Minnesota Moments: PCO Students and Alumni Unite at Optometry’s Meeting

Doctor of Optometry students, faculty and alumni from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) participated in the 128th annual American Optometric Association Congress and 57th annual American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Conference known better as “Optometry’s Meeting,” June 25-28 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

A highlight for PCO was the participation of Anna German ‘26OD in the 34th annual AOSA Student Bowl XXXIV powered by EssilorLuxottica, after winning the PCO Quiz Bowl last spring. As a first-year student in the Doctor of Optometry Accelerated Scholars Program at that time, German knew she would be at a disadvantage because she hadn’t yet completed several key courses. Yet, with quick thinking and a bold wager on the final question — correctly identifying choroidal melanoma as the most common intraocular tumor in adults — she clinched the win and advanced to the national competition. German, who described herself as an “optometry nerd,” looked forward to competing on the national stage.

While the top prize on the evening of Thursday, June 26, didn’t go home with PCO, German put up a strong fight. She competed against students from 26 other schools and colleges of optometry at The Fillmore. The venue was packed with more than 650 attendees, creating an electric atmosphere for the Pac-Man-themed PCO competitor and her 'ghostly' classmates.

Another proud moment for PCO came with the induction of Christopher J. Quinn, OD ‘85, FAAO, into the National Optometry Hall of Fame, recognizing his dedicated advocacy for the profession throughout his 40-year career. Dr. Quinn is also a past recipient of the Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year Award, which he received in 2017 from the Salus University Alumni Association and he was also the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honor at PCO's Centennial Celebration.

Optometry’s Meeting offered more than 300 hours of continuing education, networking events, and a bustling exhibit hall with more than 150 exhibitors. Other highlights for PCO attendees included the PCO Alumni and Friends Reception on Thursday, June 26, at the Hilton Minneapolis, as well as social events like the Celebration of Optometry at Orchestra Hall.