Optometry’s Meeting Announces Keynote Speaker and Lineup of Special Events

Cassandra Worthy

(PRESS RELEASE) ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Optometric Association (AOA) announces the lineup of special events planned for Optometry’s Meeting and the event’s keynote speaker, Cassandra Worthy, founder and CEO of Change Enthusiasm Global, slated to kick off the event during the AOA Experience and Opening Reception, supported by Johnson and Johnson Vision, on Wednesday, June 21, from 7-10 p.m.

Optometry’s Meeting will take place June 21-24 in downtown Washington, D.C., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center under the banner “Voicing Your Vision.” 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 the nation’s capital.

To register and book housing, click here. Early bird pricing ends March 31. Registration is open to both members and nonmembers. Special members-only pricing is available.

Cassandra Worthy, Founder and CEO of Change Enthusiasm Global

Cassandra Worthy, founder and CEO of Change Enthusiasm Global, will share her practical and repeatable framework for disrupting “change as usual” during the AOA Experience and Opening Reception on Wednesday, June 21, from 7-10 p.m.

Based on her professional experience following an organization acquisition, Cassandra offers attendees a blueprint for inspiring anyone to become enthusiastic about change and to find their unique power of resilience during turbulent times. From mergers and acquisitions to restructurings, new systems integration, and market disruption, Cassandra urges the concept of facing tumultuous emotional landscapes head-on as opposed to addressing the emotions that halt motivation.

With over 10 years of experience with mergers and acquisitions, Cassandra also provides valuable insights into the critical leadership traits required to lead with exception during high-stress times of change. As a disruptive thought leader on change, Cassandra helps companies transform their culture from surviving change to growing through change.

To learn more about Cassandra Worthy, click here.

Special Events & Programming

This year’s Optometry’s Meeting will feature a robust lineup of special events and programming designed to inspire attendees and celebrate the future of optometry. Highlights include:
*Agenda is subject to change.

• Thursday, June 22
  Eye Care Square Ribbon Cutting – Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 2-3 p.m.
  Supported by EyePromise
  • In the renowned Eye Care Square, attendees can connect with exhibitors, network with industry leaders, find business and practice solutions, learn about advancements in the profession and visit the Education Theater. Take advantage of the exhibit hall and share, craft and elevate your voice. The exhibit hall will be open from Thursday to Saturday, June 24.
  • House of Delegates – Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C., times vary.
    • Join colleagues and peers as the House of Delegates addresses the latest in optometry and essential governance updates, the most up-to-date news from the AOA Board of Trustees and leadership, advocacy news, and the presentation of awards. All members are invited to attend each session, including the election and installation of the AOA Board of Trustees. This year, AOA, AOSA and the Hall of Fame award winners will be honored during the House of Delegates. The House of Delegates will take place Thursday to Saturday, June 24.
  • Paraoptometric Idea Exchange – Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 12-2 p.m.
    Supported by Alcon
    • This open forum allows paraoptometrics to discuss opportunities and network as well as share information on local issues, educational opportunities and ideas on how to grow the AOA’s associate membership.
  • Alumni Receptions – Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C., 5:30-7:30 p.m.
    • This Optometry’s Meeting tradition offers attendees time to reconnect with former classmates and make new friends while celebrating their alma mater. During the day, attendees are encouraged to show their school pride by wearing school colors or gear.
• Friday, June 23
  AOA+ Advocacy Workshop – Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 9-10:30 a.m.
  Supported by Johnson & Johnson Vision
  • Gain advocacy insight and hands-on experience at the AOA+ Advocacy Workshop. Hear the steps advocates of all experience levels can take to join the ongoing advocacy fight on behalf of patients and the profession. Learn the top insider tips and tricks for being the most effective advocate and build more momentum for the AOA’s pro-access, pro-patient advocacy agenda.
  • AOA Awards & Hall of Fame Reception – Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C., 4-5 p.m.
    • Celebrate and congratulate your colleagues during the AOA Awards and National Optometry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The event will honor the 2023 National Hall of Fame inductees, the Dr. W. David Sullins, Jr. InfantSEE Award recipient, and the Advocacy Awards recipients, including the Media, Federal, State and Payer Awards.
  • Celebration of Optometry – The Anthem, 7-11 p.m.
Supported by Advocacy Roundtable
    • Join your colleagues and new connections for an evening to remember! Make sure to join us and give a cheers to another amazing Optometry’s Meeting. *This event is for all fully registered attendees and guests, and a badge will be required to attend. Transportation, along with food and beverage, will be provided.
• Saturday, June 24
  Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation Run/Walk – Historic Congressional Cemetery and Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, 6 a.m.
  Supported by Allergan and Neurolens
  • The Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation Run/Walk is a 3.1-mile experience open to all attendees for a $30 entry fee, which includes a performance-blend T-shirt and medal. Awards will be presented to top age-division finishers and overall winners. Packet pickup will take place on-site at Optometry’s Meeting. Attendees also can sign up to “count sheep instead of steps” to make a $30 donation to Optometry Cares and get a T-shirt with the race packet swag but sleep in on race day.
  • Throughout the event, attendees are encouraged to participate in dedicated activities and spaces that focus on personal well-being. Activities are registerable within the Optometry’s Meeting registration portal, and space is limited. Activities include:
    • Yoga – Thursday, June 22, 7-7:45 a.m.
    • Bootcamp – Friday, June 23, 7-7:45 a.m.

To view the full schedule of events planned for Optometry’s Meeting, 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 Facebook and Twitter.