American Optometric Association

The U.S. will only experience a partial eclipse. Still, it's never safe to look at the sun with the naked eye. A solar eclipse can expose your eyes to possibly harmful ultraviolet rays. Without proper eye protection, you can suffer "eclipse blindness" within seconds of staring at the sun.

If you buy eclipse glasses, be sure they are made by companies the American Astronomical Society and NASA have certified as safe. The glasses should have the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) icon. The glasses also must have the ISO reference number 12312-2.

Wednesday’s total solar eclipse will darken skies: Where to look A total solar eclipse will darken the sky in August. Here is where it is visible and how to watch it safely.

Eye irritation from makeup? Replace products regularly, avoid applying makeup too close to the eye, and see a doctor of optometry if symptoms persist. Find a doctor of optometry here: https://bit.ly/4qcHDsu

AOA President Teri K. Geist, O.D., contributes on rare complications and when to seek care.

Can GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic Affect Your Vision? Temporary blurry vision may occur as your body adjusts to GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. Here’s what eye doctors want you to know about rare complications and when to seek care.

✨ Your AOA membership includes FREE digital access to Hindsight: Journal of Optometry History—the premier journal dedicated to the history of optometry.

Explore every issue and discover the stories that have shaped the profession: https://bit.ly/4q5JdMC

The AOA Leadership Institute is designed to engage and equip the upcoming generation of optometry's champions to take on leadership roles within the AOA and its affiliates 🚀

Applications and nominations are accepted annually for future Leadership Institute classes. Active AOA member doctors of optometry who are early in their careers are encouraged to apply or be nominated to participate in the program.

Graduates interested in continued leadership development also have the opportunity to participate in the advanced AOA Leadership Institute 2.0 program.

Nominate a colleague or apply here: https://bit.ly/4z07WpP

Part of the AOA’s Eye Deserve More public awareness campaign, the event has reached more than 12.3 million Americans nationwide with more coverage continuing to air in the coming weeks.

AOA president emphasizes the importance of back-to-school eye exams Teri K. Geist, O.D., spoke with 21 news outlets about the need for comprehensive eye exams with AOA members for children.

Parents, teachers and caregivers may notice signs of a vision problem, but a comprehensive eye exam is the best way to get the full picture of a child’s eye health. Schedule one here: https://bit.ly/4bvE36H

Two AOA members received a ⭐Golden Opportunity⭐ this year—a $50,000 award to help launch their first independent optometry practices! Read on to learn about their paths to independent ownership and their goals for the next chapter.

Introducing the 2026 Golden Opportunity Award recipients Alelujah Ramirez, O.D., and Jessi Sampson, O.D., who each received $50,000 to help establish their first independent optometry practice, share their goals.