American Academy of Optometry (AAO) Academy 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

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What is Academy?

The American Academy of Optometry’s “Academy” event is the organization’s flagship annual meeting, where eye care professionals, including practicing optometrists, vision scientists, students, and educators come together to explore the latest advancements in vision science and clinical optometry. Taking place from October 8 to 11, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, the event offers over 300 hours of continuing education, featuring lectures, symposia, hands-on workshops, poster sessions, and rapid-fire presentations, alongside a bustling exhibit hall showcasing the latest technologies and research in the field.

Founded in 1922, the American Academy of Optometry champions lifelong learning and professional excellence. Its Academy meeting strengthens the profession by promoting rigorous scientific research and peer collaboration, providing attendees a unique opportunity to stay at the forefront of optometric practice and vision science.

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Why Attend Academy 2025?

Academy 2025 isn’t just about education. It’s a celebration of connection, discovery, and the future of optometry. Attending Academy 2025, the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting (October 8–11, 2025, in Boston), offers a multi-dimensional experience that advances both clinical excellence and professional growth. Over four immersive days at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC), participants can access more than 300 hours of continuing education, including symposia, hands-on workshops, rapid-fire sessions, and peer-reviewed research presentations designed to elevate optometric practice and vision science knowledge.

What sets the Academy apart is its dynamic blend of innovation, collaboration, and real-world learning. Attendees can refine their clinical skills through simulation labs (like laser and surgical techniques), participate in inspiring plenary sessions, engage with interactive workshops, and experience the latest technologies in the exhibit hall featuring over 150 industry-leading exhibitors. 

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What’s on the Agenda for Academy 2025

Academy 2025 (Oct 8 – 11, Boston) packs four days with CE lectures, workshops, papers/posters, a busy exhibit hall, and headline sessions, kicking off Wednesday with the OGS Symposium, the Innovations in Vision and EyeCare program, and a plenary on “Biologics in Eye Care.” 

New Evening Industry Insights and CE blocks run on Wednesday and Thursday after sponsored short-form sessions. Thursday features the Monroe J. Hirsch Symposium, while Friday brings the Academy Awards plus the Prentice and Fry Lectures, joint Scientific and Residents’ poster sessions, and alums/international receptions rolling into the Academy Party. 

Saturday closes with a new “Beyond Vision: The Art and Science of Aesthetics in Optometry” workshop and the meeting’s Closing Reception. 

If you want hands-on credentials, the Advanced Ophthalmic Procedures Laser and Surgery Course returns. It includes two 16-hour tracks (laser and surgical procedures) offered in partnership with Northeastern State University, which can be added to a full registration.

Access the complete Academy 2025 Education Grid here.

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When is Academy 2025?

In 2025, the American Academy of Optometry’s Academy event will take place from October 8 to 11.

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Where is Academy 2025?

In 2025, Academy will take place at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC), located at 415 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210. This venue us formerly known as the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC).

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Where to Find Virtual Field at Academy

Be sure to visit Exhibit Hall C & B2 at Academy 20205 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center.

Find Virtual Field at booth # 1332. You can meet with our team to take a demo of our VF3 Pro.

Book time now to demo Virtual Field during AAO Imagine.

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Academy 2025 Ticket Prices

Ticket prices vary based on registration type and early-bird discounts. Visit the official Academy 2025 website for the most up-to-date pricing and to register. However, you can expect 2025 Academy ticket pricing to be approximately as follows:

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Registration Types and Rates

Full Three-Day Registration (Oct 8–11):

Early Bird (Apr 21 – Aug 6): $105

Regular / On-site (Aug 7 – Sept 26 and Sept 27 – Oct 11): $155

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One-Day Registration:

Early Bird (Apr 21 – Aug 6): $36

Regular / On-site (Aug 7 – Sept 26 and Sept 27 – Oct 11): $86

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Student and Resident Full Registration:

Includes CE sessions, student forums, exhibit hall access, and social events:

Early Bird: $75

Regular: $100

On-site: $125

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Nonmember Students and Residents:

Early Bird: $125

Regular: $150

On-site: $175

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Other Registration (for PhDs, librarians, non-OD staff, etc., without CE requirements):

Early Bird: $234

Regular: $334

On-site: $409

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Best Hotels for Academy 2025

If you plan to attend Academy 2025, take advantage of the AAO’s special room blocks at Boston’s top Seaport District hotels, each within easy reach of the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center and offering exclusive conference rates that balance comfort, convenience, and sustainability.

• Westin Boston Seaport (Headquarters Hotel) – $396/night, carbon footprint: 15.10 kg per room night
• Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport – $359/night (carbon footprint not disclosed)
• Aloft Boston Seaport District – $289/night, 11.43 kg/room night
• Renaissance Boston Seaport Hotel – $359/night, 17.36 kg/room night
• Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District – $302/night (student rate: $249), footprint undisclosed
• Seaport Hotel Boston – $376/night, carbon footprint undisclosed
• Element Boston Seaport District – $324/night, 10.49 kg/room night
• YOTEL Boston – $329/night, footprint undisclosed
• Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District – $359/night, footprint undisclosed

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Visit the official Academy website for access to book these hotels to ensure you receive the conference room rate.

All listed hotels are located within the Seaport, ensuring a quick commute to the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center, which is ideal for maximizing your time and minimizing transit stress.

🔥Tip: Once you register for Academy, you’ll receive a link to book your room at any of these properties directly. Spaces across multiple nights are already filling up, so the conference organizers recommend attendees reserve their stay early. If your preferred hotel appears to be sold out via the link, please contact the hotel directly to check for availability.

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Parking, Commuting, and Travel Logistics for Academy 2025

If you’re traveling to Academy 2025 in Boston, here’s everything you need to know to plan your arrival and get around with confidence.

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Parking

A variety of parking options surround the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center, with convenient nearby garages and lots accepting reservations through platforms like SpotHero and ParkWhiz. Day-of rates typically range from $30 to $50, while some lots offer early-bird pricing in the $20 to $30 range. For those driving in, pre-booking a spot ensures hassle-free access and saves valuable time.

Several local garages offer competitive rates. Fish Pier West and Lot D-3 are located within a half-mile of each other and charge between $9 and $36/day, with D-3 offering both valet and self-park options. For those staying at hotels, valet and self-parking options are commonly available, such as at the Westin Boston Waterfront, which is within a 10-minute walk.

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Public Transit and Shuttle Options

Boston is well-connected via public transit. The Green Line’s Hynes Convention Center station is nearby, with access via pedestrian skyways to the MCEC.. Alternate connections include Back Bay Station, which serves the Orange Line, Commuter Rail, and Amtrak.

For airport transfers, the Logan Express offers an affordable ride from Boston Logan Airport to Back Bay (free outbound) and into the city for just $3 each way for the Back Bay route.

South Station offers robust regional and intercity bus service, as well as connections to the subway, commuter rail, and Amtrak, making it convenient for attendees arriving from nearby states.

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Travel Logistics Best Practices

Reserve your parking: To guarantee a spot and save time, book ahead via SpotHero, ParkWhiz, Way.com, or your preferred parking provider.

Leverage transit passes: The MBTA offers a cheap and efficient subway system. Grab a CharlieCard or hand-tap to ride.

Leave extra buffer time: Parking garages can fill quickly during major conventions, so plan to arrive early.

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We’ll See You at Academy 2025

Boston is an East Coast city packed with tremendous history, fantastic food (remember, it’s “CHOW-dah”), and, from October 8 - 11, the industry’s brightest minds in optometric care.

We hope to see you on the exhibit floor, but if you miss Virtual Field at Academy 2025, you can contact our team at any time to learn about our Virtual Field device pricing or calculate how much you could save by making the switch to our virtual perimeter. We’ll see 👀 you there.