AAOPT | American Academy of Optometry 2026
Event Date
September 30 – October 3, 2026
Location
Anaheim, CA
Expected Exhibitors
170
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryAcademy 2026 Anaheim is the annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry (AAOpt), one of the two flagship optometry events in the United States. The American Academy of Optometry annual meeting is one of the two flagship US optometry events, alongside the AOA's Optometry's Meeting held each summer, and Academy 2026 takes place September 30 through October 3 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The meeting will offer more than 300 hours of continuing education, along with new research and clinical insights designed to advance patient care.
The defining feature of the Academy meeting is its research and clinical science emphasis. This is where clinical research gets presented, debated, and put into context for practicing clinicians. Attendees include practicing optometrists across every subspecialty, along with researchers, optometry-school faculty, residents, students, and paraoptometric staff, plus a strong international contingent.
Bringing together leaders in eye care, research, and vision science, the meeting is a premier destination for professionals seeking cutting-edge education. With hundreds of CE hours, hands-on workshops, section symposia, and a substantial exhibit hall, it is worth attending for anyone committed to advancing patient care and staying current with the evidence base of modern optometric practice.
Show Highlights
- Plenary Session: A featured highlight is the Plenary Session, "Insights to Action: Research Redefining Clinical Practice Today," taking place Wednesday, September 30, bringing together leaders from Academy Sections and SIGs to present landmark studies reshaping clinical care.
- 300+ hours of CE: The program reaches 300+ hours of CE, distributed across clinical science, research presentations, case reports, and specialty tracks.
- Section & SIG symposia: Section and Special Interest Group (SIG) symposia address specialized and relevant areas of focus, alongside hands-on workshops and intimate Academy Classroom Exchange (ACE) courses available as add-ons.
- Exhibit hall: Attendees have access to a robust exhibit hall Wednesday through Friday, featuring more than 170 companies showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in eye care.
- Networking events: Additional opportunities to engage with industry partners are available during breakfast, lunch, and dinner sessions scheduled throughout the meeting.
- FAAO fellowship tradition: The meeting is where fellowship candidates present their work, keeping research quality high.
Registration
Registration and housing are open, with early bird registration rates available through July 29, 2026. Registration is completed online through the official website.
Registration tiers follow a tiered deadline structure. For example, the International Lower Middle Tier Member rate (75% discount) is Early Bird (4/14–7/29) $175, Regular (7/30–9/20) $200, and On-Site (9/21–10/3) $220. Rates vary by membership category and registration type.
Key policies:
- Requests for meeting refunds — including registration fees, workshops, leadership courses, and banquet tickets — must be received by July 30, 2026, at which time a full refund less $25 will be administered.
- No refunds will be given to requests received on or after August 21, 2026.
- Most international attendees visiting the United States will need to apply for a visa through the U.S. Department of State, and the visa application process can take several weeks.
History
Academy 2026 is the annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry, a professional and scientific organization known for its Fellowship (FAAO) distinction and its journal Optometry and Vision Science. The defining characteristic of the Academy meeting versus the AOA meeting is its research and clinical science emphasis — it is where clinical research gets presented, debated, and put into context for practicing clinicians.
The meeting rotates among major US convention cities each year. Following Academy 2026 Anaheim, the Academy is scheduled for San Antonio in 2027 (November 10-13) and Nashville in 2028 (November 8-11), with future meetings planned for Seattle in 2029 and Orlando in 2030.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Anaheim Convention Center
800 W Katella Ave.
The meeting takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802. The Anaheim Convention Center is the largest convention facility on the West Coast and sits in the heart of the Anaheim Resort district near Disneyland. It hosts exhibits, plenary sessions, and concurrent breakout sessions across its exhibit halls and meeting rooms.
Parking
On-site parking is available at the Anaheim Convention Center. For a standard-size vehicle, parking at the Convention Center begins at $25 per day, and overnight parking is prohibited. Visitors should check the Anaheim Convention Center website for up-to-date information and rates. Reservable parking at nearby lots and garages can also be booked in advance through platforms such as SpotHero.
Getting There
The Anaheim Convention Center is served by several Southern California airports. John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA) is the closest and most convenient airport to the Anaheim Convention Center, and Long Beach Airport (LGB) is a convenient alternative. From area hotels, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is roughly 14 miles away, Long Beach Airport (LGB) about 20 miles, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) about 36 miles.
The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), located between Angel Stadium and the Honda Center, offers direct connections to attractions throughout Anaheim, including Disneyland and the Convention Center. Rideshare, airport shuttles, and rental cars are all widely available.
Nearby Hotels
A wide range of hotels sits within the Anaheim Resort district, many within walking distance of the Convention Center:
- Hilton Anaheim — a large convention hotel accessible by major freeways, with secured covered parking in a garage behind the hotel. Secured covered parking is available in a garage located behind the hotel.
- Hyatt Place at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center — located at 2035 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802.
- Anaheim Marriott, Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, and The Westin Anaheim Resort are additional full-service options near the venue.
Many Anaheim hotels also serve the adjacent Disneyland Resort, so booking early is recommended during major meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Academy 2026 Anaheim taking place?
Academy 2026 Anaheim takes place September 30 through October 3, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
Who should attend the American Academy of Optometry annual meeting?
The meeting is designed for practicing optometrists across all subspecialties, along with researchers, optometry faculty, residents, students, and paraoptometric staff. It brings together leaders in eye care, research, and vision science, and also draws a strong international audience.
How do I register and what is the early-bird deadline?
Registration and housing are open and completed online through the official website. Early bird registration rates are available through July 29, 2026, with regular and on-site rates applying afterward.
What makes the Academy meeting worth attending?
It offers more than 300 hours of continuing education with a strong research and clinical science emphasis. Highlights include the Plenary Session on research redefining clinical practice, section and SIG symposia, hands-on workshops, ACE courses, and an exhibit hall with more than 170 companies.
What is the nearest airport and how do I get to the venue?
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest, about 14 miles away and roughly a 20-minute drive. Los Angeles International (LAX), Long Beach (LGB), and Ontario (ONT) are also options. Rideshare, taxis, hotel shuttles, and the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) shuttle serve the convention center.
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