Alabama Optometric Association

06/01/2026

05/26/2026

In its latest action targeting retail vision kiosks, the AOA is urging an investigation into whether marketing language violates federal consumer protection rules.

05/21/2026

Don’t miss the ALOA’s inaugural Summer CE & Advocacy Event! Connect with fellow optometrists, gain valuable insights from expert-led sessions, and discover how advocacy is shaping the future of eye care in Alabama.

Be part of this high-impact experience in Gulf Shores, May 29-30. Secure your spot today: https://go.aoa.org/3Rlt08S

05/20/2026

After nearly 30 years of dedicated service to ALOA, Teri Hatfield has decided it is time to retire. Her last day with ALOA will be May 31, 2025. Throughout her tenure as Director of Membership and Finance, Teri has been the steady hand and cheerful heart behind so much of what we do. Her warm smile, deep knowledge, and unwavering commitment have supported our members and strengthened our organization in countless ways.

Teri has been a trusted resource for members and colleagues alike, always ready to answer a question, solve a problem, or offer thoughtful guidance. She has helped navigate times of growth and change, maintained the highest standards of accuracy and accountability in our financial operations, and treated every interaction—with members and volunteers—with respect and kindness. Many of the systems and processes we rely on today bear the mark of her diligence and insight.

Over the years, Teri has watched ALOA evolve and has played a vital role in that evolution. Whether welcoming new members, supporting long‑time members, or working behind the scenes to ensure that our programs and events run smoothly, she has consistently gone above and beyond. Her institutional knowledge and clear‑headed perspective have been invaluable, and her calm presence has helped carry us through busy seasons, new initiatives, and unexpected challenges. We will miss her optimism, her professionalism, and her remarkable ability to “get it all done.”

Please join us in thanking Teri for her exceptional service to ALOA and to the industry we serve. We are deeply grateful for the decades she has devoted to this organization, and we wish her a happy, healthy, and well‑deserved retirement filled with new adventures, time with loved ones, and all the things she enjoys most.

Send a message to learn more

05/18/2026

Save the date for the 2026 ALOA Annual Convention! This premier event brings together Alabama’s optometric community for a weekend filled with outstanding CE, networking opportunities, and the latest clinical insights shaping the profession today.

LEARN MORE: https://go.aoa.org/4dBSK8x

05/15/2026

Joining the ALOA/AOA connects you to resources, professional guidance and advocacy that benefits every doctor in Alabama.

Join by May 31, and you’ll receive a $250 Amazon eGift Card as a thank you! Visit https://go.aoa.org/joinnow26SP and use promo code "26SPAQSM" to redeem!

The future of practice is being shaped right now.

AOA membership ensures you’re protected — not watching from the sidelines. Join the AOA by May 31, and we'll send you a $250 Amazon eGift Card to say thanks! Visit https://go.aoa.org/joinnow26SP and use promo code "26SPAQSM" to redeem!

05/12/2026

Research commissioned by AOA and conducted by Talker Research suggests that GLP-1 medications can be associated with rare but serious eye-related side effects, and a majority of GLP-1 users surveyed weren’t aware. Additionally, 56% didn’t know that it’s necessary to have a baseline eye exam before, or shortly after starting a GLP-1. ​

For most people, GLP-1s are safe and effective. However, the potential impact on eye health means that it’s never too early (or too late) to get a comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist. Learn more and book one here: https://bit.ly/42vpSth

05/08/2026

Precision matters, in baseball and for your eyes.​

When the front surface of your eye, called the cornea, is evenly round like a baseball, light focuses at the same point in your eye, causing clear vision. When it has two different curvatures like a football, light focuses at two different points, and vision can appear blurry or distorted. That difference in curvature is called astigmatism.​

The good news: it's common and treatable. A comprehensive eye exam can diagnose it and recommend the right treatment. ​

Learn more and find an AOA doctor near you here: https://bit.ly/4uzpaYa

05/01/2026

ALOA Partner Message:

May is Healthy Vision Month, and it’s the perfect opportunity to remind patients that prioritizing eye health starts with booking a comprehensive eye exam. We’re encouraging everyone to take proactive steps for their vision, and helping more patients get connected to care.

List your practice on the ACUVUE® doctor locator by clicking the link: https://go.aoa.org/4dhinfC

04/29/2026

We’re offering nearly 20 dynamic workshop courses tailored for doctors of optometry and optometric staff, including technicians and opticians. These sessions dive into cutting-edge topics—from real-life patient scenarios to advanced laser and surgical procedures—all led by industry-recognized expert colleagues in the field. LEARN MORE: https://bit.ly/4twKMEe

Make sure you register and book your workshop soon! Session sizes are limited to maximize one-on-one learning. REGISTER: https://ow.ly/HFSv50Y4rhy