Minneapolis to host first AOA Innovation Hub at Optometry’s Meeting 2025
Minneapolis is set to become a hub for eye care professionals from June 25 to 28, 2025, when Optometry’s Meeting hosts its 128th Annual American Optometric Association (AOA) Congress alongside the 57th Annual American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Conference. For the fifth consecutive year, this event also doubles as the World Congress of Optometry, delivering one of the sector’s most anticipated gatherings. The meeting, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, promises a vibrant blend of continuing education, innovation showcases, and networking opportunities tailored for optometrists, paraoptometric staff, practice teams, and students.
A standout feature in 2025 is the debut of the AOA Innovation Hub—a three-day initiative designed to unite eye care providers with technology companies to explore the transformative impact of AI and digital tools in optometry. This platform seeks to accelerate innovation in patient care by fostering discussions on the integration of emerging technologies within clinical practice. The Innovation Hub reflects the growing recognition of AI’s role in modern healthcare and offers attendees a front-row seat to technological breakthroughs shaping the future of the profession.
Education remains at the core of Optometry’s Meeting, with a comprehensive schedule featuring over 300 hours of continuing education and professional development. The programme covers a wide spectrum of topics—from ocular toxicities in cancer patients and systemic diseases to advanced surgical and laser techniques, specialty contact lens fitting, as well as billing and coding. There is also a dedicated focus on infant vision care with InfantSEE workshops, and sessions highlighting the application of AI in eye care. The integrated learning approach encourages collaboration among doctors, paraoptometrics, and students, with 79 hours specifically designed for joint education, enhancing team-based care.
The schedule is rich with interactive workshops and hands-on sessions, such as anterior segment laser labs and scleral lens workshops tailored for paraoptometric staff and students. Residents will find valuable opportunities to engage in the Residency Forum, where they can present clinical cases from their training year, and participate in the AOA+ Residency Summit and Career Fair, designed to support career development and transition into practice.
Student engagement is vital at the event, encapsulated by compelling activities like the AOSA Optometry Student Bowl, a spirited competition among optometry schools, and the AOA+ Leadership Link networking programme for new doctors and students. Additional highlights include themed receptions, the celebratory “Celebration of Optometry” event with a Prince-inspired finale at the Orchestra Hall and Peavey Plaza, and the ever-popular AOSA sunglasses sale, supporting charitable organisations OneSight and Optometry Cares.
Beyond the meeting’s educational and professional offerings, attendees can enjoy the vibrant cultural and natural allure of Minneapolis, the “City of Lakes.” With over 20 lakes, extensive walking and biking trails, a lively arts and music scene, premier shopping, museums, and acclaimed dining, the city promises memorable experiences outside of conference hours. The event coincides with the Twin Cities Pride festival, one of the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, adding a backdrop of community spirit and festivity to the proceedings.
Optometry’s Meeting 2025 is poised to be a landmark occasion, blending cutting-edge education, professional development, and innovation within a dynamic urban setting. Eye care professionals and students alike will benefit from the rich slate of activities designed to enhance practice, foster leadership, and celebrate the profession's advances and community. Registration remains open to AOA, AOSA, and World Council of Optometry members, as well as non-members, with special pricing options available.