DENVER—After a wild weather day Tuesday disrupted travel schedules, there was nothing but blue, sunny skies here on Wednesday as thousands of industry professionals converged on the Colorado Convention Center for the 121st American Optometric Association (AOA) Congress. Optometry's Meeting, as the event is better known, runs through Sunday, June 24. The weather made an about face on Wednesday following reports of hail storms and tornado warnings throughout the day Tuesday as sunny skies and mid-70 degree temperatures ruled the day here in Denver.

Under these ideal conditions, the AOA planned to officially kick off Optometry’s Meeting with the opening general session scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, and the highlights were the presentation of AOA's annual awards, messages from profession leaders and a keynote address. Adventurer-turned-inspirational-speaker Aron Ralston was scheduled to present the keynote address. Ralston captured headlines in 2003 after a canyoneering accident left him trapped between two boulders in a remote location for more than five days. His talk is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision.

The 2018 meeting marks the conclusion of the term of president Christopher Quinn, OD, of New Jersey. He will be succeeded in this role by president-elect Samuel Pierce, OD, of Alabama. Also at the meeting, the AOA’s House of Delegates is scheduled to meet, discuss and vote on the business matters of the association. Delegate sessions are scheduled for Thursday and Saturday.

On Thursday, the opening session begins with a colorful parade as the flags of the states, the District of Columbia, the Armed Forces Optometric Society and the American Optometric Student Association are presented. The Saturday afternoon session begins with a procession for the incoming president Pierce. Following the president's inauguration speech, the nominations, elections and installation of the AOA Board of Trustees conclude the annual meeting.

Attendees also have an opportunity to earn CE credits during the five days of education, which began Wednesday and end Sunday.

Optometry Cares-The AOA Foundation will induct the Class of 2018 into the National Optometry Hall of Fame during a reception Thursday night. The 2018 inductees are Dr. David Cockrell, Dr. Irwin Suchoff and Dr. Les Walls.