AAOpt 2026 Preview: Making the most of this year's conference

Jeffrey Walline, OD, PhD, Dean of The Ohio State University College of Optometry and President of the American Academy of Optometry (AAOpt), joined Optometry Times to discuss what he is looking forward to for this year’s meeting. AAOpt 2026’s programming features a networking and learning events for attendees.

“No matter what your jam is, whether it's the science or the continuing education, we've got it there for you, and all of it is aimed at advancing the practice of optometry,” Walline stated.

According to Walline, the Academy is expecting 7200 attendees at this year’s conference. Attendees do not need to worry about which hotel they are staying at, as both Anaheim Marriott and Hilton Anaheim are conveniently located right in front of the convention center.

Walline’s advice to first-time conference attendees is to pack their schedules with as many sessions as possible. Each type of session offers unique opportunities for different types of learners. For those who prefer “rapid“ and “pointed” presentations on a specific topic, the scientific sessions would be perfect. For those who want a more in-depth presentation on a particular topic, CE sessions are available. The symposia allows attendees to hear from a variety of presenters on various topics. This year’s meeting will also host elections for the Academy at the business meeting. Additionally, Thursday night’s Academy honors will award AAOpt’s fellows, students, and faculty members.

To make the most out of the educational opportunities, Walline advises conference-goers to attend as many sessions as possible and take notes. “For me, this meeting is really energizing, and so I try to take a bunch of notes because you can't do it all while you're at the meeting,” Walline noted.

“When I go back to my office later, I try to look through my notes [and]…put as many of those things into play,” he continued.

For attendees that are able to snag a spare moment, Walline’s can’t miss attractions in Anaheim include In-N-Out and Disneyland. He also highlighted the virtual education opportunities that will be available starting in 2027. The first are regional education meetings, which will be offered 3 times a year and are “smaller and more individualistic,” according to Walline. The second opportunities is online CE opportunities for Academy members to take advantage of throughout the year.