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Optometry’s Meeting® gives students, recent grads a leg up in the field

March 12, 2025

At Optometry’s Meeting® in Minneapolis, June 25-28, attendees can tackle the job market by leveraging cutting-edge educational and networking opportunities with other students and colleagues from around the world.

Tag(s): Inside Optometry, AOA News

Optometry's Meeting 2025: Early career readiness at OM

In a heated job market, prospective employers are becoming increasingly particular in who they choose. With more competition and fewer opportunities, being a standout candidate is more important than ever.

So, what can you do as a student or new graduate to get a leg up in the field of optometry?

The short answer: Join a global community of students, doctors and paraoptometric professionals at Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry 2025 in Minneapolis June 25-28.

3 reasons to attend

Optometry’s Meeting offers students and new graduates a chance to:

  1. Expand clinical education and global insights: Gain hands-on experience and CE credits through 200+ courses tailored to evolving eye care practices. Plus, the 5th World Congress of Optometry brings global perspectives on patient care and public health.
  2. Advance career readiness and hone skills: AOA+ programming provides skill-building workshops, leadership training and access to mentors who guide students through the transition from school to clinical practice.
  3. Establish career opportunities through valuable networking: Connect with industry leaders, attend career fairs and explore job prospects. Build a professional network that can open doors to diverse career paths and collaborative projects.

Keep an eye out for these special events

  • AOSA Optometry Student Bowl™ XXXIV, powered by EssilorLuxottica, and the EssilorLuxottica Live! After-party are unforgettable experiences for optometry students that you won't want to miss.
  • AOA+ Leadership Links, where students can network with optometry’s leaders from across the country. 
  • AOA+ Residency Summit, where you can talk directly to residency directors and explore career opportunities with employers.
  • AOA+ Career Fair, where optometry students and new doctors of optometry can meet prospective employers and organizations, as well as learn about the countless career opportunities that exist throughout optometry.

Continuing education opportunities at Optometry’s Meeting

  • Residency Forum & Panel, designed for current, future and those considering an optometric residency, to hear clinical presentations from residents.
  • AOA+ InfantSEE Workshop Pop-ups, where students will have access to hands-on CE that is tailored for attendees.

Need some help getting to Optometry’s Meeting?

This year, students can take advantage of travel grants to attend the conference. With multiple $1,000 grants available, you can be ready to punch your ticket to Minneapolis. Also, those interested in making a little cash while attending the conference can apply to become a CE Monitor—making $20 per hour (required to serve a minimum half-day).