The agenda includes subspecialty days, evening events and partner programmes from practice management organisations
AAO attendees will have special access to Universal Islands of Adventure, said conference organisers. Image credit: ©quasarphotos – stock.adobe.com
The 2025 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting and expo are fast approaching. This year's meeting will begin on 18 October and will run through 20 October at the Orange County Convention Center West in Orlando, Florida.
Shortly before the main meeting, Subspecialty Day programmes are scheduled for 17 and 18 October. Day one features glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular oncology and pathology, refractive surgery and the first retina day. On day two, attendees will focus on cornea, oculofacial plastic surgery and a continuation of the retina subspecialty day. All events are held in the Orange County Convention Center.
Other gatherings of interest are the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives Practice Management Program and the American Academy of Ophthalmic Professionals Clinical Teams Program, which are scheduled for 17 to 20 October.
Those interested in attending the AAO meeting in person may register here.
AAO also offers the option to attend virtually; those interested can register at this link. The virtual meeting platform opens Tuesday, 14 October.
Attendees have exhaustive educational opportunities to choose from, which include instructional courses, paper sessions, poster sessions, skills transfer courses, Academy Café, "Ask the Experts" programming, podium posters and symposia, all of which are sprinkled throughout the meeting.
The following is just a few of the available highlights on each day. All times are expressed in Eastern Daylight Time.
The exhibit hall will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00 and on Monday from 9:00 to 15:30.
The list of exhibitors is available in the AAO meeting guide.
A special event, Illuminate, is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, from 19:30 to 22:30. The venue is Live! at the Point Orlando, located at 9101 International Drive.
Illuminate, aka Illuminate the Night in Orlando, creates a block party-style event that will allow attendees to “reconnect, recharge, and revel in good company, all while supporting ophthalmic education," according to AAO.1
Attendees can enjoy cocktails and appetizers while visiting four themed venues: Houndsmen Lounge, Sports and Social, PBR Cowboy Bar and Shark Bar.
This year, AAO will celebrate honorees Christie L. Morse, MD, and the Knights Templar Eye Foundation for their leadership and commitment to improving vision.
Tickets for Illuminate can be purchased tickets while registering for AAO 2025.
On Sunday, October 19, attendees can enjoy Universal Islands of Adventure from 17:00. And from 20:00 to 13:30, AAO invites conference attendees to “unlimited access to the most amazing theme park rides and attractions in Orlando,” during which time specific areas are reserved for conference attendees.
Tickets can be purchased while registering for AAO 2025.
Camp AAO is a childcare opportunity offered by the AAO. Parents of children aged 6 months to 12 years can take advantage of this service
The camp is described as “a safe, nurturing environment located near the Orange County Convention Center. Children will have the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, a variety of active games, and additional activities.”
Parents must provide food for their children at the time they are dropped off or parents can bring food during the day.
Registration and payment for Camp AAO are required by October 9.
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