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  • Happy Hours, Dating Games and Hip Hop? YOs at AAO 2022 Know How to Have Fun in Chicago

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    Young ophthalmologists who attend AAO 2022 will, of course, discover innovative surgical techniques, practice management tips and everything necessary to put their young careers on the best track moving forward. 

    But don’t forget — when ophthalmologists gather in Chicago later in September, there’s also plenty of opportunities for F-U-N. Don’t miss out on how you can let loose. 

    Kick Back at the YO Lounge

    Medical students, members in training and members in their first five years in practice can take a break, attend daily events and enjoy light refreshments in the YO Lounge (open Saturday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 2, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Monday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in room N426B, McCormick Place). Meeting badge with YO ribbon required for admission.

    Special events include:

    • Empower Hour — Academy Resources for Every Stage of Your Career (Saturday, 1 to 2 p.m. CST). New members are encouraged to attend this lunchtime session and learn everything essential for navigating the Academy.
    • Happy Hour — Advocacy Ambassador Reunion (Saturday, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.). Reunite and network with fellow Advocacy Ambassador Program alumni and learn about those who have been engaged at the state and federal levels.
    • Morning Wellness — Hip Hop and Breakfast Box (Sunday, 8 to 9 a.m.). Begin your day by strengthening your mind and body with hip hop and exercise.
    • Empower Hour – Love at First Sight: The Subspecialty Dating Game (Sunday, 1 to 2 p.m.). Are you still searching for that perfect subspecialty? Attend this lunchtime session and discover the subspecialty you’ve been waiting for.
    • Happy Hour – Welcoming International YOs (Sunday, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.). Welcome our international YO members to Chicago! Network with colleagues and learn about the latest efforts the Academy is making around the globe.
    • Empower Hour - YO ARVO! Navigating Your Career as a Clinician Scientist (Monday, 1 to 2 p.m.) Clinician scientists share pearls on what is beneficial for YOs who may be pursuing a career in research. Gain tips on finding and applying for grants, plus much more. Cosponsored by the Academy’s YO Committee and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Members in Training Committee.

    Party On With Your Colleagues

    • Orbital Gala (Sunday, 6 to 9 p.m., Adler Planetarium). The 19th-annual fundraiser will be a party out of this world! Savor dinner and a hosted bar under the 36-foot-high domed ceiling in the Grainger Sky Theater at Chicago’s iconic Adler Planetarium. Cheer on your fellow YO and 2022 Artemis Award recipient, Frank Brodie, MD. You also won’t want to miss out on the trademark silent auction for valuable prizes and other surprises. YO tickets are 50% off. Register at aao.org/foundation/gala-overview.
    • Global YO Reception (Sunday, 9 to midnight, location announced in September). Following the Orbital Gala, come mingle with other YOs from around the world. The most entertaining event at the meeting is FREE for Academy YO Members. The Global YO Reception is held off site at a swanky location so be sure to bring your meeting badge with YO ribbon to guarantee your admission. 

     That’s Not All!

    • EyePlay Experience (Saturday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Booth 4858). Relieve stress, play a game, enjoy a photo op, consult with Tech Bar experts, charge your mobile device, or participate in a service project or network with colleagues. To find a schedule, select the "Program" button on the main menu of the Mobile Meeting Guide, then select the "Adjunct Event Search." Type in the search field or use the filters to find EyePlay Experience.
    • Free headshots. YO attendees can benefit from visiting the Academy’s Resource Center and peruse all the services being offered during the meeting, including free professional headshots! Time to update your pic online with a new professional photo.
    • Opening Session (Friday, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Room E354). Join your colleagues to hear the latest from Academy leadership and honor the 2022 awardees. Best-selling author, Scott Turow, will give the 2022 Michael F. Marmor Lecture in Ophthalmology and the Arts. Gerrit R.J. Melles, MD, PhD, will deliver the 79th Edward Jackson Memorial Lecture.
    • Closing Session (Monday, 3:45 to 5:00 p.m., Room E354). Close AAO 2022 with Pulitzer Prize–winning author and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. Welcome 2023 Academy president, Daniel J. Briceland, MD.

    And When You Want (or Need) to Get Away From the FUN

    • Mother’s Room (Saturday to Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Room N129). A quiet, clean environment for nursing mothers. In addition, McCormick Place provides Mamava Lactation Suites, unlocked with the Mamava Mobile App, in Lakeside Center, Level 2 and South Level 2.5 across from Starbucks.
    • Complimentary massages. Be sure to take the time to relax between all the fun events. Complimentary seated massages are available at both the YO Lounge and EyePlay Experience throughout the meeting.