The American Optometric Association recommends Optometry’s Meeting attendees register by May 1 to take advantage of early-bird registration reduced rates.
Optometry’s Meeting will be held at the Washington State Convention Center June 24-28 in Seattle, Washington.
The AOA encourages attendees to take advantage of this year’s many new events, as well as annual favorites. Here are some of the top reasons to attend Optometry’s Meeting.
1. New CE opportunities, including “OD Talks” and “OD Crossfire Series:”
Optometry’s Meeting offers more than 210 hours of CE, including two new courses that offer a contemporary vibe in the sense that they discuss the future of the profession.
“OD Crossfire Series,” modeled after the popular CNN show by the same name, uses an open format to debate current treatment and diagnostic views with five different course discussions on anterior segment, retina, post-op management, contact lenses and glaucoma. Each course presents a maximum of 10 topics for two optometric experts to debate, concluding with an interactive spectator poll using audience response technology.
“OD Talks: A Look into the Future Featuring Top Futurists in the Industry” offers a rapid-fire discussion among three top futurists, offering attendees a sneak peek into the ophthalmic industry 10 to 15 years down the road. Styled after the popular TED Talks, OD Talks will include discussions on social trends and technological advances.
“OD Talks” will be Wednesday, June 24, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The “OD Crossfire Series” will be held Thursday through Saturday.
2. Network at the Exhibit Hall, enjoy the “Taste of Seattle Experience.”
The Exhibit Hall provides plenty of opportunities for ODs to network with exhibitors and explore the latest products and services to enhance their practice.
Also, for all the “foodies” out there, don’t miss the new “Taste of Seattle Experience.” There will be three concession areas in each hall, for a total of six (click for a map). Each will offer something unique to the Seattle region, from smoked salmon kabobs to Beecher’s mac and cheese.
“Taste of Seattle Experience” will be Friday, June 26, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Exhibit Hall will have its grand opening at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, and remain open until 7:00 p.m. The Exhibit Hall will also be open Friday, June 26, (9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Saturday, June 27 (9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.).
3. Participate in the Optometry Cares 5K Run/Walk.
Attendees can get their exercise in for the day and support charitable efforts relating to eye health and vision care at the Optometry Cares 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by The Vision Council and Transitions.
The race route runs along the shoreline of Lake Washington in Warren G. Magnuson Park. Registration is required. The race is Saturday, June 27, and begins at 6:00 a.m. Shuttles will be available to pick up participants at 5:15 a.m. in front of the Washington State Convention Center.
4. Attend alumni events and support your alma mater at the Varilux Optometry Student Bowl.
Optometrists can cheer on their alma mater as 23 schools and colleges of optometry battle to win the 24th Annual Varilux Optometry Student Bowl, sponsored by Essilor, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25. The high-speed test of optometric knowledge pits one champion from each school against all others, poised to buzz in with the right answer and bring home $1,000 and the coveted crystal trophy. Reception to follow.
Throughout Optometry’s Meeting, ODs can also catch up with professors and former classmates at various alumni events.
Register for Optometry’s Meeting online at optometrysmeeting.org.