AOA+ Travel Grants for Optometry's Meeting 2026

AOA+ Travel Grants for Optometry's Meeting 2026 is sponsored by American Optometric Association (AOA). Travel grants for optometry students, early career optometrists, and educators to attend Optometry's Meeting in Phoenix, June 17-20, 2026.

What you should know about AOA+ 2026 in Phoenix (and how to reserve your grant) AOA president emphasizes the importance of back-to-school eye exams ACOE reinforces rigorous standards with key accreditation actions AOA Leadership Institute celebrates 2026 graduates, preparing optometry's next generation of leaders Second edition of AOA’s Comprehensive Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination guideline available for review Lessons from AOA+ Leadership Lab: Why advocacy starts now Physician-scientist and innovator Daniel Kraft to keynote Optometry’s Meeting Kike Hernandez steps up to the plate for Eye Deserve More Excitement grows for Optometry’s Meeting with students driving record-setting registration numbers How Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief can help your practice Candidates announce 2026 election bids for AOA Board of Trustees Future doctors of optometry connect with employers at Career Fair and AOA+ Residency Summit Benefits far beyond belonging How to reserve your AOA+ travel grant to Phoenix by the March 31 deadline What can the AOA do for you?

Future ready: AOA leaders set the course for 2026 Optometry’s Meeting 2026 registration is open: 3 reasons why you should attend Celebrating excellence in optometry A life of optometric service: Remembering James ‘Jim’ Scholles, O. D. , J.

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See victory in a whole new light Optometry’s Meeting is heating up next year in the Valley of the Sun Opportunities in Optometry grant celebrates five years and 100 recipients Renowned optometric accreditation body announces new leadership AOA teams up with Kike Hernández to champion eye health AOA Policy Statement on Telemedicine in Optometry revised National media elevates eye care’s role Annual CLCS Residency Forum offers hands-on training, inspires leadership AOA president champions back-to-school eye exams in nationwide media blitz Meet the next generation of optometry leaders AOA’s 24/7 media advocacy puts eye exams on everyone’s radar Can’t miss hands-on workshops at this year’s Optometry’s Meeting® AOA Innovation Hub debuts at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025 AOA supports doctors of optometry facing UnitedHealth cyberattack loan repayment Candidates announce 2025 election bids for AOA Board of Trustees Patient success stories drive awareness and action Introducing a brand-new member benefit Optometry’s Meeting gives students, recent grads a leg up in the field Rebuilding with Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief Advanced optometric education for an evolving scope of practice Case study: When doctor burnout becomes an ethical issue Cutting-edge education at Optometry’s Meeting 2025 in Minneapolis Optometry’s ‘pioneers’ come together to advance optometry 5 things to know about Optometry’s Meeting 2025 Opportunities in Optometry Grants deliver fresh perspectives and enthusiasm ACOE Standards updates take effect: What they mean for optometric education programs Show off your unique cases, research at this year’s Optometry’s Meeting The AOA Foundation empowers optometry’s future in 2024 AOA disaster fund provides shot in arm to devasted practices New Year’s resolutions come to life at Optometry’s Meeting 2025 Field Notes: Florida doctor recounts hurricanes Helene, Milton AOA Foundation makes emergency appeal for doctors, students in Helene-ravaged states AOA drives national discourse on optometry and importance of in-person eye care 4 steps you can take to be part of AOAs national pediatric eye health and vision mobilization ‘What more can I do:’ Change Agents ready to advance myopia care Deadline extended: Submit comments on AOA policy statement on telemedicine in optometry Eye Deserve More highlights power of the eye at groundbreaking NYC pop-up Leadership Institute advances leadership in the optometric profession ‘You can and will rise above’ ACOE: Ensuring quality optometric education AOA president highlights importance of eye exams for classroom success AOA gathers optometry's leaders for open discussion on accreditation of continuing education Dangerous weather is on the horizon: what to know Optometry's Meeting Live News Updates 2024 Fixin’ for a grand ole show at Optometry’s Meeting Interested in optometric clinical, scientific research?

Candidates announce 2024 election bids for AOA Board of Trustees Seeing the Eclipse, and the AOA, Everywhere Optometric surgical procedures highlighted at this year’s Optometry’s Meeting Leading AI authority Tom Lawry to keynote Optometry’s Meeting ‘Change is the new status quo’ Cranking up the volume on this year’s educational opportunities at Optometry’s Meeting Unlocking opportunities: Why you should attend Optometry's Meeting 2024 AOA leaders resolute on advocacy priorities in 2024 Eye Deserve More highlights eye health at work and play Call for abstracts now open: ePosters and Residency Forum Testing dates for paraoptometric certification set for 2024 20 stories that defined 2023 Standing strong so others can rest from trauma, disasters Setting the tone for Optometry’s Meeting in Music City 3 events in 2023 that show why giving to InfantSEE is vital Through the eyes of students ‘Opportunities’ grants offer students and profession means to grow USDE approval could mark ACOE’s 71 years of continuous federal recognition Doctors of optometry on how to enjoy Oct.

14 eclipse in a safe way ‘Very close-knit community,’ Maui reckons with trauma of historic wildfires OptometryStudents. com refresher upgrades resource for future optometrists Have course ideas, will travel?

Answer the AOA’s call for courses Historic and high-energy meeting of optometry’s minds Optometry's Meeting Live News Updates Optometry's Meeting News Page Candidates announce 2023 election bids for AOA Board of Trustees Optometry’s Meeting® announces keynote speaker Developing tomorrow’s leaders Optometrys Meeting 2023 Keep up with contemporary optometry through continuing education FTC announces proposal ban on noncompete clauses 3 reasons to attend Optometry's Meeting 2023 in Washington, D.

C. Eye Deserve More sees success ACOE’s rigorous accreditation process safeguards standards for optometric education Voice Your Vision at Optometry’s Meeting in Washington, D. C.

Raising optometry’s profile on influential panel AOAPlus aims for new heights 2022 Opportunities in Optometry Grants ACOE expands council to manage increasing demands for residency programs AOA partners with professional game Jordan Fisher What members want AOA to prioritize AOA elects new Board of Trustees, approves resolutions, as Optometry’s Meeting 2022 wraps up AOA strong, optometry advancing leaders report from AOA Congress 2022 Optometrys Meeting open Shields up: U.S. health care system warned of Russian cyberthreat 5 reasons to attend Optometrys Meeting Save Your Vision Month 2022 New ePoster format enhances participation, visibility of optometric research severe weather prompt renewed OFDR support 5 things AOA membership brought me Actions speak louder than words Eye Deserve More uses patient stories to reinforce the essential care doctors deliver AOA officers resolve to make 2022 most successful year yet Leadership Institute 2021 wrapup Save the date-Optometrys Meeting 2022 ACOE accreditation: Ensuring optometric degree programs make the grade Opportunities in Optometry grant program makes difference for students projects fuel eye health vision care outreach Optometry's Fund for Disaster Relief Ida support CE, professional development for the 21st-century optometry practice COVID-19 and a new school year Optometry Fund Disaster Relief is alway ready AOA campaign spreads the message that all deserve the care AOA doctors provide Seeing Beyond the Pandemic underscores criticality of children’s eye, vision care Optometry’s Meeting promise delivered AOA shares progress made toward diversity, equity and inclusion AOA Congress elects 2021-2022 Board of Trustees, approves resolutions Focus on recovery, renewal and the future at Optometry’s Meeting 2021 Optometry’s Meeting 2021 reunites, reignites Explore the Optometrys Meeting host city of Denver Linenger named Optometrys Meeting keynote speaker Rethinking reimagining redoing how optometry learns Inaugural-Opportunities-in-Optometry-Grants-awarded Optometrys Meeting 2021 Registration Diversity-Optometrys Reflection Optometrys Meeting 2021 changes venue AOA launches Leadership Institute 2021 Leaders Summit recap AOA-AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program AOA membership has benefits The most-read stories of 2020 Doctors still making sacrifices as pandemic spreads House of Delgates-Successes amid very turbulent year HEHC grants support children’s vision projects COVID-19 recovery funds available for financially stressed doctors of optometry AOA secures optometrys access to 1.

69 billion in COVID-19 relief Unprecedented human impact of western wildfires AOA task force takes steps to open opportunities for doctors of color AFOS celebrates five decades of delivering eye care through federal services HEHC community grants for eye health and vision care projects Dust cloud in the Gulf coast states Mask policy considerations for your practice AOA Foundation extends helping hand damaged practices AOA 2020 Virtual Learning Livecast focus earns gold circle award Doctors of optometry weigh how to hit the ground running once practices reopen Optometry Meeting canceled due to COVID-19 Self-care in times of crisis AOA COVID-19 crisis relief recovery assistance Optometry elevating women Encourage patients to Start With Eye AOAPlus wants you in Washington patients see eye doctor in winter Improved care coordination doctor staff education Leaders Summit 2020 Advocacy hold companies accountable patients health cant miss continuing education opportunities at Optometrys Meeting 2020 AOA membership strength in numbers 2020 moment into movement Optometry-Meeting-2020-calander-save-dates Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief eyes million mark InfantSEE student program stirs passion for pediatric care Mark McGrath to headline celebration at Optometrys Meeting 2020 2020-the year of the eye exam HEHC grants to children vision projects Championing childrens eye care AOA turning a moment into a movement Think About Your Eyes data shows eye care message received Optometrys Meeting 2019 Day 3 Optometrys Meeting 2019 Day 2 Samuel D Pierce-Plotting a course AOA is always on its media game United in Possibilities Gold Circle Award May is Healthy Vision Month 2019 National Optometry Hall of Fame Inductees NBEO settles class action lawsuit AOA’s 74th president, profession leader dies Bringing care to communities Optometrys Meeting-Johnny Cupcakes Saving vision is what we do AOA task force leads evolution of education for future of optometric practice AOA volunteers gather to plan for 2019 and big 2020 initiative Government shutdowns trickle-down effects Healthy Eyes Healthy Children grants program makes eye health and vision care a tradition InfantSEE program heartens students elevates pediatric care InfantSEE helps ensure a lifetime of healthy vision AOA Foundation fund provides relief for doctors of optometry after disasters High educational professional standards go hand-in-hand Nutty Nutrition & Eye Health NOVA optometry school naming rights Surgeon General spotlights opioid abuse AOA offers doctors reference guide Florence eyes Carolinas doctors prepare for worst 2018 HEHC grants go to children’s vision projects Redding doctor depicts historic wildfire Athlete endorsement boosts TAYEs connection to essential family health Ruling allows lawsuit against NBEO to proceed House of Delegates resolves action New AOA officers and trustees Optometric Research Summit 2018 opening 2018 Optometrys Meeting Kids vision project flourish Seamless transition ahead for AOA leadership Carving a career track with student loan debt Sunglasses slit-lamps among ophthalmic standards revisions Owning Save Your Vision Month Mentoring supports next-gens Think About Your Eyes caps off big year InfantSEE program can make a difference to infants futures Puerto Ricos dire situation Practice matters not place Recapturing the buzz of the inaugural AOAPLUS Hurricane Irma Preparation UPDATE Hurricane Harvey leaves widespread devastation AOA leading donation effort Solar Eclipse Local ODs Outreach TAYE breakthrough commercials Solar eclipse protect those peepers vision usa service awards highlights from Optometrys Meeting Optometrys Meeting wraps up Attendees dive in OM 2017 AOAplus invigorates optometrys next generation Every doctor is an advocate Strong and stable AOA will transition leadership Stressing care in pediatric eye vision care AOA members make a difference through volunteer service AOAPlus on track to shatter attendance figures AOA headquarters renovation earns distinction Basketball national champion of sports eye injuries AOA emerging leaders experience Save Your Vision Month targets blue light blues AOA and US Postal Service partnering again Mind the gap do women docs make quarters on the dollar Optometrys advocates strategize to meet professional challenges ahead AOA Board local officials commemorate new headquarters facility During National Mentoring Month doctors of optometry pay it forward Profession leaders exchange best practices network Think About Your Eyes delivers results Top 20 AOA stories of 2016 Support Archives Museum of Optometry Renovation of AOA national headquarters complete InfantSEE opens eyes of providers and parents AOA leaders reinforce optometrys propatient message in nations capital Preserving optometrys heritage one frame at a time Colorblind fans flag NFL on jersey gaffe Vision USA helps doctors extend the power of their practice Renovation of AOA national headquarters now underway Campers experience arts and nature through senses other than sight ACOE seeks comment on standards revisions River blindness treatment receives Nobel Prize optometry ranked no 10 among 20 best paying jobs for women Doctor of optometry explains the great dress debate Hymes Brauns appointed to top staff positions AOAs Renee Brauns named one of opticals most influential women Optometry's Meeting Live News Updates Optometry's Meeting Live News Updates What you should know about AOA+ 2026 in Phoenix (and how to reserve your grant) Your AOA+ travel grant details are here—AOA+ 2026 in Phoenix Phoenix is poised to welcome over a quarter of all optometry students nationwide for AOA+ in 2026 as the AOA resumes travel grant opportunities for this impactful event.

AOA+ travel grants will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis when registration for Optometry’s Meeting opens in January 2026. Check the travel grant criteria . Over 4,500 students and optometrists have attended the triennial AOA+ over the past nine years, leveraging special programming and networking opportunities as a launchpad into the profession.

AOA+ 2026 in Phoenix offers career readiness and professional development opportunities ; networking and community building; and advocacy skills that new doctors will need to begin their careers. When it comes to optometry’s future, the AOA is all in. How so?

Well, the AOA aims for over 2,000 AOA+ attendees at Optometry’s Meeting® in Phoenix next year to participate in this early career-defining experience—and the AOA’s committed to covering your ticket. Today, the AOA announces official AOA+ travel grant details to ensure over a quarter of the entire optometry student population, as well as early career doctors and optometric educators, can attend this impactful programming.

Here’s the jist: Optometry students. Eligible for regional grants totaling $500, $750 or $850, while 2026 graduates receive up to $1,000. Early-career doctors.

Eligible for $500 travel grants and half-off early-bird registration for Optometry’s Meeting. Optometric educators. Eligible for $500 travel grants and half-off early-bird registration for Optometry’s Meeting.

This limited number of grants will be available when registration opens for Optometry’s Meeting in January 2026. So be ready to act fast to secure your grants for this must-attend experience for optometry’s next generation. In fact, for nearly a decade, AOA+ has empowered over 4,500 students and early-career optometrists, serving as the essential, high-impact bridge from optometry school to a successful practice.

"AOA+ is an exceptional opportunity to get connected in the broader profession,” says AOSA President James Chung, a student at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. “At AOA+ in Phoenix, you will get to focus on the impact of grassroots advocacy in optometry.

We are the future of the profession, and it is our responsibility to be ready to step up and lead when our turn comes—and what better opportunity to see what that takes than at AOA+? All of optometry’s newest generation of doctor-leaders can point to an AOA+ experience over the past decade as having shaped their careers, so I encourage all my student colleagues to take this opportunity and see how AOA+ in Phoenix will shape yours.

” James Chung shares some highlights of what you can expect from AOA+ at Optometry's Meeting®, June 17-20, 2026, in Phoenix. Over 2,000 students, new grads and educators are expected to attend, so make sure you're ready to claim your AOA+ travel grant when registration opens in January.

Glimpse the AOA+ 2026 experience AOA+ in Phoenix is where future optometrists will gain the skills to become our profession’s next generation of frontline clinicians, leaders and advocates.

The 2026 program is packed with engaging sessions and opportunities, including: Wednesday, June 17 – The Kick Off Join thousands of doctors and industry professionals for the official start of Optometry’s Meeting, the Opening General Session , on Wednesday evening.

Thursday, June 18 - Leadership in Action Start your day with a Coffee Connection , a regional student networking opportunity, then dive deep into advocacy with the AOA’s Leadership Lab: From Campus to Capitol program, a dynamic session featuring keynote speakers and a panel discussion on personal advocacy journeys and legislative success.

In the afternoon, explore Student-Recommended Education Sessions covering topics like communication, business operations, emotional intelligence and career exploration. Then, end the day with an energetic student quiz bowl and post-event reception.

Friday, June 19 – Future Focus Friday Tap into more Student-Recommended Education Sessions , then immerse yourself in a myriad of AOA+ activations in the Eye Care Square exhibit hall where you can get a professional headshot, practice mock interviews, refine your LinkedIn profile and even simulate starting your first practice.

Connect with your state affiliate in the Leadership Zone and explore career pathways and opportunities at the Residency Summit . Then cap it off with the AOA+ Town Hall: Your Voice, Your Future , an open mic session with AOA leadership where your ideas shape the future of AOA+ programming, and the All-Student Group Photo to plant your flag that you were at AOA+ 2026.

AOA+ is more than just an event; it’s an investment in your future. Connect with peers, gain practical skills, make your voice heard and experience the energy of a national optometric conference designed for you. Take your next steps in optometry at AOA+.

Your first step to AOA+ is securing a travel grant The AOA believes that financial constraints shouldn’t stand in the way of your professional growth and engagement with optometry. That’s why the AOA will award over 2,000 AOA+ Travel Grants to eligible optometry students, new doctors and optometric educators—your ticket to this incredible experience.

AOA+ Travel Grants will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis when registration opens for Optometry’s Meeting in January 2026. Grants go quickly, so be ready to act. Learn more about AOA+ Travel Grants at the Optometry’s Meeting website.