Learn about becoming a member of the AOS here.

  • Honor through selection for membership by one’s peers of accomplished ophthalmologists
  • Recognition by ophthalmology leadership of your independent peer-reviewed research (thesis)
  • Publication of your complete peer-reviewed thesis (no page limit) in the Transactions of AOS and the American Journal of Ophthalmology
  • Annual Meeting - scientific presentations, networking, and social activities in beautiful, peaceful settings
  • Knapp Symposium - presentations on single topic by invited experts to provide current state of the art information with open discussion
  • No corporate sponsorship - no bias such as “company sponsored” talks
  • Diverse membership - both geographically and by subspecialty interests
  • Opportunity for open discussion by all members after each Annual Meeting scientific presentation
  • Fellowship of like-minded ophthalmologists wishing to preserve the tradition of advancing ophthalmic science and art, started in 1864
  • Biannual electronic newsletter
  • Interaction with experts in all fields of interest in ophthalmology - not a subspecialty society
  • Opportunity for cross-fertilization of ideas and information to foster excellence in patient care and innovations in patient care and research
  • Opportunity to maintain broad view of ophthalmology today (vs. typical subspecialty meetings or symposia)
  • Enjoyable social interaction for members and spouses during annual meeting
  • Transactions of the AOS (TAOS) - published since 1865 - listed in PubMed - includes all accepted theses and presentations at the Annual Meetings of AOS with comments from the discussion period; published annually; entire Transactions from 1865 to present are available full text online through PubMed and PubMed Central; easily accessible and citable by worldwide readers
  • Opportunity to nominate new candidates for membership in AOS to continue the tradition of recognizing excellence in ophthalmology and helping to forge future leaders for our profession
  • AOS Medal awarded annually to a member for distinguished service to ophthalmology
  • The Frederick H. Verhoeff Lecture delivered at the meeting every few years
  • The Frederick C. Blodi Lecture delivered by a midcareer AOS member each year