Excitement grows for Optometry’s Meeting® with students driving record-setting registration numbers

Momentum is building in a big way for Optometry's Meeting® in Phoenix, June 17-20, as early registration numbers signal a record-setting year ahead. With an influx of registrations among students and early career doctors of optometry surrounding AOA+, this year’s meeting is quickly shaping up to be one of the most dynamic, and well attended, meetings in recent history.

A driver of that momentum is AOA+ programming, which has already surpassed 2,600 student registrations as of April 1—well beyond the more than 2,000 students who attended in 2023. This surge reflects a growing demand for career-focused education, networking opportunities and meaningful engagement with industry leaders. For those who have yet to register, the signal is clear: this is where the future of optometry is converging.

“This momentum is a testament to the meaningful, valuable meeting and experience the American Optometric Association and the American Optometric Student Association have curated for the profession,” says AOA President Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D. “By investing in programming that connects, challenges and inspires both current and future doctors of optometry, we’re creating an experience that reflects the energy and ambition of this moment. Optometry’s Meeting is where generations of optometry come together to shape what’s next—and this year’s early attendance shows just how powerful that vision has become.”

Setting the stage for the AOA EyeQ Championship

New this year, the AOA EyeQ Championship, presented by AOAExcel®, is poised to energize the student experience even further. Designed to blend knowledge, competition and collaboration, this interactive event will spotlight clinical acumen while fostering deeper connections between students, doctors of optometry and industry partners.

"Optometry’s Meeting is the pinnacle of the optometric calendar year; and this year is set to be one of the largest meetings in recent years thanks to AOA+,” shares Chase Bowerman, 2026-2027 AOSA president and third-year student at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. “I am excited to gather with over 2,600 students from across the country in Phoenix to share experiences and build relationships. This year is super special for students, as they will be part of the first-ever AOA EyeQ Championship—an amazing event supported by AOAExcel!”

Cheers for the Celebration of Optometry

Attendees can also look forward to one of the meeting’s signature events, the Celebration of Optometry, on Friday, June 19. This high-profile gathering, to be held at Warehouse 215, brings together the full spectrum of the profession—students, practicing doctors of optometry and industry stakeholders—for an evening that celebrates optometry’s impact and future.

An expansive lineup and much more

Beyond these highlights, the meeting offers an expansive lineup of continuing education (CE), leadership development and hands-on learning opportunities designed to meet the needs of today’s optometric professionals, including:

• More than 200 CE and professional development courses, totaling over 300 credit hours.
• Over 90 hours of integrated education for doctors and paraoptometrics.
• 20 hands-on workshop opportunities for doctors, students and paraoptometric professionals, in topics ranging from surgical and laser procedures to neurologic screenings, VR/VT, contact lens fittings, injections, OCT and more.
• The Eye Care Square, the immersive exhibit hall with over 150 exhibitors, to discover the latest products, technologies, and business solutions that can drive your practice success.
• The Innovation Hub: The future of optometry is driven by innovation—where cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking solutions redefine eye care.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your clinical skills, expand your professional network, or explore the latest innovations shaping the field, the value of attending has never been greater.