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Optometry
Attendees packed their sunglasses, their continuing education wish lists, and plenty of water as they traveled to Phoenix for Optometry’s Meeting 2026. With daytime temperatures regularly in triple digits, many quickly discovered why Arizonans like to say, “It’s a dry heat.” Fortunately, the excitement inside the Phoenix Convention Center was just as intense as the weather outside.
From June 17 through 20, 2026, faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Drexel University joined thousands of eye-care professionals and corporate partners for the 129th Annual American Optometric Association (AOA) Congress and 58th Annual American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Conference, the premier professional event in optometry. The meeting offered a blend of continuing education, networking, innovation, and opportunities to experience the culture and beauty of the American Southwest.
Participants from across the country took advantage of more than 300 hours of continuing education, nearly 200 courses and workshops, and more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest advances in eye care. The conference provided valuable opportunities to expand clinical knowledge, strengthen practice management skills, and connect with colleagues from across the profession. Students and early-career doctors also participated in AOA+, a four-day experience focused on leadership development, professional growth, and career advancement.
PCO was well represented throughout the meeting, with faculty members such as Carlo Pelino, OD '94 Resident '95, FAAO, associate professor, Lauren White, OD '19, MSHS, FAAO, assistant professor, and Jeffrey Weaver, OD ‘85, MBA, MS, FAAO, FACHE, professor of practice, and Joseph Shovlin, OD ‘80, FAAO, adjunct, delivering numerous lectures on timely and impactful topics such as artificial intelligence in eye care, corneal disease, ocular inflammation, ocular oncology, retinal care, and more. PCO faculty shared their expertise across multiple sessions, contributing to the educational success of the conference.
The conference began with a special moment of recognition. At the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) annual meeting held on Wednesday morning at the FOUND:RE Hotel, Mitchell Scheiman, OD, PhD ‘16, FAAO, FCOVD, received the Herbert Wertheim Award, one of the profession’s most prestigious honors. Affectionately known as the “Herbie,” the award recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on optometric education, patient care, and research.
During his acceptance speech, Dr. Scheiman reflected on the impact optometric research can have on both science and clinical care and emphasized the collaborative nature of his accomplishments.
“The work that I've done, any contributions that I've made, have not been done by me alone,” he said. “It's taken the work of many, many colleagues and co-investigators, and it's only with their participation and support that the contributions that we've made have become possible.”
His recognition set a celebratory tone for the meeting and the significant impact of PCO faculty and alumni on the advancement of eye care.
Another highlight of the week was the PCO Alumni and Friends Reception, held on Thursday evening, June 18, at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel. The event brought together alumni, faculty, students, and friends of the College for an evening of connection, celebration, and support of Steven Eiss, OD ‘95, who had recently been nominated to serve on the American Optometric Association (AOA) Board of Trustees in recognition of his longstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of the profession. During the reception, guests enjoyed complimentary drinks and appetizers while reconnecting with colleagues and fellow alumni.
PCO dean Josephine O. Ibironke, OD ‘03, Resident ‘04, MPH, FAAO, welcomed alumni and friends and reviewed some of the College’s recent accomplishments. “We remain accredited, recently celebrated the graduation of 136 students, and saw Dr. Scheiman receive an ASCO award,” she said. “As we continue moving forward, we need your help. We need you to come home to PCO, stay engaged, remain committed, and support us with your time, energy, and financial contributions. I want to reassure you that every donation designated for PCO remains within PCO and is used only for the purpose for which it was intended.”
Later that evening, students brought a touch of Philadelphia’s history and pride to the AOA EyeQ Championship Student Bowl. Shymaa Mohamed, OD ’26, showcased her knowledge and quick buzzer skills during the competition. Although she didn’t advance to the final round, she put up a strong fight and represented PCO well, demonstrating both enthusiasm during her entrance and expertise on the national stage.
The week concluded on a celebratory note when Dr. Eiss was successfully elected to the AOA Board of Trustees on Saturday, marking a fitting end to a conference that highlighted both professional achievement and the strength of the PCO community.
