News from the American Optometric Association
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News from the American Optometric Association
Save the Date—Optometry's Meeting 2026
Optometry's Meeting® will be held June 17-20, 2026, in Phoenix, at the Phoenix Convention Center. As the profession's premier annual event, Optometry's Meeting intersects peerless, contemporary optometric continuing education and professional development with influential networking and business opportunities among colleagues, industry professionals, and our profession's leaders, as well as special AOA+ student and new grad programming.
Over the course of four days, doctors of optometry, paraoptometrics / practice staff and optometry students can tap into an expansive, progressive CE and professional development program, suitable for the entire optometric practice; engage in impactful networking and leadership opportunities alongside colleagues and the profession's leaders from across the country; access the latest ophthalmic goods and services, business solutions and industry connections in the expansive Eye Care Square exhibit hall; enjoy entertainment and reception opportunities, ranging from the AOA Experience: Opening General Session to the Celebration of Optometry and numerous AOA+ events; and see, firsthand, what it takes to become involved and effect lasting change in our profession by making the AOA a stronger, more effective advocate for the quality care that optometry provides patients.
Sign up for an Early Registration Alert and gain exclusive early access to registration before it opens to the general profession in January 2026. Use the link below to join our priority notifications list—register early to secure your choice education, special events, or an AOA+ travel grant before these opportunities fill up.
What You Should Know About AOA+ 2026 in Phoenix
AOA+ 2026 at Optometry’s Meeting® is a can’t-miss, career-defining opportunity that engages our profession’s next generation to lead optometry forward.
Coming to Phoenix, June 17-20, 2026, AOA+ at Optometry’s Meeting connects participants with leaders from across the country, offering powerful opportunities for education, mentorship, advocacy, and networking to help them advance in the classroom and clinic.
Event highlights include:
- Student-Recommended CE with courses in essential skills, such as practice management, finance, and career journeys
- Leadership Lab panel discussion about what it means to be engaged in optometry’s advocacy
- AOA+ activations in the Eye Care Square exhibit hall, including job-hunting resources and career path orientations
- ALL NEW! Student trivia competition premiering in Phoenix.
Even for such an impactful opportunity, the AOA and AOSA recognize the time commitment and financial considerations for attending. That’s why travel grants will be made available for students, residents, and new graduates, as well as faculty to attend alongside their students. Grants will be made available starting in January 2026.
Sign up for an early registration alert to receive priority registration access—and your travel grant—in January.
Pledge your organization’s support for encouraging attendance at AOA+ 2026 and committing to career-long involvement in optometry’s advancement.
