Meeting at a Glance
- Registration: Now open via the AACO National Meeting Registration Portal Early bird pricing is happening now!
- Location: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana Hotel Registration
Friday, October 9, 2026
- 3 PM start: EC/BOD Meetings
- Evening: Early Career Orthoptist (ECOG) and Newly Certified Reception
Saturday, October 10, 2026
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Instruction Courses
- 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch
- 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Scientific Session
- 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Instruction Course
Sunday, October 11, 2026
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Student Presentations
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Business Meeting
- 3:45 PM – 5:15 PM: Sunday Symposium
- 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: President’s Reception
Monday, October 12, 2026
- 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Scobee Lecture and Award Presentation
- 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Special Symposium (AAP)
- 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Scientific Session/ FOREA Masterclass
- 3:30 PM: Adjourn
Please check the website for ongoing updates.
Thank you for speaking and your involvement,
Dusty Gronemyer, CO
AACO Vice President & Meeting Organizer
Julie Harmon, CO
AACO Scientific Program Chair
Kim Merrill, CO
AACO Instructional Program Chair
Patient Resources
Who we see and what we treat
Discover what you can expect from a pediatric eye exam with an orthoptist. Learn about the more common conditions we treat and find resources about glasses and prisms.
Orthoptic Training
Interested in a career in orthoptics in the USA?
Explore options for pursuing orthoptic training in the USA. If you are already an orthoptist trained outside the USA, please contact the American Orthoptic Council® for guidance on obtaining US certification.
Careers
Job Opportunities
Looking for a job in the USA? Have a vacancy for an orthoptic position? Follow the link to visit our career center for details.
American association of certified orthoptists
Member Benefits
Learn about the AACO and how we support the profession by providing continuing education opportunities, advising on clinical practice in the USA and posting employment opportunities for Certified Orthoptists®
AACO Tribute Fund
Has an orthoptist made a impact in your life?
To celebrate, congratulate, and remember those people who have contributed to the field of Orthoptics and the AACO.
American Orthoptic Council®
Certification Information
The AOC® is the certifying body for orthoptists in the USA. Establishes and monitors standards for the education of orthoptists and offers information on how to become a Certified Orthoptist® in the USA. Verifies the certification of orthoptists in the USA.
Certified Orthoptists
Orthoptics
Orthoptics is a specialized field within allied health and ophthalmology. Certified Orthoptists® (CO®) play a key role in patient care, often working alongside ophthalmologists to diagnose and manage binocular vision disorders such as amblyopia, strabismus, and double vision across all ages.