The American Optometric Association's (AOA) Optometry's Meeting® 2017 took place this past weekend — June 21st to 25th — in Washington, DC, offering more than 200 hours of continuing education, numerous awards, the 120th session of the House of Delegates, and an opportunity for the next generation of optometric leaders to immerse themselves into the world of advocacy.
To kick off Optometry's Meeting, more than 2,300 optometric students reportedly rallied on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, June 21st during the inaugural AOA+ rally, which primed dialogue surrounding optometry's priority federal issues amid ongoing debate about health care reform.
Also at the beginning of the meeting, attendees were presented with an inspiring keynote address by Olympic swimming champion Dara Torres. And a number of annual AOA awards were presented, including:
- Optometrist of the Year, Dr. Paul Barney of Alaska
- Young Optometrist of the Year, Dr. Angelique Sawyer of New Hampshire
- Paraoptometric of the Year, Sally Greeley, CPOT, of Maine
- Optometric Educator of the Year, Dr. Elizabeth Steele of Alabama
- Distinguished Service Award, Dr. Dale Heaston of Washington
- Dr. W. David Sullings Jr. InfantSEE®, Dr. Reena Patel of California
This year's Optomery's Meeting was also the 120th session of the AOA House of Delegates, which saw the swearing in of new AOA President Dr. Christopher J. Quinn of New Jersey, and the election of President-elect Dr. Samuel D. Pierce of Alabama Vice President Dr. Barbara L. Horn of South Carolina, and Secretary-Treasurer Dr. William T. Reynolds of Kentucky. Re-elected as trustees were Dr. Ronald L. Benner of Montana, and Dr. Jacqueline M. Bowen of Colorado. And newly elected to the board was Dr. Fred Farias III. of Texas.
And this year's conference also featured more than 200 hours of continuing education. Highlights include a series of "OD Talks" presentations focused on virtual and augmented reality, and a Chinese and U.S. Myopia Control Symposium.
And Taylor Harris of Illinois College of Optometry won the coveted crystal trophy during the 26th annual Essilor Optometry Student Bowl™. The University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry captured the "Spirit Award" for the evening.
Optometry's Meeting 2018 is scheduled to take place June 20-24, 2018, in Denver, Co. For more information, visit OptometrysMeeting.org.
Photo courtesy AOA
Like what you read? Follow OptometryWeb to keep up with our latest articles, news and events. Plus, get special offers and more delivered to your inbox.