ST. LOUIS—Christopher Gardner, author of the book “The Pursuit of Happyness,” will be keynote speaker for this year’s Optometry’s Meeting, organized by the American Optometric Association. Gardner’s speech will be held during the opening general session on June 26, sponsored by Essilor.

“The Pursuit of Happyness” chronicles Gardner’s journey from inner-city Milwaukee to Wall Street; the book was a best-seller and was made into a movie starring Will Smith. Gardner is now the owner and chief executive officer of Christopher Gardner International Holdings.

The 2008 Optometry’s Meeting will be held in Seattle, June 25 through 29.