Renovation of AOA national headquarters complete

In November 2016, a major renovation to the AOA's national headquarters facility was completed, on time and under budget.

The building renovation began in October 2015 without interruption of service to members. The renovation kicked off with a ceremony that included the AOA Board, AOA staff and federal, state and local government officials.

The AOA has occupied the building, which was con­structed in 1968, since 1978. The facility has had no major work performed since the AOA took ownership. The renovated building has already significantly reduced annual maintenance costs and improved the facility's infrastructure, which will allow AOA to better serve its members.  

"Our renovated building represents a renewal of the AOA's more than 100-year-old founding commit­ment to our member doctors and a way for us to say thanks to our outstanding neighbors and government officials who have helped make optometry feel at home here," said Steven A. Loomis, O.D., AOA imme­diate past president.  

"We want to thank the leadership of the AOA and our affiliates for investing in the AOA through our new fundraising campaign. Within the first three months of reaching out to enlist support, the AOA has received more than $300,000," says Andrea P. Thau, O.D., AOA president. "These investments will help offset construction costs and, more importantly, ensure that we will continue to advance quality, accessible eye care for America from the AOA headquarters for decades to come."  

Dr. Thau and other AOA Board of Trustees members will be joined by federal, state and local government officials for the official ribbon cutting on Feb. 1.  

AOA leadership, members and local dignitaries will tour the newly renovated AOA headquarters at several events in early 2017, including President's Council on Jan. 13 and the AOA volunteer meet­ing on Feb. 4.