NOA annual convention: A celebration of community and purpose

The National Optometric Association (NOA) is gearing up for its highly anticipated annual conference, set to take place this year in Columbus, Ohio. For Shawn Hobbs, OD, vice president of the NOA, this gathering is more than just a meeting—it's a reunion of family, a chance to educate, and an opportunity to give back to the community.

A hallmark of the NOA’s mission is its commitment to increasing minority representation within optometry and delivering care to underserved populations. This year’s choice of Columbus is intentional, as it is home to an optometry school, allowing the NOA to engage directly with students and address key questions about diversity and representation in the field. "We always try to go where there’s a school of optometry," Hobbs explains. "We can ask those hard questions about student diversity and see where we stand."

The conference itself promises a warm, family-like atmosphere. Unlike larger industry gatherings, the NOA meeting is smaller and more intimate, fostering deep connections among attendees. Despite its size, the conference offers robust educational opportunities, with 14 to 16 hours of continuing education credits available. "You not only have fun, but you also gain valuable educational content," says Hobbs.

A signature element of the event is the "Serve Where You Go" initiative. This year, NOA doctors will set up 8 examination lanes, providing free eye care to more than 200 patients from underserved areas. Over 30 volunteer doctors will participate, making a tangible difference in the local community. "It’s a big day," Hobbs shares, emphasizing the importance of combining professional gatherings with meaningful service.

Adding to the excitement, the event will feature a golf outing at The Ohio State University’s golf course, a highlight for many, including Hobbs himself. The conference will culminate in a grand annual banquet on Saturday night, where awards such as Optometrist of the Year, Student of the Year, and School of the Year will be presented. This year's banquet holds special significance as Hobbs looks forward to honoring Dr Clayton Hicks, a longtime mentor and Ohio native.

At its core, the NOA conference embodies the idea of "party with a purpose." While attendees enjoy camaraderie and celebration, the deeper mission remains front and center: to improve minority representation in optometry. Currently, African Americans make up less than 2% of practicing optometrists, a statistic that underscores the need for continued advocacy and outreach. Programs like the NOA’s "Envision the Future" initiative aim to identify and support students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), guiding them from recruitment through graduation and into practice.

Finally, Hobbs emphasizes gratitude for the event’s corporate sponsors, whose support makes these impactful programs possible. "They will tell you directly that this is the most fun meeting of the year," he says. "They come for the party, but they stay for the purpose."

As Hobbs puts it, the conference is the "Super Bowl" of the year for the NOA—a time to reflect, recharge, and recommit to the vital mission of equity in eye care.