May 9, 2024 — The American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) have announced a series of student-focused events planned for Optometry’s Meeting, taking place June 19-22 in Nashville, TN, at the Music City Center.
Designed to aid optometry students and new graduates in professional development, AOA+ is a year-round program designed to assist optometry students and new graduates by providing resources for career development and skill building. At Optometry’s Meeting, AOA+ will offer attendees an intensive, immersive four-day program with professional networking and advocacy opportunities.
On Friday, June 21, the AOAExcel Career Center Fair will connect optometry students and new doctors with prospective employers and organizations while offering information about career possibilities within the field of optometry. The event is open to all attendees. Interested employers can click here to learn more and participate.
Student attendees can participate in the AOA+ Leadership Society program, outlined here, to earn a certificate for their resume, a special lapel pin, and national recognition from the AOA.
AOA+ Pop-Ups will take place throughout Optometry’s Meeting. Described by the AOA as fast-paced, diverse, and engaging, the educational sessions will cover a variety of topics including advocating for your profession, practice management, and conquering student debt. Each pop-up counts as one educational event for the AOA+ Leadership Society certification.
The Squirming Patients 101 Pop-Up on Thursday, June 20, will offer tips and tricks for pediatric eye exams and a presentation on the InfantSEE program. Students will then break out into groups to watch a doctor do a live exam demonstration on an infant before a Q&A session. For a full schedule of Pop-Ups, click here.
Other networking opportunities taking place throughout Optometry’s Meeting include the AOA+ Leadership Link, designed to help students and new doctors transition to the next step in their career, and Affiliate Connections, an opportunity for students to meet with representatives from each state as their affiliation switches from AOSA to their state affiliate.
Finally, winners of the American Board of Optometry (ABO)’s first annual “Learning Through Clinical Care” student case challenge will be announced. Third- and fourth-year students who are involved in patient care can submit a case study for the chance to win a cash prize and develop their case into a learning module for ABO diplomates. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 31. Learn more here.