American Optometric Association

01/16/2026

Vision plays a pivotal—and often overlooked—role in post-concussion dizziness.

Here’s why doctors of optometry should be key members of the care team:

Vision plays a pivotal—and often overlooked—role in post-concussion dizziness. Here’s why doctors of optometry should be key members of the care team.

01/15/2026

We’re proud of the impact our profession makes every day. From safeguarding vision to improving quality of life, optometry matters.

Follow the AOA’s new Instagram, AOAInsider!

01/15/2026

It’s official: Pay rates for doctors of optometry working in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are finally on par with physicians’ rates. The new rates became effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period on or after Jan. 1, 2026.

Read more about another victory for optometry:

Executive order adjusts U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pay schedule.

01/14/2026

There’s still time to apply!
Check out the Golden Opportunity Award and apply by tomorrow:

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

01/14/2026

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, yet most people don’t know they have it until vision loss has already begun. That’s why regular, in-person eye exams are so important—they can detect glaucoma early and help protect your sight for the future.
Find an AOA doctor here: https://bit.ly/3Z9YD5J

01/13/2026

The Call for Abstracts is now live! Check it out and submit by Feb. 21:

Interested in presenting your research and case studies? The AOA’s call for abstracts is now live!

Submit by Feb. 21 and learn more about the national forum: https://ow.ly/C4PH50XWa0p

Plus, check out the details for the live, in-person Poster Session to be held during Optometry's Meeting® in Phoenix.

01/12/2026

Follow the AOA’s new Instagram—AOAInsider!
The member-facing account will feature the latest AOA news, live event coverage, education and more!

Keeping members up to date and connected, AOAInsider is the hub for all things AOA: https://ow.ly/1P3N50XVzgu

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.