The American Optometric Association (AOA) held its annual Optometry’s Meeting from June 21 to 24 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. In addition to panels and exhibits on the show floor, the convention featured updates from leaders within the AOA, news of new initiatives, and presentations from special guests.

Update from AOA executive director

In his report to the AOA’s House of Delegates on June 22, AOA executive director Jon Hymes expressed optimism for the group’s future, despite “headwinds” such as the proposed “not-a-doctor” laws that had been gaining ground in states like Florida (the Florida bill was ultimately vetoed by the state’s governor). Hymes said he was energized about the future and laid out AOA’s strategy to take on the issues that will advance the profession.

Address from new AOA president

At the meeting, Ronald L. Benner, OD, was officially recognized as the president of the AOA on June 24. During his presidential address, Dr. Benner said that the “devaluation of our care by vision plan practices, disrespect of our doctor recognition by medicine and needless mandates by overreaching government agencies will meet AOA head on this next year. We will not back down, concede or pause our advancement and expanded care for the public at the state or federal levels. Opportunities will be found to benefit all modalities of optometric practice as we continue to support our doctors nationwide.”

He also issued a nationwide call to address “glaring disparities” in America’s pediatric eye health and vision care.

Board of Trustees update

On June 24, new board members for the AOA’s Board of Trustees were installed. These members include:

• Steven T. Reed, OD, (Miss.) as president-elect;
• Jacquie M. Bowen, OD, (Colo.) as vice president;
• Teri K. Geist, OD, (Neb.) as secretary-treasurer;
• Robert C. Layman, OD, (Ohio), immediate past president;
• Terri A. Gossard, OD, M.S., (Ohio), reelected trustee;
• Curtis A. Ono, OD, (Wash.) re-elected trustee; and
• Tad R. Kosanovich, OD, (Fla.) newly elected.

Continuing their terms are Belinda R. Starkey, OD, (Ark.), Paul M. Barney, OD, (Alaska), and Marrie S. Read, OD, MBA, (Armed Forces and Federal Optometric Services).

Other special guests

Other notable presentations at the meeting included keynote speaker Cassandra Worthy, founder and CEO of Change Enthusiasm Global, and U.S. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter, R-Ga. Ms. Worthy, with a background in major organizational mergers and acquisitions, is recognized as a thought-leader on change that companies need to build organizational resilience, adaptability and perseverance. She shared her “change enthusiasm” strategy in a presentation on June 21, which encouraged attendees to recognize their core emotions that indicate change is necessary; identify the options available to move forward; and make a choice on the opportunities before you.

Rep. Carter was honored with the AOA’s 2023 Health Care Leadership Award on June 22, for championing the charge of doctors of optometry and patients in Congress; he recently reintroduced the bipartisan Dental and Optometric Care Access Act (DOC Access Act) ( H.R.1385) in the House. He spoke on his 40-year career as a pharmacist and how he shared from firsthand knowledge doctors’ concerns over the anti-competitive impact of vertical integration by vision plans on the practice of optometry and patients.

More information on the AOA’s annual meeting can be found at the official news page for Optometry’s Meeting (bit.ly/OptometryMeeting2023 ). OM