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- Cranking up the volume on this year’s educational opportunities at Optometry’s Meeting
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- Call for abstracts now open: ePosters and Residency Forum
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- 20 stories that defined 2023
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- Through the eyes of students
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- OptometryStudents.com refresher upgrades resource for future optometrists
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- Candidates announce 2023 election bids for AOA Board of Trustees
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- Developing tomorrow’s leaders
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- call for abstracts
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Lessons from AOA+ Leadership Lab: Why advocacy starts now
Lessons from AOA+ Leadership Lab: Why advocacy starts now
July 5, 2026
The excitement is still high from AOA+ with one-third of all optometry students gathered in Phoenix—so relive that energy and hear from emerging and established optometry leaders how advocacy starts now and how students can get involved.
Tag(s): Inside Optometry, AOA News
Key Takeaways
- The AOA+ Leadership Lab during Optometry’s Meeting® featured a panel discussion among a student, seasoned and early career advocate, sharing how to get involved at each level.
- Leaving AOA+, students don’t need to wait until they graduate to get involved in the profession’s advocacy—they can help shape optometry’s future now.
- Join a school club or connect with your state association or affiliate so you can ask questions and take advantage of crucial opportunities, such as visiting your state capital to advocate for optometry’s priorities.
- Stay connected throughout school to AOSA and make that transition into AOA membership when you graduate to leverage a vital connection that will position you for success throughout your career.