April 9, 2020 — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has canceled the in-person portion of Optometry’s Meeting 2020. Key elements of the event will be reconfigured virtually.

Optometry's Meeting, the annual meeting of both the AOA and American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), was originally scheduled for June 24-28 in National Harbor, Maryland/Washington, D.C.

AOA President Barbara L. Horn, O.D., and AOSA President-elect Alex J. Bennett shared in an announcement that the decision was made in committing to prioritizing the health and safety of attendees.

"This is the first time that Optometry’s Meeting has been canceled and while this is the right decision to make for everyone’s health, it is heartbreaking,” Dr. Horn says. “We want to thank everyone for their continued patience, support and partnership during these difficult, unprecedented times as we move through this united together."

The details of the virtual platform are not yet solidified, but members can still expect education opportunities, initiatives regarding AOA+, and more. For information: optometrysmeeting.org.