PHOENIX—Arizona Optometric Association president Jon Beeson, OD, officially kicked off Optometry’s Meeting 2026 on Wednesday night by welcoming attendees to this year’s event and the city of Phoenix. Following Dr. Beeson’s welcoming remarks, current AOA president Jacquie M. Bowen, OD, took the stage and expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s event that has attracted more than 3,000 students, residents, new doctors and faculty joining the more than 5,500 attendees. “Patients need us now more than ever,” Dr. Bowen said. “Patients are looking for answers. Patients are struggling to access care. It’s the eye exam with us that is the gateway to the broader health arena and a better picture for our patients.”