Leadership Institute advances leadership in the optometric profession
Leadership development is essential for fostering growth and innovation. It provides individuals with the skills, knowledge and mindset needed to make significant contributions and excel in their roles personally and professionally.
The AOA Leadership Institute program was developed to bridge the gap between the busy professional and their desire to successfully thrive in volunteer leadership. The program seeks to energize and equip the next generation of champions for optometry with valuable lessons and skillsets, which will allow them to confidently step in and lead at national and state affiliate levels.
There are two Leadership Institute programs: Leadership Institute 1.0 and Leadership Institute 2.0, with the former currently accepting nominations and applications for the 2025 program. Nominations are due by Thursday, Nov. 14. Individual applications are due by Thursday, Nov. 21.
What is Leadership Institute 1.0?
The 1.0 program offers 100 participants a six-month leadership experience through virtual and in-person sessions, covering a variety of skillsets including marketing your brand, public speaking, negotiation skills and leading change. These sessions are broken up over several months and taken virtually with the remaining sessions. Graduation takes place at Optometry’s Meeting®.
Participants actively engage with one another throughout the 1.0 program, complete coursework pertaining to each session and support one another as they advance in their careers and leadership roles.
How to participate in Leadership Institute 1.0Participants may apply directly or be nominated to take the Leadership Institute 1.0 program. We encourage affiliates, schools and colleges to consider nominating their colleagues and future leaders. All applications and nominations are reviewed by the AOA Leadership Development Committee before being accepted through Nov. 21. Participants will be announced in early December with the kick-off session taking place February 2025. 2025 Application |
What is Leadership Institute 2.0?
The 2.0 program is offered to 50 participants as an in-person leadership development program completed over three days. This smaller group will build upon their leadership skillsets by taking a deeper dive into media training, effectively working with industry, relationship-building with legislators, strategic planning and committee leadership.
Applications for the 2.0 program will open in 2025. Stay tuned to aoa.org/news for more information.
It is not required that participants of the 2.0 program have completed the 1.0 program. The next application period for Leadership Institute 2.0 will open at Optometry’s Meeting 2025.
AOA Leadership Institute graduates share their takeaways from American Optometric Association on Vimeo.
Leadership Institute program offers support
Participants of the 1.0 program will be provided financial support via discounted registration for Optometry’s Meeting. Participants of the 2.0 program will be provided financial support via a travel stipend to mitigate barriers to participation.
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