What is AOA+?
AOA+ is an immersive track at Optometry's Meeting and beyond, specifically for optometry students, new grads and faculty, focused on career growth, leadership development and building a powerful professional network.
AOA+ Travel Grants
AOA+ is so formative an opportunity for optometry students, new grads and faculty that the AOA, AOSA and affiliates have made it easily accessible with 2,000+ travel grants available for this career-shaping experience.
About the AOSA
AOSA represents over 7,100 optometry students across the 26 schools and colleges of optometry throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Led by optometry students for optometry students—learn how AOSA can empower you!
AOA plus you equals a brighter future for our patients and our profession. Like no other industry opportunity, AOA+ at Optometry's Meeting—the official meeting of AOSA and AOA members—offers a unique experience for optometry students, residents, educators and new graduates to take their professional involvement to the next level. AOA+ is a four-day, immersive experience in career development, skill building, networking and advocacy.
See how AOA+ at Optometry's Meeting can help shape your—and optometry’s—future. And how the AOA helps get you here.
AOA+ 2026 in Phoenix: Your Schedule at a Glance
See what you can expect from your AOA+ experience in Phoenix. (CLICK ▶ TO DROP DOWN)
Wednesday, June 17 - Opening Excitement
- AOA Experience: Opening General Session
5:30-7 p.m. | Phoenix Convention Center
Kick off Optometry’s Meeting in style at the AOA Experience! Join AOA & AOSA leaders as they ignite the week with energy, inspiration and a powerful celebration of the visionaries driving optometry forward.
Thursday, June 18 - Leadership in Action
- Coffee Connections
Come network with peers and industry leaders, so you can start building your professional network. - Leadership Lab: From Campus to Capitol
Learn what it means to be engaged and involved in optometry's advocacy: Hear an inspiring keynote and panel discussion with established advocates sharing stories of success from the capitol steps. - Student-Recommended CE tracks
Gain essential skills in practice management, finance and career negotiation with AOA+ student-recommended education sessions. - ALL NEW! AOA EyeQ Championship, presented by AOAExcel®
Introducing an evolution of our student tradition—the AOA EyeQ Championship at Optometry's Meeting in Phoenix. Beginning in 2026, the AOA & AOSA will usher in a new chapter to this iconic student trivia competition. Expect the same, high-energy and high-stakes trivia challenge but with an altogether new feel. Come join the start of a new tradition—and bright future of optometry. -
Blast from the Past - 2 p.m.Supported by the Optometric Historical Society, the AOA+ Blast from the Past Challenge is an education event where 3 student finalists will present on a topic they are passionate about in optometric history and compete for cash prizes based on audience vote.
Friday, June 19 - Future Focus Friday
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InfantSEE Workshops - 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 1 0 a.m.Description: This workshop is a fast-paced, interactive, and fun way for optometry students to learn the very basics of an infant eye and vision assessment and introduce them to the InfantSEE program. After a brief PowerPoint presentation, the presenting optometrists will pair off with a baby and parent to perform a live infant exam demonstration.
- Career Fair & Residency Forum
Participate in special AOA+ activations in the Eye Care Square exhibit hall, including getting a professional headshot, practicing your interview skills or receiving one-on-one feedback on your LinkedIn profile. Explore diverse career paths or find potential employers at the AOA+ Residency Summit. - Leadership Zone Lunch
Connect with your future state or federal services affiliate over lunch, so you can be prepared to take your engagement to the next level upon graduation or your early career. - AOA+ Town Hall
Optometry students and early career doctors have the opportunity to participate in a town hall-style Q&A session with AOA leadership. - Celebration of Optometry
7-10 p.m. | Offsite: Warehouse 215
Join this unforgettable evening at Warehouse 215, a historic industrial gem in the heart of downtown Phoenix that blends vintage character with modern luxury. Enjoy great music from a lively local cover band, delicious bites and a vibrant atmosphere as we celebrate another incredible Optometry’s Meeting. Don’t miss this stylish night of fun, connection and celebration in one of Phoenix’s most unique venues! This ticketed event runs from 7-10 p.m. for a small fee to help with attendance, and a badge is required for entry.
AOA+ is more than an event—it’s the movement shaping the next generation of optometric leaders.
Unlock Your Potential: Experience AOA+ 2026 in Phoenix
AOA+ is the premier event designed specifically for optometry students, new doctors and optometric educators like you. Immerse yourself in a dynamic environment focused on career acceleration, leadership development and building a powerful professional network. Don't miss this unique opportunity to shape your future in optometry as it’s done for over 4,500 optometrists to date! Here’s what you can expect from AOA+ 2026 in Phoenix.
✅ Elevated Engagement. Connect with your peers, mentors and our profession’s leaders in meaningful ways.
✅ Career Acceleration. Gain practical skills in practice management, career planning, professional development and much more.
✅ Leadership Cultivation. Discover pathways to lead, influence and chart the future of your new profession.
✅ Advocacy Amplified. Learn how you can get involved and effectively advocate for your profession and your patients.
✅ Build Community. Forge critical relationships within the profession, your affiliate and the AOA that will last your entire optometric career.
✅ Experience Phoenix. Immerse yourself in this vibrant and fun southwestern city.
Hear from Your Peers: The AOA+ Effect
Don’t Miss Out: Secure Your Travel Grant
AOA+ is a can’t-miss event for your optometric career journey. Take that next step and find yourself among the next generation of leaders shaping our profession. AOA+ is so impactful for you—and our profession—that AOA and affiliates are willing to pay your way to attend.
A limited number of AOA+ travel grants are available to cover expenses to Phoenix. All you need to do is register to attend Optometry's Meeting and you're eligible!
