ST. LOUIS—Adventurer Aron Ralston, whose survival tale is the stuff of legends, will take on the role of opening general session speaker at 2018 Optometry’s Meeting overseen by the American Optometric Association (AOA). The meeting is scheduled for June 20 to 24 in Denver, and Ralston’s address is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision. 

An experienced climber and avid outdoorsman, Ralston captured international headlines in 2003 after a canyoneering accident in Utah left him trapped between two boulders in a remote location for more than five days, according to the AOA announcement. Ultimately, Ralston freed himself by severing his own arm with a pocketknife. Ralston recounts that story in his New York Times best-selling book, “Between a Rock and a Hard Place,” which inspired the hit movie “127 Hours” with James Franco.

“With candor and humility, Ralston reflects on his remarkable triumph over insurmountable odds and shares the lessons he learned about the importance of examining one’s priorities and outlook on life,” AOA noted.

The Optometry’s Meeting opening general session also features the 2018 AOA Annual Awards Ceremony and messages from profession leaders, Christopher J. Quinn, OD, president of the AOA, said in the announcement. In addition, Saturday’s Celebration of Optometry closing event, sponsored by Hoya Vision Care, will feature comedian and TV star Howie Mandel.

Registration and housing are now open for the 121st Annual AOA Congress and 48th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry’s Meeting at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center, according to AOA.