As each day passes, we get more and more excited for the upcoming Optometry’s Meeting. The AOA's 118th annual Optometry's Meeting is in Seattle, WA on June 24-28, and will include access to the newest industry technologies, continued education, exhibitors, and news on health care reform! Obviously, there is plenty to do and learn while in Seattle.
For both optical professionals and students alike, this is the premier event for optical networking opportunities and continued education to grow professionally at all levels. With so much to see and do at Optometry’s Meeting, things can get a bit overwhelming. That’s why we put together a quick guide to some of the larger and more popular events and optical resources we think you'll enjoy while at Optometry's Meeting.
Optometry’s Meeting 2015: Optical Resources You Won’t Want to Miss
Continued Education
June 24th - June 28th
Continued education will start on June 24th with two cutting-edge talks by Jimmy Bartlett, How to Get Comfortable with Prescription Oral Medications from 12:30-1:00 PM, and Are You Practicing 21st-Century Therapeutics? from 1:30 – 3:30 PM. The Dr. Bartlett talk will be followed by the OD Talks, based on the popular TED Talks. From 3:30-5:00 PM, three outstanding speakers, Rob Foster, David Friedfield, and Bryan Wolynski, OD, will take you on a journey into the future of optometry. They will give a sneak-peek at the newest technologies in the optical world, and how this tech could change the industry. Check out the full list of CE classes here!
ConnectMe App
ConnectMe is the official attendee app for Optometry's Meeting 2015, and is designed to help you create the ultimate event experience. The app connects you with exhibitors via an automatic matching component, provides a searchable database of exhibitors, sessions and speakers, lets you create an appointment agenda, and receive show organizer updates. This app will help you and your optometric team be more efficient and organized while in Seattle. You don’t want to miss any events you think could benefit your practice! The app is available for free download on iTunes.
Varilux Optometry Student Bowl XXIV and Reception
June 25th 7:30pm – 11:00
Whether you’re a student or not, this event is one that always steals the show. Everyone is invited as 23 schools and colleges of optometry battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative contestants in the 24th Annual Varilux Optometry Student Bowl. The past few years we have been sponsoring the students at the Berkeley School of Optometry, and we know that Berkeley contestant Jennifer Parks is going to step up and do great when competing in this high-speed optometric knowledge test, that pits her against each champion from the other 23 optometry schools. We support Jennifer and the Berkeley School of Optometry, and wish her luck as she goes after the $1,000 prize and coveted crystal trophy! The AOSA trustees and students from each school prepare for the OSB by wearing t-shirts, hats, props, flags, noisemakers, body paint, and anything else to raise their school’s spirit and urge on their champion!
Attend the reception that immediately follows with food, drinks, and networking among the students. Students are automatically registered for this event, along with their guests. ODs and optometric staff are welcome to enjoy the event without registering, but must register to receive a free drink ticket for the reception. Use this event as a chance to see the future of optometry, and the great minds who will lead it!
National Optometry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
June 25th 7:00pm - 8:00
If you’re looking for something a bit more “mature” than the Student Bowl, the AOA Foundation will induct the 2015 Class into the National Optometry Hall of Fame during a hors d’oeuvres reception. On Thursday, the 25th, from 7- 8 pm, come congratulate the stars of optometry, and celebrate their stellar accomplishments in the optical industry. This event will be packed with influential and respected optical professionals, making for a huge networking opportunity, and learning experience for anyone in attendance! This reception is supported by the Georgia Optometric Association, the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association, and the Texas Optometric Association.
Optometry Cares 5K Run/Walk
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June 27th 6:00AM
Join your colleagues on a morning run/walk and support optometry by participating in the annual 5K run/walk. Optometry Cares is hosting the run this year and it will be on the 27th beginning approx. 6:00 AM. This is a great chance to meet people in the industry and have a little fun! Entry is $30 and buses will transport to the starting line at Magnuson Park beginning at 5:15 AM. The $30 includes a race packet, chip-timed bib, technical t-shirt, and a finishers medal. Here is a map of the race route.
A Celebration of Optometry
June 27th 6:30pm -10:30
On Saturday night, June 27th, join HOYA and your colleagues on the final evening of the meeting as the 2015-2016 AOA and AOSA boards of trustees gain recognition along with an evening of entertainment by comedian/actor Sinbad, as well as a performance by artist Brian Olsen.
Sinbad is well known for his acting and comedy, but what most people don’t know is that he is a closet tech nerd! He has worked with companies like Intel and Apple, so he is excited to talk tech and comedy with the crowd! Brian Olsen’s Art in Action is described as an emotional experience taking his audience through a journey of excitement, suspense, cheer, and surprise. The term Speed Painter does not do justice to his ability to captivate his audience and share the experience of color, music, and action in a way that brings people into the world of art and creativity. Brian encourages to always be yourself, and shows that through his act. After the entertainment, the celebration continues with a live auction.
We hope to see you next week in Seattle! Be sure to stop by our booth, #2635 and say hi to the VisionWeb team!
