2026 Conference Details

Optometry's Meeting is the premier annual event for AOA & AOSA members, powered by four days of industry-renowned education, innovative and future-looking conversations, career development and leadership opportunities. Welcoming of optometrists, paraoptometric professionals and optometry students alike, the 129th Annual AOA Congress & 58th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting aims to make an impact for our profession.

Optometry's Meeting & AOA+

June 17-20, 2026
Phoenix, Arizona | Phoenix Convention Center

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Why Attend Optometry's Meeting?

Continuing Education & Professional Development

• Industry-renowned continuing education: Advance your clinical knowledge with 200+ CE and professional development courses, totaling over 300 credit hours, covering topics like surgical advancements, systemic diseases, functional vision, billing and coding, laser procedures and more. Earn AOA CE Hours, CEE/TQ, COPE or CPC credits.
  
  
• Integrated learning for the whole care team: Benefit from over 90 hours of integrated education for doctors and paraoptometrics, focusing on team-based, coordinated care to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiency. Interested in paraoptometric CE—scroll down!
  
  
• Cutting-edge workshops: Get interactive with over 15 hands-on workshop opportunities, for doctors, students and paraoptometric professionals, in topics ranging from surgical and laser procedures, to neurologic screenings, VR/VT, contact lens fittings, injections, OCT and more.

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Paraoptometric Professionals & Practice Staff

• Tailored continuing education: Paraoptometrics can earn up to 35 CPC and AOA-approved CE credits with courses designed to strengthen both clinical and professional skills, like billing and coding mastery, surgical assistance, excellence in patient service, systemic disease overview and more.
  
  
• Advanced skill development: Participate in focused workshops, such as the Optometric Surgical Assisting* hands-on session or the Ready. Set. CPO! guided bootcamp, to strengthen your clinical skills and prepare for certification. *Attend the four-hour, hands-on workshop at Optometry's Meeting and complete lecture-based content on AOA EyeLearn to receive an AOA microcredential in Optometric Surgical Assisting!
  
  
• Networking and recognition: Attend the complimentary Paraoptometric Appreciation Luncheon and the Paraoptometric Connection Breakfast to celebrate your invaluable contributions and network with peers and industry leaders.

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Leadership & Advocacy Opportunities

• Shape the future of optometry: Attend the House of Delegates to join optometry's leaders in key governance discussions, receive updates from the AOA Board of Trustees, and participate in the election and installation of the new AOA Board. Open to all members—come celebrate the accomplishments of the AOA, AOSA and Hall of Fame honorees or gain insight into your association.
  
  
• AOA+ elevates emerging leaders: Students and new doctors can engage with the AOA+ experience, designed to connect future ODs with mentors, sharpen leadership and advocacy skills, and explore career development at events like the Leadership Lab and Town Hall.
  
  
• Find your community: Spark powerful connections with industry experts and peers, driving mentorships and partnerships that are crucial for advancing your career and influencing the direction of the optometric profession. Or, attend an Optometry's Meeting tradition: the Alumni Receptions where you can reconnect with classmates. Wear your school colors and show your school pride!

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Eye Care Square Exhibit Hall

• Discover innovative technologies & practice solutions: Explore Eye Care Square, the immersive exhibit hall with over 150 exhibitors, to discover the latest products, technologies, and business solutions that can drive your practice success. Don't forget to check out the EYETalks stage in the Eye Care Square with hot-topic discussions on cutting-edge products.
  
  
• Recruit your future team: Engage with the next generation of optometrists at the AOA+ Career Fair to scout top talent, explore professional partnerships, and find your practice's next associate doctor or partner.
  
  
• AOA+ strategic career planning: Come to the Eye Care Square for special AOA+ activations where you can get a professional headshot, practice your interview skills or receive one-on-one feedback on your LinkedIn profile—all intended to provide students and early career ODs with a leg-up in job hunting and career advacement.

Eye Care Square Schedule

• 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, June 17
• 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, June 18
• 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, June 19

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Special Events & Innovative Programming

• A high-energy kickoff: Start your conference experience on a high note at the AOA Experience: Opening General Session followed by the Eye Care Square Opening Reception, featuring Phoenix-inspired bites and drinks, to ignite your energy and connect with colleagues.
  
  
• The Innovation Hub: The future of optometry is driven by innovation—where cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking solutions redefine eye care. Participate in the AOA Innovation Hub, a multi-day program that spotlights industry innovators and disruptors in the clinical, scientific, technology and business fields that look to advance eye health and vision care.
  
  
• An unforgettable closing party: Conclude the meeting at the Celebration of Optometry closing party, a ticketed event at Warehouse 215 with great music from a lively local cover band, delicious bites, and a vibrant atmosphere for one last night of fun and connection.
  
  
• Support The AOA Foundation: Participate in the AOA Foundation 5K, a 3.1-mile run—or choose the "Sleep In" option—to support the Foundation's work, enjoy a morning workout, and earn a performance T-shirt and medal (ticketed event).

AOA INNOVATION HUB    CONFERENCE PREVIEW

Explore Phoenix, Our Host City

• A desert oasis for discovery: Experience Phoenix, Arizona, a vibrant city that blends vintage character with cutting-edge innovation nesteled in a picturesque landscape, known as "The Valley of the Sun." Attendees are encouraged to explore our host city's thriving arts and culture scene, award-winning Southwestern cuisine or any of the amazing outdoor scenes.
  
  
• Convenient central location: Most Optometry's Meeting events and programming will take place at the centrally located Phoenix Convention Center, just a quick, 10 minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Worried about Phoenix's famed warmth? All official hotels are within short walking distance of the convention center.

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