The 2019 Optometry’s Meeting (“OM”) is in none other than the Gateway to the West, St. Louis this June 19-23. Whether it’s your first OM, or you’ve been before, we’re here to help you plan.
Presentations and Continuing Education
As always, OM is the premier place to get your fill of Continuing Education (CE). Boasting 230 hours on topics ranging from Neuro-Optometry, to Dry Eye and Contact Lenses to Practice Management, you’re sure to find your perfect fit. Since your days may be packed with activities, the CE at this meeting is extra accessible: with CE sessions in the exhibit hall, and also available in the CE After Dark tracks from 5pm-midnight Friday, June 21. For a list of all available CE, check out the CE grid here.
For us students the AOA+ has a great lineup of events. Starting Thursday at noon, the Leadership Link is a networking program where we can interact with students from across the country and leaders in the profession. Find these events on Friday and Saturday mornings as well. Also keep an eye out for the AOA+ Pop Up Sessions for everything from information on residencies, to clinical pearls that will help you in clinic/practice.
If that weren’t enough, this Optometry’s Meeting®, Johnny Cupcakes brings his business and entrepreneurial acumen to the AOA+ lineup as the featured keynote speaker. Actually, Johnny Earle is his name, but since 2001, his iconic skull-and-crossbones-and-cupcake-branded clothing line has been the game that’s launched Johnny Cupcakes Inc. into a worldwide, pop-culture phenomenon. Lauded in Forbes, NPR, WIRED, he New York Times and countless other media outlets, Johnny Cupcakes continues to cook up headlines for his unique “T-shirt bakery” empire that began with Earle selling swag out of the trunk of his ’89 Toyota Camry. Before long, the recognizably logoed T-shirts were catching people’s attention nationwide.
Events you won’t want to miss
Kick off your OM 2019 with the AOA Block Party, at the AOA Headquarters Wednesday 4-7pm, with food trucks, live music and plenty of outdoor activities (including a rock climbing wall!!).
Optometry Student Bowl powered by Essilor: As is tradition, each school has
selected their champions, the Crystal Trophy, cash prizes , and the celebrated Spirit Award are all up for grabs this 28th annual knowledge bowl. Get out your school colors and cheer on your classmates (June 20, 7:30pm)
Grab some lunch Friday (12pm) at the AOSA/AOA+ Future OD Lunch, then head to Luxottica’s eyeFWD Student Education (starting at 4:30pm on Friday). Attending the Welcome session and two of the modules gets you your wristband to the much awaited Luxottica Live, (8-11pm Friday): brews and foods at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.
Finally, get your steps in Saturday morning with the 5K Optometry Cares Run/Walk at the Gateway Arch Grounds.
Check out other events here: http://www.optometrysmeeting.org/2019-conference-highlights
And the student program here: https://www.optometrysmeeting.org/students/student-highlights
While you’re in town
Make sure to go check out the famous St. Louis Arch, and stop by Cardinals Nation, for more St. Louis attractions see here.
Happy planning and see you in a few weeks!
