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Membership Information


Mission Statement:

The mission of the American Ophthalmological Society is to promote excellence in patient care, education and research, to address essential issues in medicine, and to advance the art and science of ophthalmology.
Member Benefits

Admission to membership in the Society continues to represent special recognition of personal achievement, and the Annual Meeting remains a unique opportunity for learning and fellowship.
Read more...(.pdf document)
Process for Nomination of Candidates for Membership
  • Active and emeritus members are encouraged to nominate individuals
  • A structured letter should be sent by the Active or Emeritus Member to the Executive Vice President, with a seconding letter by another Member or Emeritus member by the April 30th deadline each year. See suggestions below for specific letter format.
  • The Council reviews the nomination letters and candidates at the Executive Session in May and the membership votes on whether to invite the individual to submit a formal application.
  • The Candidate is provided access to the online application form online application form to complete by July 1st.
  • The Committee on Membership reviews the application form and supporting letters and presents acceptable candidates at the Fall Council Meeting.
  • Acceptable candidates are then formally invited immediately after the Fall Council meeting to submit a thesis within the next 3 years. Theses must be submitted by January 1 each year to be considered for that year.
  • A submitted thesis is reviewed anonymously by the Committee on Theses during the months of January to March with a recommendation of acceptance, rejection, or revision. A thesis may be returned for revision only two times.
  • The Committee on Theses presents a report to the Council at its May meeting and the candidates are notified of the thesis status immediately following this meeting.
Requirements for candidates:
  • Certified by the ABO (or acceptable alternative)
  • Has achieved distinction in the art & practice of ophthalmic science
  • Proof of continuing scholarship
  • Author of papers in refereed journals
  • Gives promise of full participation in the Society
  • Would add to (AOS) spirit of collegiality
Dues

Existing members can now pay their annual membership dues on-line.
The specific Thesis Guidelines are listed here:


Thesis Guidelines (PDF Format)

The Council urges members to seek and nominate colleagues who have distinguished themselves in ophthalmology and would add to the luster of the society.
SUGGESTIONS RE "LETTERS OF NOMINATION"


A major goal of the American Ophthalmological Society is to attract the current leaders and the future leaders of ophthalmology, both domestic and international. The encouragement of international members is a new goal for the AOS. A member of the AOS who is interested in proposing such individuals for membership in the Society should consider the following suggestions.

Individuals in the same department or who have served as mentors for the individual should NOT write the nominating letters; rather the letters should come from other national individuals in the field of interest of the candidate to affirm his/her national and/or international stature in Ophthalmology.

Nominating letters should be sent by email to the Executive Vice President and present the candidate's profile in detail. The letters should include the candidate's full name, address, work telephone number, email, and an introductory paragraph that includes comments regarding several items, when they are applicable:

A. Introductory paragraph: This should summarize who the Candidate is and discuss the major reason(s) for the nomination. Comments regarding the Candidate's potential for leadership and his or her character and ethical standards should be included.

B. Clinical practice: Please describe the subspecialty orientation and clinical responsibilities of the Candidate as well as skills, quality of care, and accomplishments.

C. Scientific productivity: Please discuss the contributions of the Candidate to ophthalmology and medicine, including a brief overview of any important published articles, funded grants, and participation on study sections or editorial boards. Membership in subspecialty societies should be noted, if applicable.

D. Education: Please identify the Candidate's academic rank and any important participation in teaching activities regarding medical students, residents, fellows, and peers at local, regional, national, and international levels. Participation on specialty boards and AAO committees should be acknowledged, if applicable.

E. Administration: Please mention the Candidate's service to his practice, academic department/other institution, the AAO, governmental agencies, and subspecialty societies. Include significant leadership titles and responsibilities as well as accomplishments.

F. Public service: Please summarize important contributions that the Candidate has made in the public service arena.

G. Other: Please mention additional unusual or unique aspects of the Candidate's career that are not included in the previous topics and that may have a bearing on the success of his or her candidacy.

Collaboration between the authors of the Nominating and Seconding Letters, prior to submitting them, is desirable. Although the Seconding Letter need not repeat all of the information contained in the Nominating Letter, it should demonstrate that the Seconder has both knowledge of the Candidate's qualifications and enthusiasm for his or her candidacy.

The American Ophthalmological Society
P. O. Box 193940
San Francisco, California 94119
Telephone: (415)561-8578 ----- Email:admin@aosonline.org

Page updated & uploaded to AOS server, Thursday, May 13, 2010