Educational Program
Explore, Connect, and Learn Together
The AUPO Annual Meeting delivers an exceptional forum where academic ophthalmology's most pressing challenges meet forward-thinking solutions. This year's gathering promises rich opportunities to expand your expertise, build meaningful professional relationships, and gain fresh perspectives that will elevate your work back home. Whether you're seeking practical strategies for navigating complex operational issues, exploring the latest evidence in medical education, or connecting with peers who understand your unique challenges, our carefully curated program addresses the real-world needs of today's academic departments. We've designed multiple pathways through the meeting to serve chairs, faculty, coordinators, and administrators alike—each with dedicated content that respects your time and delivers actionable value. To help you navigate all that's available and plan your days strategically, we invite you to review the Schedule at a Glance.
AUPO Annual Meeting
The AUPO Annual Meeting program offers discovery through symposia; focused paper presentations; roundtable networking sessions; interactive workshops; posters; panel and large-group discussions, allowing learners varied learning formats and experiences. Our unique programs - Educating the Educators, Boot Camp for New Chairs, and Administrator Boot Camp - offer enhanced learning opportunities. Parallel programs for residency program coordinators and department administrators contribute to the overall educational development for the academic department team.
Educating the Educators Program
Our model forum, created by residency program directors, focuses on faculty development and engagement, curriculum development, and resident education. Communicating critical content to medical students and residents requires effective teaching and mentoring skills. Symposia, free papers, small group networking sessions, and poster sessions, provide a platform for exchanging and exploring innovative approaches to training and counseling with an emphasis on evidence based practice and results.
Administrator Program
The Administrator Educational Program equips ophthalmology administrators with the tools, insights, and connections to lead with confidence. From clinical operations and finance to HR, compliance, and IT, sessions tackle the most pressing challenges head-on. A highlight is the Administrator Boot Camp—a focused half-day experience delivering proven strategies for success. Designed for newcomers yet valuable to all, it’s a must-attend opportunity for growth, networking, and leadership excellence.
Residency Program Manager and Coordinator Program
Residency Program Managers and Coordinators play an integral role in residency education. Two full days of educational sessions for program coordinators enhances communication between programs, brings forth novel ideas and improves ophthalmology education. Presentations are designed around contributing to efficient and effective transitions and best practices related to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP), American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO), SF Match and AUPO Fellowship Compliance Committee (FCC) and systems.
Breakfast with Colleagues
Since its launch in 2012, this much-anticipated program has become a highlight for attendees, offering dynamic one-on-one and small-group collaboration. These lively breakfast roundtables create a welcoming space for members to connect directly with a discussion leader and peers who share common interests. Each table centers on a thought-provoking theme—ranging from finance and leadership to philanthropy and beyond—ensuring that every conversation is both relevant and inspiring.
Boot Camps
Launched in 2017, the Boot Camp for New Chairs equips members within three years of stepping into the Chair role with the tools and insights they need to thrive as leaders. Building on that success, the Administrator Boot Camp, introduced in 2019, offers a tailored experience for administrators within their first three years—though it welcomes all who wish to sharpen their leadership skills. Together, these programs deliver practical strategies for guiding ophthalmology departments with confidence and vision, while fostering invaluable connections and networking in a supportive, collegial atmosphere. Registration will open in December.