DENVER—The 121st annual American Optometric Association meeting, better known as Optometry’s Meeting, concluded here in the Mile High City in late June with a flurry of activities and news. Christopher J. Quinn, OD, outgoing AOA president, welcomed colleagues to the meeting during the opening general session. He noted the many opportunities, from continuing education to a comprehensive AOA business agenda, the meeting offered this year.

“More than anything, however, standing here this evening fills me with a strong sense of pride in being a doctor of optometry,” Quinn said. “I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve our great profession as AOA president over the past year.”

The meeting also marked the 48th annual American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Conference. At the opening session, AOA presented several awards, including its Optometrist of the Year award to David Redman, OD, of California, for outstanding service on behalf of the profession and the visual welfare of the public. Joseph Mallinger, OD, of California, received the Distinguished Service award. The opening session, which Johnson & Johnson Vision sponsored, also featured keynote inspirational speaker Aron Ralston.

At the AOA’s House of Delegates’ meeting, Samuel D. Pierce, OD, of Alabama was elected president for the coming year. Members of the Board of Trustees also were sworn into office, including executive committee members: president-elect Barbara L. Horn, OD, of South Carolina; vice president William T. Reynolds, OD, of Kentucky; secretary-treasurer Robert C. Layman, OD of Ohio (newly elected), and immediate past president Christopher Quinn of New Jersey.

In addition, Lori L. Grover, OD, PhD, of Illinois was newly elected to the board of trustees. James P. DeVleming, OD, of Washington and Jacqueline Bowen, OD, of Colorado were re-elected to serve on the board. Ronald L. Benner, OD, of Montana; Steven T. Reed, OD, of Mississippi, and Fred Farias III, OD, of Texas will continue to serve on the board.

“We have a lot to do, but optometry has always been ready to take it all on,” Dr. Pierce said in his inaugural address. “We will educate the public with our straightforward and direct message about the benefits of our eye examinations, the impact of our personalized care and the power of our early diagnosis of life-threatening and sight-threatening diseases and conditions.”