Pearls outside the specialty: What optometrists gained at Academy 2025

The recent American Academy of Optometry (AAO) 2025 annual meeting in Boston offered attendees some insights into clinicians’ thoughts about the conference. Optometry Times presented clinicians with a question about their practices. Here are a few the responses.

Some optometrists replied that they had the opportunity to learn something new through the AAO’s revamping of its available continuing education.

Others reported that AAO introduced them to the latest and greatest outside of their specialties.

Transcript: Edited lightly for clarity and length.

What advancements in eye care do you hope to see in 2026?

Karen Hoffman, OD: I am just beginning to get deeper into myopia control. I have learned a great deal of valuable information, the first of which is to be more confident with using the information. Specifically, even a little bit of help can benefit my patients. I was surprised that while we really don’t know how it is working, some new data are available and they are encouraging. It is very encouraging to promote myopia control without fear.

Jennifer Harthan, OD, FAAO, FSLS: I am a cornea and contact lens specialist but I have been learning more about how I can best serve my pediatric patients and about artificial intelligence and how important it is. This is information I am taking back to my practice.