American Optometric Association

01/09/2026

Don’t miss the Feb. 20 deadline!
Learn more about the AOA’s awards:

Nominations are now officially open for AOA’s 2026 annual awards, including the AOA Excellence Awards, Hall of Fame, Paraoptometric Awards, and the AOSA Student of the Year.

Help us honor the exceptional individuals and partners who are making a significant impact and shaping the future of the optometric profession. Nominations open Thursday, Dec. 4, and will be accepted through Feb. 20, 2026.

Note: Some award categories are not open to the public. For full details and submission information, visit: https://ow.ly/HU2Q50XBRjg

01/08/2026

A past AOA president and optometric innovator has passed away. The AOA sends condolences to the Scholles family as they honor a husband, father, and grandfather.

Read more:

A past AOA president and optometric innovator has passed away. The AOA sends condolences to the Scholles family as they honor a husband, father, and grandfather.

01/07/2026

A recent AOAExcel® and the AOA Center for Independent Practice workshop helped independent practitioners address how to assess practice risk level, diversify income streams, and more.

Read more:

The AOA Center for Independent Practice debuts a workshop to help independent optometrists think about the future.

01/05/2026

AOA’s advocacy team is always at work. Recent efforts kept optometry classified as a professional degree, but there’s more to be done.

Read more from AOA President Dr. Jacquie M. Bowen:

Advocacy efforts have kept optometry classified as a professional degree.

01/02/2026

Start the New Year with InfantSEE and become a provider!

Read more about how the program celebrated 20 years of improving children’s vision:

No-cost comprehensive eye exams for babies 6-12 months old revealed thousands of correctable eye health issues.

12/30/2025

Barti, endorsed by AOAExcel, has launched a new feature that brings the AOA’s clinical practice guidelines directly into the exam workflow.

Read more:

The AOA’s clinical practice guidelines are developed using a formal, evidence-based methodology that blends the best available scientific research with clinical expertise. These guidelines serve as a trusted reference for diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye and vision conditions and are re...

12/29/2025

Read more from AOA member Shane Foster, O.D., on how VisionHQ is affordable, simple to use, and exceptional at onboarding and ongoing training:

A Q&A on in-office membership plans.

12/23/2025

An estimated 12 million Americans ages 40+ are living with uncorrectable vision loss: https://ow.ly/FRvX50XNIzv

Doctors of optometry across the U.S. can provide support that can help. Find an AOA doctor near you: https://ow.ly/VJV950XNIzy

12/23/2025

There’s something for everyone at Optometry's Meeting: https://ow.ly/qHRy50XNIxv

From hands-on clinical education and expansive learning opportunities to numerous events to network with peers and industry professionals, you’ll find everything you need this June in Phoenix.

Discover why optometry’s brightest will shine in sunny Phoenix for 2026’s must-attend Optometry’s Meeting®, June 17-20.

12/22/2025

The AOA and Florida Optometric Association are saddened to share the passing of Dr. Ron Foreman.

A champion for his state, Dr. Foreman’s passion for optometry was unwavering and his dedication inspired many who served optometry’s priorities in Florida. Learn more about how to honor Dr. Foreman’s legacy:

View Dr. Ronald Ray Foreman's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/22/2025

AOA President Dr. Jacquie M. Bowen was featured in an article focused on digital eye strain and how patients can relieve discomfort:

Eye strain prevention tips - an optometrist reveals how to protect your eyes with easy everyday habits

12/19/2025

Is an independent practice in your future? Know someone interested in establishing their first independent practice?

Check out the Golden Opportunity Award and apply by January 15, 2026:

Not every optometrist chooses the path to ownership, but for those who do, the right support can make all the difference.

The Golden Opportunity Award helps emerging optometrists take meaningful steps toward independent practice ownership. Up to three recipients will each receive $50,000 to support their journey.

You can help by sharing this opportunity with recent graduates, associates, or mentees in your network who may be exploring ownership.

Applications are open through January 15, 2026.
Apply or learn more here:https://safe.formstack.com/forms/golden_opportunity_award_copy_copy