News from the AOA's Blog

Where's the bean? Chicago, of course! Host to the 2012 Optometry’s Meeting®. “The Bean” is actually a sculpture named Cloud Gate by world-renowned artist Anish Kapoor. Join the AOA and American Optometric Student Association at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Ill., June 26-July 1 as we celebrate the profession. Visit www.optometrysmeeting.org for more information. Photo credit: © City of Chicago/GRC

The famous Chicago skyline will be the backdrop for Optometry’s Meeting® in June 2012. Always a prime destination for world travelers, Chicago is called America’s hippest and hottest city for its exciting mix of art, fashion, food and fun.

While at McCormick Place Convention Center, optometric professionals can expect to see the latest technologies… new pharmaceutical research, paperless practice innovations, trends in contact lenses and frames, office equipment solutions and more. The AOA will also provide updates on government initiatives that can affect the way you practice.

Educational programming will include breakfast and lunch symposiums. The World Council of Optometry and Illinois Optometric Association will also be joining us in Chicago. Read the rest of this entry ?

Longtime Optometry’s Meeting® attendees know they can get the continuing education (CE) they need at a reasonable price, network with peers, and find out what’s “new” in the profession. It’s not too late for newcomers to discover what they’ve been missing.

With more than 400 hours of CE (and more than 40 free hours) and free entertainment and networking events, Optometry’s Meeting® is a bargain.

On-site registration is available at the Salt Palace Convention Center June 15-19. Read the rest of this entry ?

Optometry’s Meeting® attendees wanting to take the next step in their careers can experience the innovative AOA Practice Management & Career Center. The program will offer an opportunity to network with professionals representing several ophthalmic modalities, partake in practice management and career-building education sessions, and meet with potential future employers.

“Our Practice Management & Career Center offers attendees a great one-stop resource to learn more about entering a practice as well as running one,” said Phil Gross, O.D., chair of the AOA Practice Advancement Committee. “Our priority is to help our members be successful, especially those just getting started in the profession, in all modes of practice. Attendees should make it their first destination to access practice management education and resources, use our computer stations to conduct job searches, or meet one-on-one with potential employers.” Read the rest of this entry ?

Attendees of the 2011 Optometry’s Meeting® will experience the sense of community the AOA has created in the vast Exhibit Hall. The Exhibit Hall will run from Thursday, June 16 to Saturday, June 18.

Visitors will first notice the new AOA Central, where it all comes together. This is the spot to register for Optometry’s Meeting®, visit the AOA booth, download the Optometry’s Meeting® smart phone app, get connected in the Social Link area, visit Optometry Cares® – the AOA Foundation, re-charge, or just catch up with friends and colleagues.

Optometry’s Meeting® has gone social! Please friend it on Facebook and tweet about the meeting using hashtag #optometrysmtg. Be sure to check out the Social Link area within AOA Central. Read the rest of this entry ?

Greetings!

I am honored to welcome the American Optometric Association and American Optometric Student Association to Salt lake City for your annual summer Optometry’s Meeting. Salt lake City cemented its place as an international city when it hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, and we are excited to welcome the Optometry’s Meeting next month.

Downtown Salt l ake is located only eight minutes from the Salt lake City International Airport, and features a compact, walkable convention district with multiple entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities. Getting around Salt lake, either by foot or by public transportation, is a breeze with our clean and friendly streets, and the TRAX light-rail system’s free-fare zone located in downtown. Read the rest of this entry ?