AOA EyeQ Championship
See victory in a whole new light—the student bowl, evolved. Join us in Phoenix to usher in the next chapter of this iconic event, the AOA EyeQ Championship, supported by AOAExcel.
AOA EyeQ Championship
6:30-10 p.m. PT, Thursday, June 18
North Building 100 Level Ballroom | Phoenix Convention Center
Explore the AOA EyeQ Championship
- Welcome to the Inaugural AOA EyeQ Championship
- Why All the Hype?
- Your 2026 Master of Ceremonies
- Sneak Peek: The EyeQ Trophy
- Attending the AOA EyeQ Championship
- About our Supporter: AOAExcel
Welcome to the Inaugural AOA EyeQ Championship
For decades, you knew it as the Student Bowl—the loudest, most electric night in optometry. In 2026, the tradition doesn't just continue; it evolves.
The AOA and AOSA, supported by AOAExcel®, are proud to present the AOA EyeQ Championship. This isn’t just another quiz-bowl; it’s a high-stakes showdown where the brightest minds in the profession battle for glory, a massive cash prize and our all-new trophy.
🏆 One School. One Competitor. Total Glory.
Think you have what it takes to represent your school on the national stage? The AOA EyeQ Championship pits one elite competitor from every optometry school in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico against each other in a gauntlet of clinical knowledge and quick-fire wit.
- The Atmosphere: Thousands of cheering classmates, alumni and supporters.
- The Stakes: A cash prize, the iconic trophy and eternal bragging rights.
- The Legacy: Your name etched into the first-ever chapter of the EyeQ era.
"We’re creating a competition shaped by student insight that reflects the next generation’s priorities, passion, and vision for the future." — Jacquie M. Bowen, O.D., AOA President
Why All the Hype?
The AOA EyeQ Championship is the crown jewel of student events at Optometry’s Meeting. It’s where the future of the profession proves itself under bright lights. Thanks to the support of AOAExcel®, we are bringing more energy and more student-focused features than ever before.
- Elevated Experience: AOSA students provided fresh insight and feedback to reshape the game for a more engaging, elevated experience for all.
- Calling Supporters Sections: Coordinate your school costume or dress theme and vie for your chance at winning the Spirit Award, the loudest and best-dressed school supporting their competitor on stage.
- Career Launchpad: The AOA EyeQ Championship is more than a fun tradition; it’s about connecting with peers and leaders who will define the future of eye care.
📢 Are You Ready to Witness History?
Don't be the one watching the highlights on social media—be there when the first-ever AOA EyeQ Champion is crowned! Whether you’re competing or leading the supporter section for your school, this is the one event you cannot miss.
Your 2026 Master of Ceremonies
In 2022, Brooke Major, O.D., attended her first Student Bowl as a student in Chicago. Now, four years later—after a leadership journey with AOSA that led her to vice president of the student association and a career-defining residency—she’s returning to the stage to usher in the next era.
As the official Master of Ceremonies for the inaugural AOA EyeQ Championship, Dr. Major is ready to bring the noise to Phoenix.
Sneak Peek: The EyeQ Trophy
What school makes history with its contestant’s name laser engraved on the side of this new, prestigious trophy?
The EyeQ trophy strikes a dramatic contrast between black anodized and nickel-plated aluminum spires that curve upward to cradle the iconic EyeQ logo. Standing over a foot tall, the trophy creates a bold silhouette that mirrors the sharp intellect of our inaugural quiz champion.
⬇️Stay Tuned for the Full Trophy Reveal—But Here's a Tease:
Attending the AOA EyeQ Championship
The inaugural AOA EyeQ Championship in Phoenix is going to be big. In fact, there are over 2,600 students registered to attend Optometry's Meeting this year with numerous schools and colleges of optometry anticipating over half of their entire student body in attendance!
Here's a breakdown of what schools are bringing the biggest cheering sections for the AOA EyeQ Championship.
🏅 The Spirit Award
Say you’re not on stage in the championship—think you’re off the hook? Wrong.
Every school body in attendance is competing, from the floor, to earn the AOA EyeQ Championship Spirit Award. Our Spirit Award recognizes the school that brings the most energy, enthusiasm and pride to the competition. Schools are encouraged to show up in their best themed spirit wear, cheer on all contestants and create an electric atmosphere throughout the event. An anonymous judge in the crowd will be keeping tabs, so keep your energy high and your school spirit strong from start to finish!
About our Supporter: AOAExcel
AOAExcel provides personal and professional resources that allow doctors of optometry to practice and flourish with confidence. Take full advantage of products and services from AOAExcel’s endorsed business partners, who have been carefully vetted to meet the unique needs of AOA members nationwide.
