Latest News Early-Bird Registration for Optometry’s Meeting Ends May 1 By Staff Monday, April 27, 2015 12:21 AM SEATTLE—The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends Optometry’s Meeting attendees register by May 1 to take advantage of early-bird registration reduced rates. Hosting the American Optometric Association’s 118th Annual Congress and the American Optometric Student Association’s 45th Annual Conference, Optometry’s Meeting will feature more than 200 exhibitors in the exhibit hall and five days of more than 200 hours of continuing education (CE). At the event’s opening, attendees will hear keynote speaker, former Navy SEAL, Robert J. O’Neill, during the Johnson & Johnson Vision Care-sponsored opening general session. Stand-up comedian Sinbad will headline the Hoya-sponsored Celebration of Optometry on Saturday night while performance painter Brian Olsen colors the stage with his unique twist on speed painting. New and expanded education opportunities this year include seven hands-on OD workshops, four optometric workshops, and the “OD Crossfire Series” interactive track featuring audience response technology. Another new CE event, the “OD Talks” session was inspired by TED-style talks and will outline the future of the profession. The AOA House of Delegates will hold its public sessions on Thursday and Saturday. On Friday, the AOA Board of Trustees will again host an open “Colleague to Colleague” gathering focused on both the day-to day concerns as well as the future plans of AOA member doctors. Other events include the Signet Armorlite-sponsored “Taste of Seattle Experience” that will offer a culinary tour of the Emerald City, the Varilux Optometry Student Bowl XXIV in which 23 optometry schools will test their knowledge of optometry to compete for a $1,000 prize and coveted crystal trophy.On Saturday morning, Optometry Cares 5K Run/Walk will raise money for the AOA Foundation. Sponsored by The Vision Council and Transitions, the race route runs along the shoreline of Lake Washington in Warren G. Magnuson Park. Registration is required. The race is Saturday, June 27, and begins at 6:00 a.m. Shuttles will be available to pick up participants at 5:15 a.m. in front of the Washington State Convention Center. Click here to learn more.AOA member optometrists and their staff can save nearly 20 percent by registering online through May 1, 2015.