Friday, April 17, 2020 at 3:00 PM
Dear GOA Family,
Our Georgia Optometric Association Summer Conference is one that we all look forward to. It gives us time to spend with family and optometry friends. Time away from patients. Time to get away, and recharge while still being connected and making memories.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a unique challenge that none of us could have foreseen nor prepared for. In my 13 years on the GOA board and all the advice past presidents provided, nothing could have prepared us for this event.
As you can tell, it is with a heavy heart that I write this letter. After many conversations, thoughts and prayer, out of an abundance of caution and care for our members, exhibitors, and staff, I have sadly approved the cancellation of the GOA annual summer meeting scheduled for June 2020.
In 116 years of the GOA, this will be a first. While this was a heartbreaking decision to make, the GOA board of trustees and I appreciate your patience and understanding during these difficult times.
The GOA has not processed registration fees for the conference. Vanessa Grosso, GOA Director of Meetings & Operations Manager, will be in contact with registrants to discuss hotel reservations.
The GOA board of trustees and staff are working to provide alternative options for our members to get CE this year. We will announce those plans at a later date.
We still plan to transition executive officer roles in June 2020. Plans to make this transition will be announced at a later date in the near future.
I would like to ask you to please check the
GOA COVID-19 Resource Center
daily as we continue to post updates pertinent to your practice. The GOA staff and I are monitoring information as it becomes available on both a national and state level.
Thank you all for the support you have provided during these difficult times. Your personal communications and support are greatly appreciated.
I look forward to seeing you all in the near future.
Regretfully,
