Key Information about Optometry's Meeting® 2026

Optometry’s Meeting 2026: Key Things to Know

This article highlights important information about Optometry’s Meeting® 2026, the annual conference hosted by the American Optometric Association and the American Optometric Student Association.

Conference Overview

  • Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona.

  • Dates: June 17–20, 2026.

  • Organizer: Hosted by the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA).

  • Audience: Doctors of optometry, paraoptometrics, optometric students, educators and industry professionals.

  • Purpose: The meeting brings together the profession for continuing education, networking, leadership activities and industry innovation.

Education

  • Over 200 continuing education courses will be offered during the conference.

  • Attendees can earn 300+ credit hours through educational programming.

  • Credits may include COPE credits, AOA CE Hours, CPC credits and CEE/TQ credits.

  • Courses cover topics such as surgical and laser advancements, systemic disease, diagnostics, contact lenses and practice management.

  • The conference includes hands-on workshops and integrated team education for doctors, paraoptometrics and students.

  • Have a question about CE at Optometry's Meeting? Please email omeducation@aoa.org or visit the CE Office onsite.

Exhibit Hall

  • Eye Care Square serves as the conference exhibit hall and central networking hub.

  • More than 150 exhibitors showcase products, technology and practice solutions.

  • The exhibit hall is open June 17–19 and includes demonstrations, education stages and networking opportunities.

  • Exhibitor information: https://www.optometrysmeeting.org/exhibits/exhibits-and-sponsors

Major Events

  • The AOA Experience: Opening General Session kicks off the conference on June 17.

  • The House of Delegates meets June 18–20 to address governance, policy and leadership matters for the profession.

  • The AOA EyeQ Championship debuts in 2026 as the evolution of the Student Bowl competition.

  • The AOA Foundation 5K run takes place Friday morning inside the exhibit hall.

  • The National Optometry Hall of Fame and AOA Advocacy Awards Reception honors leaders in optometry.

  • The Celebration of Optometry closing party takes place Friday evening in downtown Phoenix.

  • For more info (subject to change, see app for updates): https://aoa.uberflip.com/i/1541896-aoaom26-0014-br-conference-preview

Optometry's Meeting Registration Deadlines

  • Advanced registration: April 1 – June 2, 2026

  • On-site registration: June 3 – June 28, 2026

  • Did you know AOA members save significantly on Optometry's Meeting registration? To join the AOA, visit this link.

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