Students

Optometry’s Meeting ^®, and the special AOA+ programming happening at our 2023 meeting, deliver an engaging experience for future doctors that intersects the fun, professional collegiality you’ve come to know from school with the ability to jumpstart your career. Presented by the AOSA and AOA, Optometry’s Meeting is where you connect with potential mentors, employers and partners to learn about future career opportunities and how to get immersed in your chosen profession. Join thousands of optometry students, new doctors and educators for the special AOA+ programming at Optometry's Meeting this year—here's what you can expect:

AOA+ Rally and Affiliate Connections

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

Join thousands of doctors and optometry students as the AOA+ Rally kicks off this experience with a rally in support of the critical primary eye health and vision care our profession provides. Hear from members of Congress about the importance of advocating for the profession and how you can get involved. After the rally, grab a bite to eat or beverage and make sure to network and connect with fellow participants from your affiliate, and learn more about how you can become involved at the local level.

*This event is for those in the AOA+ program and a badge will be required to attend. Food and beverage is included during this event.

The AOA Experience & Opening Reception

Supported by Johnson & Johnson Vision
Wednesday, June 21 | 7-10 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Make sure to join us during the AOA Experience for the official kickoff to Optometry's Meeting! You will hear from AOA and AOSA leadership, as well as a motivational and inspiring keynote to jumpstart your week in Washington, D.C. Following the AOA Experience, join us for the opportunity to network with colleagues, AOA leadership, the AOSA and state associations, as well as our industry partners.

*This event is for all fully registered attendees and guests, and a badge will be required to attend.

AOA+ Leadership Society

The AOA+ Leadership Society is a program for students who want to build leadership skills, advance their careers through networking, personal and professional development and gain specialized education outside of the classroom. Students completing the requirements will earn a certificate of completion, AOA+ Leadership Society lapel pin and national recognition from the AOA.

Enhance your resume by adding this academic achievement!

AOA+ Leadership Link

Thursday, June 22 | 1-2 p.m.

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 out of school? Sign up to attend an AOA+ Leadership Link session and you will have the opportunity to sit in a small group setting and have those questions answered by seasoned doctors of optometry. And even better, breakfast will be served!  

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required via this AOA+ Leadership Link Student Registration form.

AOSA Optometry Student Bowl ^TM XXXII powered by EssilorLuxottica

Supported by EssilorLuxottica
NEW NIGHT! Thursday, June 22
Location: Echostage

College rivalries take center stage as optometry schools battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the thirty first AOSA Optometry Student Bowl, powered by EssilorLuxottica. The high-speed, high-stakes test of optometric knowledge pits one champion from each school against all others. Grab your friends and come cheer on your school!

EssilorLuxottica Live! Student Party

Supported by EssilorLuxottica
NEW NIGHT! Thursday, June 22
Offsite location—To Be Announced

This can't miss student night out is always one to remember! Come network, see friends from across the country and celebrate the amazing profession that is optometry!

AOA+ Student Recommended Courses

This year's Optometry's Meeting is a first for many students, so with that in mind, the CE and professional development schedule highlights several suggested courses offerings that students might find beneficial. These courses, which are identified with the AOA+ logo, represent a broad variety of foundational topics that support the practice of contemporary optometry. Below are suggestions, which will also help you complete the AOA+ Leadership Society and receive your AOA+ travel grant. For a full listing, please review our online schedule. 

• Anterior Segment Grand Rounds
• Boxing Out Unconscious Bias: Don't Let Your Unconscious Biases Put People in a Box!
• Ethics in the Workplace
• Optometry's Role in Reducing Healthcare Disparities
• Preparing for Office-based Surgical Procedures
• 'Ring of Silence' Screening and Expert Panel
• Squirming Patients 101: Pediatric Workshop
• Top 5 Myths of Myopia Management and How to Overcome Them
• Top 5 Posters
• Blast from the Past (Register now for this virtual event hosted on AOA EyeLearn at 7:30 p.m. CT, May 3)

AOA on Capitol Hill

Various Times & Locations

As Optometry's Meeting once again convenes in Washington, D.C., the AOA will combine its annual federal advocacy event, AOA on Capitol Hill, into the programming for opportunities to connect with your members of Congress.

Capitol Hill Briefings at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center

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

Advocacy Workshop

• Friday, June 23 | 9-10:30 a.m.

Eye Care Square Ribbon Cutting

Supported by EyePromise
Thursday, June 22 | 2-3 p.m.
Exhibit Hall D, Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Optometry's Meeting offers a renowned exhibit hall experience, the Eye Care Square, featuring industry leaders and vendors that can help give you a leg-up in practice. Take a break from your CE scheduled and join us in the Eye Care Square to visit with our vendors and sponsors, find business and practice solutions, and grow your networking connections. Or consider attending the Education Theater, located within the hall, with at least five educational courses covering a variety of subjects. Come see what all the buzz is about in the Eye Care Square.

The hall will be open Thursday, June 22 through Saturday, June 24.

AOA+ Residency Summit and Career Fair

Friday, June 23 | 1-3 p.m.

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.

Celebration of Optometry

NEW NIGHT!  Friday, June 23 | 7-11 p.m.
Location: The Anthem

Join your colleagues and new connections for an evening to remember! The AOA and AOSA are pulling out all the stops and creating an event that encompasses networking, entertainment and a few surprises. Make sure to join us and cheers to another amazing Optometry's Meeting. 

*This event is for all fully registered attendees and guests, and a badge will be required to attend. Transportation, along with food and beverage will be provided.

Wellbeing Activities

NEW THIS YEAR!

The AOA will offer dedicated activities and spaces that focus on  you and your wellbeing. Check out our schedule below to see where you would like to participate!

• Yoga | Thursday, June 22 | 7-7:45 a.m.
• Bootcamp | Friday, June 23 | 7-7:45 a.m.
• Dedicated space in the convention center to decompress, unwind and refresh!
• Mother's lounge.
• Voice your Vision board.

*Yoga and Bootcamp events will be ticketed events, and capacity is limited!

Optometry Cares ^®—The AOA Foundation Run/Walk

Saturday, June 24 | 6 a.m.
Supported by Allergan and Neurolens
Course: Location to be determined

Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation is bringing its annual 5K run/walk to Washington, D.C.! We hope you will join us at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 24. A $30 entry fee guarantees you a performance-blend T-shirt and medal. Awards will be presented to top age-division finishers and overall winners. Packet pickup will take place on-site at Optometry's Meeting.

Not quite your pace? Sign up to "count sheep instead of steps" if you want to make a $30 donation to Optometry Cares and sleep in on race day, as well as receive a T-shirt and race packet swag.

Sign up for the run/walk when you register to attend Optometry’s Meeting.

'Ring of Silence' Screening & Expert Panel

Saturday, June 24 | 9-10:30 a.m.

Human trafficking continues to be an epidemic facing our communities. As medical professionals, we have a duty to actively watch for, report on and assist in the treatment of patients who are victims of human trafficking. The AOA will host a two-hour AOA CE Hour-approved education course featuring a screening of the feature film, "Ring of Silence," followed by a panel of legal and other experts who will discuss the signs of human trafficking and our responsibilities as medical professionals.

Pre- & Post-Optometry's Meeting Activities

Various Locations

This year, the AOA is planning several additional activities for attendees, their families and friends to join! From sporting events to food tours, exploring the history of Washington, D.C., and more. Stay tuned for more information.