ORLANDO—The American Optometric Association’s 113th annual AOA Congress and the 40th annual American Optometric Student Association are underway this week under the umbrella of Optometry’s Meeting here.

Themed “Discover the Possibilities,” the 2010 Optometry’s Meeting kicked off last night with a welcome reception sponsored by Bausch + Lomb followed by the Optometry’s Got Talent fundraiser for the newly named Optometry Cares (formerly Optometry’s Charity-The AOA Foundation).

Other highlights of the meeting include today’s opening general session with keynote speaker Frank Abagnale, sponsored by Essilor, and tonight’s Varilux Optometry Student Bowl XIX and reception. Optometry’s Meeting wraps up Saturday night with the annual presidential celebration, sponsored by Hoya Vision Care, at which comedians Frank Caliendo and John Pinette will perform.

Optometry’s Meeting also offers five days of continuing education courses for ODs, paraoptometrics and other eyecare professionals, as well as an exhibit hall with more than 200 exhibitors showing off their latest products and programs.

During the meeting, Joe Ellis, OD, is expected to be elected AOA president, succeeding Randolph Brooks, OD.