Events
Request a Letter of Invitation
Individuals requiring a letter of invitation to obtain travel visas may contact Optica directly by one of the following methods:
- Online
- Fax: +1 202.416.6100
- Mail:
OPTICA
Global Headquarters
Meetings Department
2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
USA
All letters of invitation will be sent electronically as a .pdf file. A paper copy of a visa invitation letter may be requested and will be sent by airmail or by fax unless a Federal Express account number or a credit card number with expiration date is provided on the original request.
Please allow ample time for processing requests. Requests can take 7-10 business days to process.
Optica is not able to contact embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry into the host country to attend an Optica meeting.
Logistics
By Airport
The closest airport to Optica Headquarters is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The airport is just over 5 miles from Optica and will cost approximately USD 20 in a taxi cab. You can also take the Metro (subway) from the airport. Take the Yellow Line toward Fort Totten, transfer at Gallery Place to the Red Line toward Shady Grove and exit at DuPont Circle South. Once you exit the DuPont Circle Metro, you will have a three- to four-block walk to the office or hotel.
Another airport option is Dulles International Airport located approximately 30 miles from Optica. A cab from Dulles will cost approximately USD 70. You could also use a ride share app, such as Uber or Lyft, which will cost around USD 45-55 (rates vary).
By Subway (Metro)
The Dupont Circle Metro stop is the closest to Optica Headquarters. Visit the WMATA website for the most up-to-date information on the Metro.
By Train (Amtrak)
If you will be traveling by train, the closest Amtrak stop is located at Union Station in Washington, DC. Union Station is approximately 2 miles from Optica headquarters and should take you about 10 minutes in a cab, costing you approximately USD 10-12. Metro service is available between Union Station and Dupont Circle.
The most up-to-date information can be found on the Amtrak website.
Weather
Find the most up-to-date information on DC weather.
Things to Do
You can find an extensive listing of things to do while in Washington, DC.
Family Care Grants
Optica members can be a scientist, engineer, researcher, educator, entrepreneur, student and more. But they can have other titles as well, including parent or caregiver. To support members who play those roles, members can receive grants to help cover extra expenses incurred when participating in an Optica meeting.
Grants of up to US $400 per family, per calendar year are available to assist members who need to bring family members to selected Optica-managed meetings, who incur extra expenses if leaving them at home, or need assistance at a meeting due to a disability.
