(PRESS RELEASE) ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — The American Optometric Association (AOA) and American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) announce the deadline extension for registration to receive AOA+ travel grants to March 31, 2023. Travel grants are designed to ease the burden of traveling and attending Optometry’s Meeting, taking place June 21-24 in downtown Washington, D.C., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
“After six years, the AOA+ experience will rejoin Optometry’s Meeting for another rare and immersive experience for all attendees,” said Ronald Benner, O.D., AOA president. “Based on the growing momentum of travel grant applications, we’re thrilled to extend the deadline. Optometry’s next generation is a powerful force and AOA+ will bolster their passion for this profession.”
As the profession’s premier annual event, Optometry’s Meeting aligns optometric and industry professionals for four days of progressive continuing education and professional development alongside impactful networking opportunities, business solutions and this year’s unique focus on professional advocacy in our nation’s capital.
The AOA+ travel grants are available to optometry students, faculty and new doctors up to five years post-graduation. Eligible students will also receive three nights of lodging for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Optometry’s Meeting within the AOA’s housing block.
AOA+ Special Events & Programming
AOA+ programming delivers a comprehensive experience for all optometry students, faculty and new doctors with opportunities for exploration into various professional interests and goals. Intersecting fun and professional collegiality Optometry’s Meeting is known for, AOA+ offers all attendees an engaging experience focused on career development, skill building, networking and advocacy.
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Programming highlights include:
*Agenda is subject to change. For the latest information, visit here.
- Wednesday, June 21
- AOA+ Rally and Affiliate Connections
Kick off Optometry’s Meeting with the AOA+ Rally in support of the critical primary eye health and vision care. Hear from members of Congress and learn more about how you can become involved at the local level. After the rally, grab a bite to eat and network.
- The AOA Experience & Opening Reception
Hear from AOA and AOSA leadership as well as a motivational and inspiring keynote. This event offers attendees the opportunity to network with colleagues, AOA leadership, the AOSA and state associations, as well as our industry partners.
- Thursday, June 22
- Addressing Mental Health in the Classroom
This interactive course for Optometric Educators is designed to discuss the many mental health challenges that students face, how to discuss these, references that can be made, and ways to help students cope with various stressors. The goal of the course is to create a sense of community and provide educators with new tools to identify and deal with areas of concern.
- AOSA Optometry Student Bowl XXXII, Supported by EssilorLuxottica
College rivalries take center stage as optometry schools battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the thirty first AOSA Optometry Student Bowl, powered by EssilorLuxottica. High-speed and high-stakes, this test of optometric knowledge pits one champion from each school against all others.
- Friday, June 23
- AOA+ Advocacy Workshop
Gain advocacy insight and hands-on experience for advocates of all experience levels. Learn the top insider tips and tricks for being the most effective advocate and building more momentum for AOA’s pro-access, pro-patient advocacy agenda.
- AOA+ Residency Summit & Career Fair
The Residency Summit & Career Fair delivers opportunities to visit with residency directors from schools and colleges across the country as well as meet with employers and industry leaders across the optometric spectrum to learn about countless job opportunities.
- Celebration of Optometry
This evening to remember will feature networking, entertainment and a few surprises! Celebrate a successful Optometry’s Meeting with peers and colleagues at The Anthem. Transportation, along with food and beverage, will be provided.
Additionally, AOA+ offers student recommended courses that represent a broad variety of foundational topics and support the practice of contemporary optometry. To view the recommended courses, visit the Student Highlights page here. To view 2023 education schedule for Optometry’s Meeting, click here.
For more information on AOA+ and to register, click here.
Optometry’s Meeting takes place June 21-24 in downtown Washington, D.C., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. For more information on Optometry’s Meeting, visit here or download the 2023 Conference Preview, and follow along on social media on Facebook and Twitter.
