AOA+

AOA plus you equals a brighter future for our patients and our profession. Like no other industry opportunity, AOA+ is a unique experience for optometry students and faculty, as well as new graduates, to take their professional involvement to the next level. AOA+ brings together the profession’s next generation of leaders for a four-day, immersive experience in career development, skill building, networking and advocacy in our nation’s capital. But our meeting is just the beginning; AOA+ is a yearlong program designed to help you find success in optometry.

Learn what it takes to stand up and be counted alongside the AOA as one of optometry’s advocates. See how AOA+ can help you shape optometry’s future and how the AOA can help get you here.

AOA+
June 21-24, 2023
Washington, D.C.

What can you expect from AOA+?

Optometry is better and stronger together; that’s why the AOA is committed to delivering a comprehensive experience for all optometry students, faculty and new doctors that can be impactful for your career. No matter your professional interests or aspirations, AOA+ has programming to help you take that next step in your career. See what’s in store for AOA+ in Washington, D.C.


	AOA+ Rally and Affiliate Connections Wednesday, June 21 \| 5-7 p.m. Walter E. Washington Convention Center 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, as well as our keynote speaker, about the importance of advocating for the profession and how you can get involved.

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AOA+ Rally and Affiliate Connections

Wednesday, June 21 | 5-7 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

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, as well as our keynote speaker, about the importance of advocating for the profession and how you can get involved.


	The AOA Experience & Opening Reception Wednesday, June 21 \| 7-10 p.m. Walter E. Washington Convention Center Immediately following the AOA+ Rally, attendees can take that energy and excitement into The AOA Experience for an unparalleled networking opportunity with colleagues, AOA leadership, the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) and state associations, along with industry representatives as everyone enjoys music, food and beverages.

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The AOA Experience & Opening Reception

Wednesday, June 21 | 7-10 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Immediately following the AOA+ Rally, attendees can take that energy and excitement into The AOA Experience for an unparalleled networking opportunity with colleagues, AOA leadership, the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) and state associations, along with industry representatives as everyone enjoys music, food and beverages.


	AOA+ Residency Summit & Career Fair Friday, June 23 \| 1-3p.m. Walter E. Washington Convention Center 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 Residency Summit & Career Fair 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.

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AOA+ Residency Summit & Career Fair

Friday, June 23 | 1-3p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

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 Residency Summit & Career Fair 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.


	AOA+ Advocacy Workshop Friday, June 23 \| 9-10:30 a.m. Walter E. Washington Convention Center After being inspired at the AOA+ Rally, gain advocacy insight and hands-on experience at the AOA+ Advocacy Workshop. Hear the steps advocates of all experience levels can take to join the ongoing advocacy fight on behalf of patients and the profession, and learn the top insider tips and tricks for being the most effective advocate and building more momentum for AOA’s pro-access, pro-patient advocacy agenda.

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AOA+ Advocacy Workshop

Friday, June 23 | 9-10:30 a.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

After being inspired at the AOA+ Rally, gain advocacy insight and hands-on experience at the AOA+ Advocacy Workshop. Hear the steps advocates of all experience levels can take to join the ongoing advocacy fight on behalf of patients and the profession, and learn the top insider tips and tricks for being the most effective advocate and building more momentum for AOA’s pro-access, pro-patient advocacy agenda.


	AOA+ Student-Recommended Courses Times Vary Walter E. Washington Convention Center Designed for students, new doctors and faculty, AOA+ Recommended Courses deliver a variety of content from soft skills and becoming an advocate in your community to top-notch optometric education. Choose your own path from a variety of AOA+ Recommended Courses throughout the Optometry’s Meeting schedule.

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AOA+ Student-Recommended Courses

Times Vary
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Designed for students, new doctors and faculty, AOA+ Recommended Courses deliver a variety of content from soft skills and becoming an advocate in your community to top-notch optometric education. Choose your own path from a variety of AOA+ Recommended Courses throughout the Optometry’s Meeting schedule.


	AOA+ Leadership Link Thursday, June 22 \| 1-2 p.m. Walter E. Washington Convention Center 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 you are out of school? Sign up to attend an AOA+ Leadership Link session and participate in a small group setting to have those questions answered by seasoned doctors. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required: AOA+ Leadership Link Student Registration form.

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AOA+ Leadership Link

Thursday, June 22 | 1-2 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

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 you are out of school? Sign up to attend an AOA+ Leadership Link session and participate in a small group setting to have those questions answered by seasoned doctors. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required: AOA+ Leadership Link Student Registration form.


	AOA+ Leadership Society See requisite criteria for 2023 Join the AOA+ Leadership Society, a program for students who want to build their leadership skills, advance their careers through networking, grow through personal and professional development, and gain specialized education outside the classroom. Stay tuned for program requirements.

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AOA+ Leadership Society

See requisite criteria for 2023

Join the AOA+ Leadership Society, a program for students who want to build their leadership skills, advance their careers through networking, grow through personal and professional development, and gain specialized education outside the classroom. Stay tuned for program requirements.

Are travel grants available for AOA+?

Yes, the AOA and the AOSA are committed to helping optometry students, new doctors and faculty attend AOA+ with 3,000 travel grants available to help you get to Washington, D.C. for Optometry’s Meeting^®. Travel grant criteria and details are available on our travel grants page below. To receive an AOA+ travel grant, eligible attendees must register for Optometry’s Meeting by March 31, 2023, with grants available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for Optometry’s Meeting will open in January 2023.

Travel Grant Opportunities