WHY JOIN THE AACO?

Being an AACO member provides an Orthoptist many benefits. A member receives The American Orthoptic Journal annually, the quarterly issues of the PRISM newsletter, listing of your name and information in the membership directory, and a copy of the directory. Being a member also allows you to get updates on meetings and other forms of continued education to keep your Orthoptic certification active. You will also get reduced member-only registration fees for meetings! Also, you will get access to the “Members Only” section on our website which gives you updates on Business Meeting postings, directory access, and much, much more!

During the National meeting, usually held in October or November of each year, full members (not student members) have the wonderful privilege of attending the annual Orthoptic Business Meeting, which is a great way to have your ideas heard by other members and also to hear other member’s ideas to better our association. Being a member provides easy access to other helpful and enthusiastic Orthoptists who are able to help answer questions about patients, screening programs, job opportunities, or anything on your mind about our fascinating career!

The PRISM newsletter contains valuable employment information along with information about past and future meetings and exciting opportunities for Orthoptists both nationally and internationally. The newsletter also has ads from our many wonderful sponsors who help let us do what we do.

The AACO is a close network of orthoptists and orthoptic students across North America, working together to promote both the profession and the individual member. There are several different types of membership: Active Membership, AOC-certified orthoptists who have paid dues to the AACO; Associate Membership, orthoptists certified by other groups, such as the Canadian Orthoptic Council, who have paid AACO dues; Life Membership, retired orthoptists who were dues-paying members of the AACO for at least 20 years; Student Membership, students in AOC-accredited orthoptic programs who pay reduced dues; and Honorary Membership, membership conferred to non-orthoptists in recognition of outstanding contribution to the field. You do not have to be employed in North America to be a member of the AACO.

All you need to do is print out the Dues Form on our website, fill it out completely and mail it to the Membership Committee along with your payment. Once received, you will get a receipt and confirmation of your application in the mail. (You may also request being notified via email.)