NEW ORLEANS—The American Academy of Optometry’s 94th annual meeting held here Oct. 7 to 10 was the largest ever in the organization’s history. Its 7,489 total registrants represented an 18 percent overall increase in attendance over 2014 and consisted of 4,368 optometrists and vision scientists and 1,399 students. In addition to educational sessions and a packed exhibit hall, attendees networked during social events and shared the results of their research.

The first-ever joint educational program of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Academy of Ophthalmology also took place, with the identical program to be repeated at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting in Las Vegas in November. Evidence-based pediatric eyecare was addressed by Drs. Donald Mutti, Bruce Moore and Susan Cotter, and American Academy of Ophthalmology representatives Drs. Jonathan Holmes, Mary Louise Collins and Jean Ramsey. This collaboration is the first effort by the two Academy organizations to work together.

A highlight of the meeting was the President’s Banquet on Saturday where 240 new Fellows were inducted into the American Academy of Optometry. In addition, a record 14 individuals were awarded Diplomate status by Sections of the American Academy of Optometry.

The meeting also raised $190,000 in donations and new pledges for the American Optometric Foundation, the Academy’s foundation supporting research and education. Approximately 200 supporters attended the Foundation’s Celebration Luncheon, resulting in more than $33,000 in donations and pledges at that event alone.