AAOpt 2024: Start your engines!

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The countdown to the 2024 American Academy of Optometry (AAO) annual meeting is on, with the scheduled meeting in Indianapolis on November 6 to 9 fast approaching. Registration is still open and can be achieved online or on-site at the conference. The venue is the Indiana Convention Center at 100 South Capital Avenue.

At AAO, continuing education is the name of the game, and second to none, according to President-elect Jeffrey Walline, OD, PhD, FAAO. Attendees can choose from a variety of formats: standard continuing education lectures by top-notch presenters, grand rounds presentations, workshops, rapid fire lectures, a variety of symposia, and small-group exchanges. Attendees can potentially earn more than 32 hours of continuing education credit over the course of the meeting, he pointed out.

In addition to the numerous educational opportunities, the Exhibit Hall will feature products from more than 125 vendors that can help improve patient care.

Academy highlights

Special events are sprinkled throughout the conference. All times listed are eastern standard time, which takes effect on the first Sunday in November.

Innovations in vision and eye care: Scientific focus

This forum, formerly called the Press Conference, was just announced by AAO and is set for Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 to 9:00 AM. This forum was. This event highlights the 10 most newsworthy scientific paper or posters according to the Academy's Scientific Program and Communications Committees. New this year, this hour-long session will be eligible for 1 hour of CE.

The presentations include:

• Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO: Suprachoroidal Delivery of Investigational ABBV-RGX-314 Gene Therapy for Diabetic Retinopathy: The Phase II ALTITUDE® Study
• Raman Bhakrhi, OD, FAAO: Intravitreal Aflibercept 8 Mg for Diabetic Macular Edema: Week 96 Efficacy Outcomes by Baseline Characteristics in the Phase 2/3 PHOTON Trial
• Meng Lin, OD, PhD: Artificial Intelligence and Meibomian Gland Morphology: Insights into Contact Lens Wear Impact and Demographic Differences
• Sarah Gleason, OD, FAAO: Identifying Rapid Glaucoma Progressors at Baseline Using 10-2 Visual Field Testing
• Bariah Mohd Ali, B.Optom (Hons), PhD: Association Between Peripheral Eye Length and Refraction in Myopic Children Wearing DIMS Spectacle Lens for 12 Months
• Kevin Houston, OD, MSc: Head-Cancelled Virtual Reality for the Rehabilitation of Ocular Cranial Nerve Palsies: Early Results
• Kwaku Osei, OD: Utilizing Machine Learning Models and Non-ophthalmic Parameters to Predict At-risk Cataract and Glaucoma Patients
• Dr. Shrikant Bharadwaj, PhD: A Machine-learning Model for Keratoconus Detection Using Eccentric Infrared Photorefraction Profiles
• Deepayan Kar, PhD, MS: Extent and Rod-Related Topography of Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits Impact Vision in Aging and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: ALSTAR2 Baseline
• Nicole Ross, OD, MSc, FAAO (Ezell Fellow): Inclusive Vision Assessment: Eye Tracking Psychophysical Measures of Contrast Sensitivity, Stereoacuity, Color Contrast, Form and Motion Coherence

Academy Fellows Business Meeting and Lunch

Thursday, November 7, 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Academy Fellows are invited to attend the annual Fellows Business Meeting and Lunch.

New Fellows Reception, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision

Thursday, November 7, 6:30 – 8:00 PM by invitation only

This event recognizes the 2024 new Fellows of the AAO.

Alumni Receptions

Thursday, November 7, 6:30 PM

Friday, November 8, 4:30 – 6:30 PM

These events are an opportunity for attendees to network mingle with colleagues from their respective alma maters.

International Reception, sponsored by CooperVision

Friday, November 8, 5:00 – 6:30 PM by invitation only

This gathering celebrates Academy 2024 Indianapolis’ international attendees at an evening of cultural exchange, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and camaraderie. RSVP required.

Leadership & Legacy Celebration Dinner

Ticket required

Friday, November 8, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

The Leadership & Legacy Celebration Dinner (formerly the Fellowship Banquet/Closing Celebration) will take place on its new night, Friday, November 8 to honor volunteers, leadership, and 2024 new Diplomates in addition to the passing of the gavel of the Academy President.

Academy Party

Friday, November 8, 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM

2024 is the second year of this party, where attendees can enjoy dancing and music. This event is open to all meeting attendees, no ticket required.