PHILADELPHIA—Breaking with tradition, the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) Optometry’s Meeting will run Wednesday through Sunday rather than its usual Thursday through Sunday schedule. Taking place for the first time in Philadelphia, Optometry’s Meeting will be held Wednesday June 25 through Sunday June 29 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Registration is now open for the event.

The opening general session sponsored by Essilor will feature keynote speaker Scott Hamilton, an Olympic gold medalist figure skater and inductee in both the U.S. Olympics and World Figure Skating Halls of Fame. It will take place on Wednesday June 25 at 5 pm. In addition, incoming AOA president David A. Cockrell, OD, will be sworn in at the House of Delegates.

Optometry’s Meeting will include more than 220 hours of continuing education featuring new speakers and interactive sessions, more than 200 exhibitors, and multiple new networking opportunities. Click here for a preliminary program.

With the inclusive fee structure introduced last year, one price includes education, admittance to the exhibit hall, and events such as the opening general session, Varilux Optometry Student Bowl, and the Celebration of Optometry. Sponsored by Hoya, Saturday night’s Presidential Celebration of Optometry will recognize the Board of Trustees of the American Optometric Association and the American Optometric Student Association.