The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) has opened its call for course proposals for the educational program at Academy 2026 Anaheim, inviting optometrists and educators to submit lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions for consideration.

The lectures and workshops committee is specifically encouraging proposals that introduce new or emerging topics, interdisciplinary collaboration with other health care fields, and innovative formats that support engagement and knowledge exchange. Proposals are also encouraged for the Academy Classroom Exchange (ACE), the organization’s newest small-group format designed to include interactive discussion between presenters and attendees.

Contributors may submit up to 4 proposals across the following categories, with at least 1 submission required to be a workshop or ACE course: lecture (traditional), rapid fire lecture, ACE course, and workshop.

The 4-proposal limit applies to both primary authors and co-authors, and submissions exceeding that limit will not be reviewed. Non-credit courses are exempt. In addition, presenters may submit up to 3 cases for Grand Rounds, which the Academy notes is a strong entry point for first-time speakers.

According to the guidelines, accepted courses should focus on enhancing patient care and optometric clinical management and should not promote products or corporate interests. When multiple similar proposals are submitted, preference will be given to Academy Fellows.

The submission window is open from Friday, January 2, through Friday, January 30, at 5 PM ET.

For more information, click here.