Connecting with colleagues, taking courses, and gathering insight for Optometry Times.
At the 2025 AOA Optometry’s Meeting in Minneapolis, Ben Casella, OD, FAAO, Chief Optometric Editor of Optometry Times, shared his excitement about being back at one of the profession’s most anticipated events. In a video recorded shortly after his arrival, Casella gave viewers a warm, off-the-cuff update and issued a call for connection and conversation with fellow optometrists.
Although Casella admitted he missed most of the didactic sessions at last year’s meeting, this year he’s prioritizing education. “I’m going to take a few courses tomorrow morning,” he said. Still, he emphasized that networking remains a cornerstone of the event, and he’s already connected with several colleagues just hours after landing.
He also joked about the relief of leaving behind 103-degree heat in Augusta, Georgia for the much cooler Minneapolis weather—something many attendees could relate to amid summer travel.
True to his approachable style, Casella encouraged fellow optometrists to stop him in the halls, exhibit hall, or even the hotel lobby. “I want to hear what’s going on in your optometric milieu,” he said. “What we’re doing good, what we’re doing bad, and how we can better help you with practical chairside advice.”
That feedback loop is essential for shaping content in Optometry Times that’s relevant, actionable, and rooted in everyday practice challenges and successes.
Casella’s message is clear: Optometry's Meeting 2025 isn’t just about courses or CE—it’s about community, collaboration, and continuous improvement in optometry.
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