Tomorrow’s optometric leaders share their thoughts on Optometry’s Meeting and how CooperVision’s support and new connections help them “think big.”
The 126th Annual AOA Congress & 55th Annual AOSA Conference was held in downtown Washington, D.C., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with courses focused on office-based surgical skills and procedures to practical guidance on everything from building a medical contact lens practice to financially preparing for every stage of your career.
Some of the student leaders shared their take-home messages from the event, and how CooperVision’s support is helping shape their future in the profession.
“Optometry’s Meeting brings optometrists and optometry students together from all over. It provides an atmosphere for us to connect and share in our passion of eye care. You get to meet with great minds full of ideas and people who are on fire for advocating for our amazing profession.
AOA/AOSA emphasizes the importance of getting to know our lawmakers and being accessible in times when optometry is being questioned or challenged. Additionally, many companies and groups, such as CooperVision, help create events to build genuine connections with other students and doctors. These connections allow us to think big while nurturing our love for eye care together. There is something so special about gathering with your fellow eye care professionals and growing side by side.”
Mariah Strahm, current 4th year from UMSL College of Optometry (2022-23 contact lens student leader)
During the event, the 2023 winners of the organization’s annual awards were announced, including the CooperVision Contact Lens Award, which was received by Dominika Bizub.
“Receiving the CooperVision Contact Lens Award means a great deal to me. Optometry school has been the most rewarding, yet difficult journey I have encountered thus far. Being nominated and rewarded for the hard work I have put in, not only in academic settings but in clinical, finally seems like it paid off. I have had a huge interest in contact lenses the second I started my optometric journey, and I could not be more grateful that CooperVision and Midwestern University recognized me as the receiver of this year's Contact Lens Award. I vow to uphold the highest standards of professional and personal integrity, making sure that my future patients receive the contact lens care and education that they deserve."
Dominika Bizub, Midwestern Chicago College of Optometry, current 4th year
