AAOpt president expecting record attendance numbers in Boston for Academy 2025

Jeffrey Walline, president of the American Academy of Optometry (AAOpt), provided an enthusiastic overview of the upcoming Academy 2025 Boston meeting, highlighting its unique features, educational opportunities, and the venue's advantages. The meeting introduces several innovative educational formats to cater to diverse learning preferences. Attendees can choose from 15-minute scientific talks, traditional 1-2 hour continuing education sessions, rapid 10-minute presentations, and comprehensive workshops. Notably, the Academy is expanding its educational offerings to include laser and minor surgical procedure certification courses, as well as an esthetics course.

A key highlight is the introduction of evening continuing education hours on Wednesday and Thursday, allowing participants to maximize their learning opportunities. The plenary session, scheduled for Thursday at 10 am, will focus on a critical topic: biologics, exploring both ocular and systemic applications and their potential side effects. The Academy is committed to staying at the forefront of professional development, particularly as scope of practice modernization occurs across the United States. By offering diverse and comprehensive educational content, AAOpt aims to prepare optometrists for future challenges and advancements in the field. The exhibit hall represents another significant aspect of the meeting, featuring industry partners showcasing the latest instruments, textbooks, and cutting-edge information. This provides attendees with an opportunity to explore new technologies and resources.

Boston itself serves as an attractive venue, offering convenience and additional attractions. The location is easily accessible, with a short 5-10 minute ride from the airport to the hotel. Attendees can enjoy local culinary delights, including seafood and lobster, with various dining options within walking distance or a short ride from the convention center. The meeting is expected to break attendance records, surpassing even the centennial celebration in San Diego in 2022. This indicates significant interest and enthusiasm within the optometry community. Walline emphasized that while Boston offers numerous attractions, he hopes attendees will primarily focus on education and networking opportunities.

The Academy 2025 Boston meeting promises to be a comprehensive, forward-thinking event that supports professional growth and knowledge exchange in optometry.