• New: Vaccination Requirement

    The Academy is committed to your safety at AAO 2021. Therefore, our Board of Trustees has determined that proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for all registrants attending the meeting in person in New Orleans.

    See the Health and Safety webpage for more information.

    Join Us in New Orleans

    Register Now

    When you register for the in-person meeting you will also have access to content in the virtual meeting. If you are unable to join us in New Orleans, you can register for just the virtual meeting. Learn more about meeting registration.

    Reserve a Room

    The Academy has negotiated special hotel rates for AAO 2021. Learn more about hotel reservations.

    Visit the ExpoAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology Expo

    The AAO 2021 Expo will take place Saturday, Nov. 13 through Monday, Nov. 15 in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA.

    The Academy is re-creating the annual meeting and Expo to provide more networking and engagement opportunities in the exhibit hall.

    A new standardized schedule will help you to find time to visit booths without missing a session. View the AAO 2021 Meeting Schedule Overview (PDF 77KB). Note: All times are subject to change.

    Find Solutions at the Academy Resource Center

    The Academy Resource Center, Hall G, Booth 4039, is your one-stop shop for everything Academy. Demo the latest products, get a free practice management consultation and tour the IRIS Registry and the ONE Network.

    Learn more about what you can find at the Academy Resource Center.

    New Exhibitor Pavilion

    Quickly find the newest exhibiting companies in Hall H. The pavilion is highlighted on the floor plan.

    EyePlay Experience, Hall H, Booth 5214

    Relax, give back, visit with comfort animals, challenge a colleague to a game, take a selfie in our photo opp area, get assistance at the Tech Bar, or just hangout.

    Calling All Artists

    AAO 2021 registrants and their children are invited to submit photos of their original artwork, to be featured in the AAO 2021 Art Gallery in EyePlay Experience.

    • A printed poster of the photo will be displayed in the gallery on-site in New Orleans. 
    • A children’s section will feature the work of the youngest in our Academy community.
    • Limit one submission per registrant and one submission per child of a registrant.
    • All work submitted must be your own original work and is subject to copyright law.

    How to Submit 

    1. Take a photo of the original artwork.
    2. Fill out the online entry form. 
    3. Upload your image as a JPEG or PDF file.
    4. Click “Submit.”

    A limited number of submissions can be accepted on a first-come basis. Submit your photo by Sept. 17, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

    Show Us Your Talent

    AAO 2021 registrants can share a video of their special talent, to be shown during The Academy’s Got Talent show in EyePlay Experience. 

    • Attendees will view submitted videos.
    • A panel of judges will narrow the field to three finalists from each talent category.
    • Attendees will pick the ultimate prize winner from each talent category.
    • Limit one submission per registrant.

    How to Submit

    1. Create your video.
      • Turn your phone or tablet to the side to shoot the video horizontally in widescreen.
      • Videos must be 90 seconds or shorter in length.
      • Save your video in one of the following formats: mp4, .wmv, .mpg, .mpeg or a compressed file.
    2. Fill out the online entry form.
    3. Choose your talent category:
      • Musical (singing, playing a musical instrument, etc.)
      • Dance
      • Athletic (sport, martial arts, acrobatics, etc.)
      • Other (any other special talents i.e., juggling, acting, comedy)
    4. Click “Submit.”

    A limited number of submissions can be accepted on a first-come basis. Submit your video by Sept. 20, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

    New! Industry Showcase Theater, Hall D, Booth 1053

    Get up-to-date information on company products and services during 30 min. sessions.

    • Talks run from 9:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday in the Expo hall.
    • Additional Industry Showcases will take place in the virtual meeting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    A schedule will be released soon!

    Lead Retrieval/ Information Contained on Your Badge

    When your badge is scanned by an exhibitor, you are releasing your contact information, registration type, practice type and subspecialty information to the exhibitor. This helps companies follow up with you with specific product information.