Optometry’s Meeting® is heating up next year in the Valley of the Sun

Known as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is poised to be a hot spot, not only for its majestic beauty, outdoor activities, arts, culture and vibrant nightlife, but also for its leading continuing education, networking and advocacy at Optometry’s Meeting® in Phoenix, June 17-20. This year’s meeting also welcomes the more than 2,000 expected AOA+ students, early career optometrists and faculty, where they will enhance their career readiness, connect with employers, build their network and help to advance the profession.  

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Advancing optometry and the practitioner   

There’s something for everyone at this year’s Optometry’s Meeting: from hands-on clinical education and expansive learning opportunities to numerous events to network with peers and industry professionals. 

For doctors of optometry

Step beyond the exam lane and explore the frontier of optometric practice by leaning into the more than 300 hours of continuing education, hands-on workshops and interactive sessions with over 125 industry-renowned optometric lecturers, experts and thought leaders. Beyond education, doctors of optometry can provide the backdrop to foster deeper peer connections, while leaning into a strong advocacy and leadership component. 

In its second year, the AOA Innovation Hub brings its two-day program to Optometry’s Meeting. This program offers panel sessions on new technologies, AI, emerging pharmaceuticals and diagnostic innovation in the eye health and vision care sector. 

Learn more about why you should attend Optometry’s Meeting in Phoenix next year. 
 

For students, new graduates and faculty

AOA+ offers an immersive four-day track built to focus on career growth, leadership development and opportunities to build a robust professional network. With events like the Career Center Fair & AOA+ Residency Summit, Leadership Lab: From Campus to the Capitol, student-recommended CE tracks and the AOA+ Town Hall, attendees will have a dynamic and deeply rewarding experience.

Explore the education sessions, networking opportunities and events here.

Optometry students, early-career doctors and optometric educators can apply for an AOA+ travel grant to attend. Read our most recent article to learn more.  
 

For paraoptometric professionals  

Paraoptometric professionals—from front desk, clinical tech, chairside and other staff roles—can participate in a cross-section of tailored education tracks designed to strengthen knowledge and deepen the understanding of the clinical process that drives comprehensive eye care. From 12 hands-on workshop courses to an extensive 90-plus hours of CE specifically devoted to integrated doctor-paraoptometric education, Optometry’s Meeting can help elevate the role of the paraoptometric professional.  

Also, paraoptometric professionals can participate in several other events, including the Paraoptometric Connection Breakfast and the Paraoptometric Connection Booth in the AOA Eye Care Square, as well as a CPO prep course, Ready. Set. CPO!, for those planning to take fall CPO exams. 

Don't forget: A popular workshop among paraoptometric professionals is "Optometric Surgical Assisting for the Paraoptometric Technician." This immersive, four-hour workshop delivers the hands-on component to the AOA Paraoptometric Micro-credential: Optometric Surgical Assisting; both the workshop and an on-demand lecture course, available within AOA EyeLearn, are necessary for earning this unique micro-credential. This impactful educational qualification delivers to staff a foundational understanding of surgical assisting techniques, patient care and surgical office management. 

Don't forget to complete the required workshop portion of the micro-credential (the lecture and theory component is available within the AOA EyeLearn Professional Development Hub) available during Optometry's Meeting. 

Beyond the conference 

Phoenix offers a change of pace, where attendees can explore a vibrant desert city that offers a blend of energy and tranquility. After a packed day of sessions, take in the cityscape against Camelback Mountain, the Desert Botanical Garden or enjoy one of the many rooftop lounges that light up at dusk.  

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