How to become a Full Member

The Process to becoming a Fellow takes these three steps

  1. Submit an application for candidacy, application fee and annual dues payment.
    Download an application form. The application form is also available on the Academy website, http://www.aaopt.org. The application requires the name, address and phone number of a current Fellow who knows you personally. Contact the Academy for a list of' local Fellows if you are unaware of Fellows in your area. A dues chart is included in the application kit. The application is submitted to the Academy headquarters. You will receive a welcome kit once the application has been processed.

  2. Submit written work for approval to your Regional Admittance Committee. You will be assigned to a Regional Committee by the Academy. Written work requirements vary according to your professional status. Different requirements are available for clinical candidates, vision scientists and administrators.(Click here to see sample case reports) A complete description of requirements is included in your welcome packet. Candidates have three years to complete this stage.
    (See points system and alternative ways of becoming a member)

  3. Take an oral exam at the Academy's Annual or Inter-national Meeting. The exam is a 20-minute discussion of the written work you submitted and of general optometric practices. A panel of Fellows conducts the exam. Upon successful completion, you are inducted as a Fellow of the Academy at the Academy Banquet. Candidates within the United States are required to take the oral exam at an Annual Meeting. International candidates have the option of taking the oral exam at a biennial International Meeting.

    The Academy has created mechanisms to assist you with the process. Candidates are encouraged to contact their Regional Chair or the Academy office if they have a question. You may ask your proposer to act as a mentor, or one may be assigned at your request. To receive your application kit, simply fill out and return this form to the Academy office.

    What to expect on becoming an Academy Candidate.

    1. Assembling case reports and preparing for fellowship will stimulate you to think as you probably haven't since qualifying. The Academy's aims includes the increased competence of its members.

    2. The Academy presents more than 100 CE courses taught by recognised experts from all over the world. Often providing hands-on workshop experience. The annual December meeting provides 5 full days of CE and scientific presentations, often up to 8 parallel lectures at any one time.

    3. The Academy's journal, "Optometry and Vision Science", chronicles scientific developments in optometry. It is particularly orientated towards clinical improvements. Published monthly.
      (Search Optometry and Vision Science Database)

    4. The Academy's directory of members will give you the confidence to make patient referrals around the world. If you check out the membership list, I think you will agree that you will be joining a fellowship of respected professionals.
      (Membership List).

    How to become a member.

    1. Download a membership application kit
      All following correspondence and submission of case reports will be via the US office.

    2. You will then need to submit 5 case reports or published papers.
      (See points system and alternative ways of becoming a member)
      (Click here to see sample case reports)
      A high standard is expected of you.
      Usually you will be asked to send in one case report first, and once it has been assessed, and you have received back relevant comments, you will then submit the remaining 4 reports or papers.

    3. On applying, and being accepted, you will first become a candidate member and assigned a mentor to assist you through the membership process.

    4. After your case reports are accepted, you will undertake a 25 minute viva which will be on your general knowledge of optometry, and particularly upon your case reports.
      The viva is usually taken at the December US meetings, but also at the 2 yearly world-wide meetings.
      ( See future conferences).

    5. Membership dues are currently $260 (2003). This includes the journal.

    Requesting an application form

    From the US website