Adventurer Aron Ralston named Optometry’s Meeting® 2018 keynote speaker
His harrowing survival tale is the stuff of legends, but Aron Ralston is no myth—just an ordinary man pushed to extraordinary limits. Now, come experience the story behind the headlines, from the ill-fated adventurer himself, at Optometry's Meeting ®.
An experienced climber and avid outdoorsman, Ralston captured international headlines in 2003 after a canyoneering accident in Utah left him trapped between two boulders in a remote location for more than five days. Ultimately, Ralston freed himself by severing his own arm with a pocketknife. Ralston recounts that story in his New York Times best-selling book, "Between a Rock and a Hard Place," which inspired the major motion picture, "127 Hours," starring James Franco.
Optometry's Meeting is proud to announce that the adventurer-turned-inspirational-speaker will present the keynote address at the Opening General Session, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision, on June 20, in Denver, Colorado.
On stage, Ralston brings his gripping story to life. With candor and humility, Ralston reflects on his remarkable triumph over insurmountable odds and shares the lessons he learned about the importance of examining one's priorities and outlook on life. Take away a true appreciation for the power of the human spirit and the value of relationships to overcome life's challenges, no matter how large or daunting one's "boulder" may be.
Among the most anticipated events of the year, the Opening General Session also features the 2018 AOA Annual Awards Ceremony and messages from profession leaders. And be sure to catch Saturday's Celebration of Optometry, sponsored by Hoya, with comedian and TV star Howie Mandel.
Optometry's Meeting in Denver, Colorado
Come join the excitement as Denver, Colorado, hosts the 121st Annual AOA Congress and 48th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting, June 20-24, at the Colorado Convention Center. The perfect opportunity for doctors of optometry, students and paraoptometrics to make a positive impact on their career and profession, Optometry's Meeting offers five days of the latest continuing education, more than 100 networking opportunities and a chance to see advocacy in action with AOA's House of Delegates.
Developing tomorrow’s leaders, today
In 2017, the AOA and the American Optometric Student Association launched an ambitious initiative to bring 2,000+ students and newly graduated doctors of optometry to Washington, D.C., to promote career readiness and success, foster professional aspirations and develop the next generation. Called AOA+, the initiative is returning to Optometry’s Meeting® 2023, bigger and bolder than before. Six years later, what do those inaugural participants say about AOA+ as a catalyzing moment in their careers?
AOA redoubles plan advocacy; volunteers chart association’s path forward
Nearly 300 AOA volunteers convened in committee workgroups this past weekend in St. Louis, Missouri, to engage in association business, including developing impactful resources and advising optometry’s foremost advocate.
Optometry’s Meeting® 2023: Keep up with contemporary optometry through continuing education
What are you waiting for? Early-bird registration is now open for Optometry’s Meeting® in Washington, D.C., June 21-24. And that means you can get first dibs on continuing education and professional development at the premier event in our profession. Interested in a unique, interactive case history diagnosis workshop or working toward a micro-credential for paraoptometric surgical assisting? Enroll in the education at Optometry’s Meeting.