BOSTON—The industry is gearing up for the 2016 Optometry’s Meeting to be held in Boston from June 29 to July 3. Centered around the theme of Learn.Lead. Connect., this year’s meeting will include five full days of CE offering attendees more than 30 hours of accredited education from a vast selection of new and unique courses, the AOA said.

Attendees can expect expanded CE programming as Ron Melton, OD, and Randall Thomas, OD, kick off the CE program with three courses beginning at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 29. Additional CE options will be available throughout Sunday afternoon.

There will also be open sessions with the AOA House of Delegates and the revised Exhibit Hall Hours will maximize the opportunity to fully experience Optometry's Meeting events. This year, 10 of 15 exhibit hall hours, from June 29 through July 2, will not conflict with CE programming, maximizing opportunities to fully experience Optometry’s Meeting.

A highlight of the event will be an appearance by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, PhD, who will deliver the keynote address at the opening general session, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., on Wednesday, June 29. On June 30, Optometry Cares-The AOA Foundation will induct the Class of 2016 into the National Optometry Hall of Fame during a reception.

Also on June 30, Alumni and students will gather to cheer on their colleges at the 25th Annual Varilux Optometry Student Bowl as 23 schools and colleges of optometry battle to be the smartest, most spirited and most creative. And finally on Saturday, July 2, a Celebration of Optometry, sponsored by Hoya Vision Care, will feature a "Broadway to Boston" performance with Broadway stars including Laura Osnes and Jeff Pew.

Attendees can still take advantage of advance registration rates now to receive discounts off on-site registration. And new this year, doctors of optometry can register for any two days and receive special, discounted pricing. Click here to register today. Registration is not accepted via phone or email.