. Additional details on accessing the online examinations will be made available close to the event. NOTE: Tests are only available for 60 days from the time you receive the testing notification from ICO; no exceptions or extensions can be granted. 


CEE TQ QR code

Looking for your CE transcript? A transcript and certificate can be obtained online after the meeting.

How is CE attendance verified?

Attendees must have their badges scanned upon arrival outside of each course room. If an attendee fails to scan their badge prior to entry, their credit will not be accepted. NOTE: The AOA will report your credit to COPE and CE Broker so long as the attendee provided accurate information, (e.g., OE Tracker number and/or state license number) during registration ; the AOA does not report credit to individual state boards. 

What is CE in the Eye Care Square?

This year there will be at least ten courses offered in Eye Care Square’s Education Theatre. Courses will be offered on Thursday and Friday, and will cover a variety of subject matter. 

How many CE hours are being offered?

250+ hours. Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry offers credit hours, covering a variety of progressive topics. Doctors can earn credit hours and paraoptometrics can earn credit hours over the course of four days. 

What’s happening with Poster Sessions? 

This year, WCO will hold Poster sessions on Thursday and Friday of Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry . These poster sessions will culminate in Top Five Poster Session, jointly offered by AOA & WCO, on Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Optometry's Meeting help desk and frequently asked questions


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.

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