Academy 2026 Anaheim Showcases Research, Innovation and Leaders Shaping the Future of Eye Care
Friday, October 16 2026 | 09 h 53 min | News
Academy 2026 Anaheim, held September 30 to October 3, marked the 104th annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry, bringing together 7,648 registrants, including 4,452 optometrists and vision scientists and 1,161 students, for four days of education, research, innovation and professional connection. As the document notes, the meeting served as “a gathering place for leaders across optometry and vision science to share emerging research, examine advances in clinical care and education, and explore developments shaping the future of the profession.”
Plenary Session: Insights to Action
The Plenary Session, “Insights to Action: Research Redefining Clinical Practice Today,” highlighted seven landmark studies presented by leaders from Academy Sections and Special Interest Groups. Topics included:
- Semaglutide and NAION risk — Leonard Messner, OD, FAAO
- Neurotrophic keratopathy interventions — Zanna Kruoch, OD, FAAO
- TFOS DEWS III one year later — James Wolffsohn, PhD, DSc, FAAO
- Wavefront‑guided scleral lenses — Jason Marsack, PhD, FAAO
- Vergence/accommodative therapy for concussion‑related CI — Tara Alvarez, PhD, FAAO
- ZEDS and clinical practice transformation — Christen Kenrick, OD, FAAO
- Optimizing atropine therapy for myopia control (LAMP Phase 4) — Shelby Johnson, OD, MPH, FAAO
These presentations underscored how emerging evidence is reshaping clinical decision‑making across optometry.
Monroe J. Hirsch Symposium: Oculomics
The Monroe J. Hirsch Symposium, “Oculomics: Leveraging Ocular Biomarkers to Assess Systemic Health,” explored how ocular biomarkers can provide insights into systemic disease. Experts Drs. Vivek Srinivasan, Nawajes Mandal and Doug Borchman shared perspectives, moderated by Drs. Andrew Pucker and Erin Tomiyama. The document highlights that the session “explored the emerging field of oculomics and its potential to use ocular biomarkers to provide insights into systemic health.”
Eyes on Evidence: AAO + CEV Program Reviews
Building on the Academy’s role as a Cochrane Eyes and Vision Center, the meeting featured systematic review updates addressing presbyopia, pediatric vision and telemedicine for diabetic retinopathy screening—reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to evidence‑based care.
Celebrating Fellows and Diplomates
A major milestone of Academy 2026 Anaheim was the confirmation of 319 new Fellows. As noted in the document, “It is estimated that 10% of practicing optometrists in the United States are Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).”
Additionally, a record 19 individuals earned Diplomate status across ten Academy Sections, including Anterior Segment, Glaucoma, Low Vision, Vision Science, and more.
Leadership Transition
The meeting also marked a leadership transition as Dr. Carl Spear was inducted as President of the American Academy of Optometry. He will serve alongside Dr. Andrew Mick (President‑Elect), Dr. Chris Wilmer, Dr. Jeffrey Walline, Dr. Nicholas Colatrella, Dr. Nancy Wong, Dr. Susy Yu and newly elected board member Dr. David Berntsen.
Source: American Academy of Optometry
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