Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and location of Optometry’s Meeting^® 2023?

Optometry’s Meeting^® 2023 will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., June 21-24.

Who may attend Optometry’s Meeting?

Optometry’s Meeting is open to both member and nonmember doctors of optometry, students, paraoptometric staff, educators, industry professionals, association executives, exhibitors and their guests.

How can I join the online conversation about Optometry’s Meeting?

Join us online at our Facebook page.  You can also tag us in your social media posts by utilizing the official Optometry’s Meeting hashtag, #OM2023.

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. See registration fees for Optometry's Meeting 2023.

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?

Registration may only be paid for with a credit card. We accept all major credit cards. Please note: We do 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.

What are the on-site attendee registration hours?

Where is on-site registration located?

Walter E. Washington Convention Center East Salon AB.

What is the cancellation policy for the Optometry’s Meeting conference?

GENERAL ATTENDEES (Non-AOA+ Program)   

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 28, 2023, at which time a full refund less $25 will be administered.  

Written requests received on or after April 29, 2023, and not later than May 19, 2023 will be assessed an administrative charge of 25% of the total fees. No refunds will be given to requests received on May 20, 2023, or after. Submit cancellation requests directly to optometrysmeeting@aoa.org. 

AOA+ PROGRAM/ TRAVEL GRANT PARTICIPANTS  

Registration cancellations and requests for refunds for AOA+ related registration fees must be received in writing to the AOA by 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 directly to optometrysmeeting@aoa.org. 

Hotel and Travel arrangements

Reservation dates to note for 2023.

• Housing opened on Jan. 23, 2023, for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors.
• Optometry's Meeting attendees will need to book hotel reservations by  May 23, 2023, to receive discounted rates.

Discounted hotels in the Optometry’s Meeting room block include the following:

Eye Care Square exhibit hall information

What are the hours for the Eye Care Square?

Continuing Education

Does Optometry's Meeting 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 mobile app or the credit claiming platform. Additional instructions on accessing handouts prior to Optometry’s Meeting will be available at the end of May.

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 also entering in a six-digit code, available at the end of the course, to the credit claiming platform. 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 offers AOA CE Hours, CPC, COPE and CEE/TQ courses. 

Step-by-step credit claiming instructions will be available at the end of May. 

CEE/TQ courses. At the conclusion of each CEE/TQ course, a QR code will be presented on the credit-claiming slide. Use the QR code to access the electronic form to request the accompanying test.

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 four courses offered in Eye Care Square’s Education Theatre. Courses will be offered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and will cover a variety of subject matter. Additionally, this year will feature the Education Theatre Stage, which will offer a variety of 20-minute presentations in a TED-talk style as well as the Top 5 Posters Event. 

How many CE hours are being offered?

Optometry’s Meeting offers over 190 credit hours, covering a variety of progressive topics. Doctors can earn up to 37 credit hours and paraoptometrics can earn up to 31 credit hours over the course of four days.

Future locations and additional questions

What are Optometry’s Meeting future dates?

June 19-23, 2024
Nashville, Tennessee
Music City Center

June 15-28, 2025 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis Convention Center 

Does Optometry’s Meeting 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 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 in the exhibit hall and throughout the Walter E. Washington convention center,  local hotels have a wide variety of dining options on-site. For a complete list of available dining facilities, please visit their website. 

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

The alumni receptions offered at Optometry’s Meeting are a fun and unique way to reconnect and network with former classmates. All alumni receptions will be held on Thursday, June 22, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.