COT! checks in with American Association of Corporate Optometrists Executive Director & CEO Tiffany A. Jackson to learn about the resources the organization offers.
IN TODAY’S WORLD, EVERY RESOURCE—and every connection—counts more than ever. To learn more about the mission, goals, and opportunities offered by the American Association of Corporate Optometrists (AACO), COT! asked a few key questions to its executive director & CEO, Tiffany A. Jackson, CAE.
Jackson joined AACO in 2017—and the organization is a unique 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association with just over 1,000 members.
Q. HOW IS AACO SUPPORTING CORPORATE OPTOMETRISTS DURING THIS UNIQUELY CHALLENGING TIME?
A. Although the mission and core values have always been the focus of AACO, it is more important than ever for the association to consider the best ways to continue to support and unify the corporate optometry community. Turning to the association’s core values as a guide [see sidebar], the AACO has recently updated and added programs and information corporate optometrists will find helpful.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the American Association of Corporate Optometrists (AACO) is to provide technical and professional education, practice resources, and tools for corporate affiliated practitioners, so they may provide the highest quality care to their patients. The core values of AACO are Engagement, Inspiration, Education, and most importantly right now—Unity.
Q. PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE UPCOMING CONFERENCE THIS FALL.
A. The AACO Annual Conference, originally planned to be held last May, has been moved to Nov. 12-14, 2020. The program features 13 COPE-approved CE hours. The conference is being held just outside Nashville, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.
AACO MEMBERSHIP
The American Association of Corporate Optometrists is offering a free trial membership (for a limited time) to all corporate-affiliated optometrists who are new to AACO. Membership benefits include registration discounts, a subscription to the AACO Corporate Optometrist magazine, numerous equipment and product discounts, and even an opportunity for a free basic web landing page. To join: bit.ly/AACOmembership .
Q. HOW IS AACO PREPARING TO KEEP THIS EVENT SAFE FOR ATTENDEES?
A. AACO is committed to safety and will take every possible precaution to provide a safe and interactive program. AACO meetings are a smaller event compared with other industry conferences, and that will allow for a very safe but “socially distant” learning opportunity. Optometrists who are currently unemployed due to the pandemic or other reasons may apply to attend the conference for free.
To learn more about the AACO Annual Conference: aacoeyes.org/2020-annual-conference .
Q. WHAT IS THE FUTURE GOAL FOR AACO?
A. We are living in a new world. In the aftermath of a global pandemic, old rules no longer apply. The new landscape we are living in requires great skill, resiliency, and day-to-day learning, all while having the vision to help optometrists shape a sustainable future for their practice and their patients. COT!
—As told to Erinn Morgan
![]({"src":"/media/epshgcwg/eb_09_2020_supp_1.jpg","focalPoint":null,"crops":[{"alias":"thumbnail","width":1110,"height":700,"coordinates":null}]})