Additional Information
Events
Request a Letter of Invitation
Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas can complete the online request form.
Important Information
- Your name must be listed exactly as it appears on your passport. Any differences between the name on your passport and the name on your invitation letter or other documentation could lead to a delay and/or denial of your visa.
- If you are presenting a paper, include the title and session in which the paper will be presented. If you are exhibiting, please indicate so in your request.
- Each individual requesting an invitation letter must fill out a separate form.
- All letters will be sent in PDF form to the email address provided. If you require a paper copy, please provide a courier account number or credit card number with expiration date with the original request.
- Optica reserves the right to request further information regarding the company or affiliation of the attendee to ensure the validity of requests. Meeting attendees do not need to wait until their paper is accepted to request a visa invitation letter.
- Optica is unable to contact embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry to attend a meeting.
- We recommend that you secure your travel visa before registering for the meeting as cancellations after the pre-registration cutoff may result in a cancellation fee.
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.
