Marc Taub, OD, MS, and Parres Wright, OD, FAAO, have been appointed associate editors of ASCO’s journal, Optometric Education.
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ASCO and the Ethics Educators Special Interest Group are pleased to announce Eliana Goncuian as the winner of the 2026 Student Award in Clinical Ethics. This annual national award provides the winner with a cash award of $1,000 and an acrylic engraved plaque.
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The Spring 2026 Online Clinical Educators Forum titled Eyes Wide Open: AI-Driven Teaching and Retinal Imaging Breakthroughs will feature guest presentations by Dr. Clinton Prestwich (Chicago College of Optometry), “AI Enhanced Clinical Teaching Strategies,” and Dr. Timothy Bossie (New England College of Optometry), “Using AI with Retinal Imaging,” who will share insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping clinical education in the clinical setting.
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The next Chief Academic Officers Group meeting will be held at Optometry’s Meeting on June 16, 2026, from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Sheraton Phoenix headquarters hotel. The agenda and registration info will be posted on ASCO Connect.
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ASCO’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) focused groups have undergone a collective name change to better reflect their ongoing mission and align with the evolving landscape. The Diversity Cultural Competency Committee, Chief Diversity Officers Group, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Special Interest Group (SIG) will now operate under the unified umbrella of ACE, which stands for Access, Community, and Engagement.
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The ASCO Board of Directors convened in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 4, 2026. The Board enjoyed a minor league baseball game featuring the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, set against perfect weather the night before.
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The number of 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) faculty at ASCO’s U.S. member institutions increased 2.1% over last year, rising from 814 to 831, according to ASCO’s 2025-2026 Annual Faculty Data Report. The number of optometry institutions increased from 24 to 25 during the same period. Male faculty compose 38.9% of the 1.0 FTE faculty, female 60.8%, and non-binary 0.4%, with male 1.0 FTE faculty decreasing 0.9% and female faculty increasing 3.9% over the past year.
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The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) announces Eye Opener Sessions, a complement to ASCO’s public awareness campaign, Optometry Gives Me Life.
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The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry offers a Career Center resource, hosted by Boxwood.
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Clasp x Warby Parker - Now Reviewing Applications!
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Unparalleled Partnership: Supporting Optometry
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AI Innovations Shaping the Future of Eye Care at FYidoctors
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The Journey to Revolution EHR: Why the Oklahoma College of Optometry at NSU Made the Switch
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The Modern Exam Lane: How Altman Eye Center Transformed Eye Care Workflow
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Transitions Optical Announces Call for Education Grant Applications
Optical Advancement grants are open to students pursuing careers as an optometrist or optician in the United States.
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Earn CE Credit at Transitions® VisionNEXT
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Announcing the 2026 Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship Recipient
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What began as a student innovation at the SUNY College of Optometry is now moving toward a clinical research study—a milestone that highlights the College’s growing reputation as a hub for real-world eye care innovation. Dr. Zi Rui “Jerry” Li, a recent graduate of SUNY Optometry, and faculty collaborator Dr. Jingyun Wang are advancing development of a novel contact lens designed to treat intermittent exotropia strabismus, a condition that causes outward eye misalignment and can lead to double vision and worsening nearsightedness in children.
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Optometry’s bill to modernize Tennessee’s Optometric Practice Act (SB2076/HB1952) successfully passed out of the Senate Health Committee in February.
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UAB School of Optometry researchers Tim Gawne, PhD, and Thomas Norton, PhD, professor emeritus, have received a patent for a lens design that may help slow or stop the progression of myopia in children, marking a milestone in the effort to translate decades of basic vision science research into clinical application.
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Board action supports students, strengthens the future healthcare workforce
Midwestern University will freeze tuition across all programs for the 2026–27 academic year, a decision approved by the Board of Trustees as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027).
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SUNY Optometry faculty joined researchers from nearly a dozen SUNY campuses at the SUNY Research Expo in Albany in mid-March. In conversations with state officials, Drs. Jingyung Wang and Arathy Kartha shared their work in myopia management, pediatric optometry, and low vision during the showcase. The event was held at the Legislative Office Building and featured a range of research that saves lives and strengthens the economy.
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Blog underscores the role of workforce diversity and cultural connection in protecting sight
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Classroom initiative expands eye health education and career awareness in schools serving Hispanic/Latino communities
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The American Academy of Optometry is pleased to announce the 2026 Retina Summit, a focused continuing education program dedicated to advancing clinical knowledge and care in retinal disease. This one-day event will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN, at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, and is open to both Academy members and nonmembers.
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Latinas in STEM has published a feature spotlighting Dr. Karen G. Carrasquillo’s inspiring professional journey.
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ASCO News
