A Message from the American Academy of Optometry
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A Message from the American Academy of Optometry
Over the past few months, the American Academy of Optometry has continually monitored the COVID-19 situation and its impact on Nashville as well as their phased re-opening. During this time, we’ve diligently worked with the Music City Center, our hotel partners, and exhibitor service and logistics vendors to plan and implement on-site safety measures for our highly anticipated annual meeting. In late April and late June, we also sent a survey to our loyal attendees, industry partners and exhibitors and received feedback and concerns about attending an in-person meeting, and we listened to the challenges that this may cause.
Based on these factors, the Academy has made the decision to move from an on-site, in-person meeting in Nashville to a virtual one. Our attendees’ and partners’ health and well-being have been our primary focus and in spite of our best efforts to ensure on-site safety, we feel this is the best decision for all involved. As such, we are pleased to present Academy 2020 virtually, bringing it to our attendees in the comfort, safety and convenience of their home or office.
As a direct result of this change, we’re excited to offer Academy 2020 At Home COMPLIMENTARY to student and resident academy members as our generous industry partners are sponsoring their entire registration fee! Student and resident members of the academy who have already registered will receive a full refund, and we’ll automatically move their registration over to receive access to Academy 2020 At Home.
Since this year’s meeting will be held virtually, Student and Resident Travel Fellowship grants will not be necessary. If students had one for Nashville, it will roll over to Academy 2021 Boston. Additionally, if they earned their Student Fellowship at Academy 2019 Orlando, the complimentary registration will be extended to Academy 2021 Boston as well.
Just because we aren’t traveling doesn’t mean that the Student Fellowship Program isn’t happening – because it most certainly is, and additional details will be coming soon. All OD students graduating in 2021 or later who have not yet earned their Student Fellowship will be eligible to participate.
We hope you’ll be joining us for Academy 2020 At Home this year, and additional details will be coming shortly, so stay tuned!
Check out our new Academy 2020 At Home video
