Thinking of attending an optometry conference (or two or three) this year? It’s professional development; it’s networking; it’s CE; it’s staying on top of all the latest advancements and best practices in optometry.
But travel requires planning, so let’s take an early look at what 2025 has in store for us, conference- and trade show-wise. Here are the in-person optometry conferences and events on our radar so far.
JANUARY 2025
Island Eyes Conference 2025
Dates: January 12 – 18, 2025
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Hosted by Pacific University, this conference offers up to 30 COPE-accredited hours of continuing education, featuring renowned educators and a half-day schedule to allow attendees to enjoy Maui’s attractions.
The Vision Council 2025 Executive Summit
Dates: January 22 – 24, 2025
Location: Santa Barbara, California
A posh event that brings together industry leaders for several days of high-level networking and leadership development. Designed to shed light on the evolving landscape of the vision industry, this one features a robust schedule of interactive panels, expert presentations, and keynote addresses.
Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) 2025
Dates: January 22 – 25, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
GSLS focuses on the latest innovations in specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses, ortho-K, and myopia management. Attendees can benefit from workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with global experts.
Eyeball Palm Springs 2025
Date: January 25, 2025
Location: Palm Springs, California
Here’s a chic, curated event combining eyewear fashion, creativity, and continuing education. Brett Cates, co-creator, is “deeply passionate about independent eyewear and the rejection of corporate influence in both art and eyewear.”
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025
MIDO Eyewear Show 2025
Dates: February 8 – 10, 2025
Location: Milan, Italy
MIDO is one of the world’s largest international eyewear trade shows, featuring over 1,200 exhibitors and attendees from more than 160 countries. You can expect to see the latest eyewear collections, technological innovations, and industry trends.
EnVision Summit 2025
Dates: February 14 – 17, 2025
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
This summit is intentionally family-friendly and offers continuing education in ophthalmology and optometry, featuring clinical discussions, mentoring, and research collaborations.
Vision Expo East 2025
Dates: February 19 – 22, 2025
Location: Orlando, Florida
Where eyewear, education, fashion, and innovation mingle. Join eyecare professionals, buyers, influencers, and technology leaders in Orlando (the conference moved from NY to FL this year!). Tip: Also consider the 2025 VM Leadership Summit happening in Orlando on 2/19.
SECO 2025
Dates: February 26 – March 2, 2025
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
SECO 2025 is a premier event for optometry professionals, offering cutting-edge education, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders from around the world.
MARCH 2025
The Frame Affair 2025
Dates: March 13 – 15, 2025
Location: New York City, New York
Curated as “a luxury art gallery,” this eyewear show creates a space where independent designers and visionary artisans converge to showcase the finest in eyewear craftsmanship. Think immersive brand storytelling, upscale cuisine and drinks, and a luxury fashion show.
EYECON 2025
Dates: March 14 – 16, 2025
Location: New York City, New York
EYECON is another luxury eyewear show in NYC this week. Exclusive product launches, trend insights, creative exhibitions, and engaging panel discussions will explore innovations shaping the eyewear industry.
JUNE 2025
International Congress of Scleral Contacts (ICSC) 2025
Dates: June 20 – 21, 2025
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
ICSC 2025 offers interactive panels, hands-on workshops, and educational tracks tailored for both experienced and new scleral lens practitioners. Global experts share insights on emerging trends, challenges, and advanced clinical practices related to scleral lenses.
Optometry’s Meeting® 2025 & 5th World Congress of Optometry
Dates: June 25 – 28, 2025
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The 128th Annual AOA Congress and 57th Annual AOSA Conference will host the 5th World Congress of Optometry, focusing on advancing universal access to high-quality eye health and vision care. Find all manner of CE, collaboration and strategic partnership opportunities, plus practice solutions, business services, and resources.
SEPTEMBER 2025
Dates: September 17 – 20, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Like it’s eastern counterpart, Vision Expo West is a top event for ophthalmic professionals, combining education, fashion, and innovation. The conference offers accredited education sessions, and the exhibition hall showcases the latest in eyewear and optical technology.
AOA on Capitol Hill 2025
Dates: September 28 – 30, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C.
The American Optometric Association’s annual advocacy event, where optometrists and students meet with lawmakers to discuss critical issues affecting optometry and eye care. This event includes advocacy training, legislative briefings, and opportunities to make a direct impact on policy. Note the new September date.
OCTOBER 2025
Academy 2025 Boston
Dates: October 8 – 11, 2025
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Hosted by the American Academy of Optometry, this major annual conference brings together optometrists, vision scientists, and students for comprehensive continuing education and the latest research in optometry.
Vision By Design 2025
Dates: October 22 – 25, 2025
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Hosted by the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (AAOMC), this conference focuses on orthokeratology, myopia control, and specialty contact lenses. You can engage in lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities designed for both experienced practitioners and those new to the field.
NOVEMBER 2025
MOD Live 2025
Dates: November 7 – 9, 2025
Location: Austin, Texas
Presented by Modern Optometry, this event focuses on the evolving field of medical eye care, offering insights and education for optometrists adapting to new clinical practices.
